Norovirus cases have soared to the highest level seen in hospital this winter, concerning figures revealed today.
Rates of the vomiting bug, which can also cause diarrhoea, are up 30 per cent on the same time last year.
Almost 900 patients a day were in hospital in England with norovirus last week, up on the 784 in the previous week — a rise of over a sixth.
Officials said hospitals remain ‘extremely busy’ and urged Brits to keep frequently washing their hands to thwart transmission of the highly contagious virus.
The majority of people will not need to speak to a doctor about a norovirus infection. In most cases, it will clear up on its own.
But for those who are more vulnerable — typically the elderly, young and immunocompromised — it could lead to dehydration, resulting in hospitalisation.
Early signs of dehydration can include a dry mouth and throat, dizziness, fatigue, peeing less than usual and having sunken eyes.
Separate figures released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) today also showed cases were more than double that of five years ago.
Norovirus can appear similar the symptoms of Covid, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches
Separate figures released by the UK Health Security Agency today also showed cases were more than double that of five years ago
Amy Douglas, an epidemiologist at the UKHSA said: ‘Norovirus cases are over double what we would usually see at this time of year.
‘This isn’t just unpleasant for those affected — it’s having a big impact on hospitals and care homes.
‘It’s really important that if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you take steps to avoid passing the infection on.
‘Please avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.
‘Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either.
‘This is because you can still pass on the virus in the days after you stop being sick.
‘Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading.
‘Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.’
According to figures released by the UKHSA, 842 lab confirmed reports were logged in England over the previous fortnight.
This is more than double the 395 recorded for the same two weeks in 2019.
However, actual case numbers nationwide may be even higher.
This is because the figures are based on positive laboratory reports, ‘representing just a small proportion of total norovirus cases’.
It has been estimated that for every case of norovirus reported to national surveillance in the UK there are about 288 in the community that go unreported.
The bug is usually spread through close contact with someone who is infected, or by touching surfaces or objects, or eating food someone infected has touched.
Most of those infected suffer nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting and recover at home.
But norovirus can pile pressures on hospitals because infected patients need to be isolated in single rooms or wards need to be closed to new patients to contain the spread.
Rest and having lots of fluid are often recommended by health chiefs to help recover. Paracetamol may also aid a fever or aches and pains.
Many patients also ask doctors for antibiotics, but these are ineffective against viruses.
