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Cases ofnorovirusare on the rise across parts of the UK, as per recent government data. The UK Health Security Agency has noted an uptick in the so-called 'vomiting bug'over the past fortnight.

It pointed out that between November 24 and December 7 this year, lab reports of norovirus were 33.9% higher than during the two-week period prior. While this represents a significant increase, the UKHSA emphasised that it is still 16.1% lower than the five-season average of lab reports.

Those who catch norovirus can suffer from a range of extremely unpleasant symptoms, but these are generally not serious. However, there are symptoms which may necessitate a call to the GP or even 999.

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NHS guidance indicates that while norovirus symptoms can be unpleasant, they usually improve in about two days. These common symptoms can include feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, a high temperature, and stomach pain.

However, it is recommended to dial 111, where you may also be directed to a doctor, if you experience the following symptoms:

• You or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
• A child under 5 years has signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
• Your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they're ill
• You or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
• You or your child (aged 5 years or over) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
• You or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days
• You're worried about a baby under 12 months
• You or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
• A child under 5 years has signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
• Your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they're ill
• You or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
• You or your child (aged 5 years or over) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
• You or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days
• You're worried about a baby under 12 months

In some cases, you may experience even more severe symptoms that the NHS advises warrant a 999 call. This includes:

• Adults experience green vomit
• Confused or not responding as usual
• Children have yellow-green or green vomit
• Have a sudden, severe tummy ache
• Have a sudden, severe headache
• Have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
• Vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
• Have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
• Are having severe difficulty breathing, or taking lots of quick, short breaths
• May have swallowed something poisonous

Full guidance on how to treat norovirus can be found on the NHS website here.