NOROVIRUS levels in England are "significantly higher" than last year with hundreds of hospital beds filled with patients who have the nasty bug.
Official data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows norovirus infections were up 66 per cent during the week leading up to 5 February – compared to what they usually are for this time of year.
An average of 706 adult hospital beds were occupied last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, according to NHS data.
This is down 5 per cent from 743 in the previous week, but is nearly four times the number at this point last year.
Dr Lesley Larkin of the UKHSA, said: “Norovirus outbreaks continue to rise – particularly in those aged 65 and older and norovirus levels across England are nearly double what we expect to see at this time of year.
"It is vital that anyone experiencing symptoms avoids visiting loved ones in a care home or hospital while unwell or until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared, to help stop the spread to vulnerable people," she added.
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The majority of cases have been seen in those over the age of 65 and those living in care homes.
And while high numbers of cases in this age group is expected at this time of year, experts say these levels haven’t been seen in years.
Norovirus is the most common infectious cause of vomiting and diarrhoea.
It spreads easily through contact with someone who has the virus or with contaminated surfaces.
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While most people make a full recovery within two or three days, the virus can lead to dehydration, especially among the very young, elderly or those with weakened immune systems.
Anyone experiencing norovirus symptoms should stay at home and not return to work, or send sick children to school or nursery, until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared, the UKHSA said.
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director for England, said the latest figures were a “stark reminder of the elevated pressures the NHS is seeing this winter”, with cases of norovirus “significantly higher than last year, as well as other seasonal illnesses impacting demand for beds”.
He added: “The NHS prepared extensively for winter, including more call handlers, more beds and 24/7 system control centres to manage increased demand, and we will now build on that progress with our plan to help recover urgent and emergency services.
“Patients should continue to seek help when they need it, including using 111 online for minor illnesses or calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency.”
The 6 norovirus signs you need to know
The symptoms of norovirus come on suddenly and the NHS states the six main signs are:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhoea
- being sick (vomiting)
- you may also have a high temperature
- a headache
- aching arms and legs
The symptoms start suddenly within one to two days of being infected, guidance states.
If you have the illness, the best thing to do it rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
You'll start to feel better in two to three days.
Eating foods that have been prepared or handled by someone with the bug also raises your risk of catching it.
If you or your child's symptoms get worse and you've been ill for more than seven days you should call 111.
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How to protect yourself from norovirus
Norovirus can be nasty, but there are ways that you can prevent you and your family catching the bug.
- Pay close attention to hygiene – wash your hands frequently, using soap and water
- Avoid close contact with people who are obviously sick
If you or members of your household are ill:
- Try to keep those with symptoms away from others until the illness has subsided for at least 48 hours
- Clean frequently – disinfect any potentially contaminated surfaces or objects
- Wash contaminated clothing or bedding using detergent at high temperature (60C)
- Do not allow anyone who is sick to prepare food for other people
- Anyone who has symptoms should drink fluids and stay well hydrated. Consider adding rehydration salts to water. Eat plain foods (if you can manage eating).
- Seek medical attention if symptoms are not improving after 24 hours, or if concerned. This is especially important for young children and the elderly, as they are prone to rapid dehydration.
Norovirus is spread very easily and you can catch it if you've had close contact with someone who has had the bug.
You might also be unwell if you have touched surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, and then you've touched your mouth.
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