NHS issues urgent guidance after 'worrying' Norovirus infections surge

Norovirus infections are surging and are twice as high as in previous years
-Credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire


Norovirus infections are surging and are twice as high as in previous years. Norovirus, also called the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

The bug can be very unpleasant with symptoms including feeling sick, vomiting and diarrhoea. You may also have a high temperature, headache, tummy pain and body aches. Although people usually get the disease in the winter, it can be spread at any time of the year.

UK Health Security Agency sample testing during the latest two-week period up to January 19 showed norovirus cases were 18% up on the previous fortnight. The UKHSA said reporting remained highest in the over-65s age group. Norovirus reports are 113% higher than the five-year average for the same two-week period.

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NHS England’s data suggests Norovirus is surging in the wider population while flu, coughs and colds are also circulating at high levels. 898 people were being treated on wards last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms The figure had previously peaked at 837 in early December.

The virus is spread through close contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces or consuming contaminated food or drink. The steps you can take to stop the virus from spreading are washing your hands with soap and water regularly, cleaning toilet seats and handles and avoiding contact with others as much as possible - if you have the disease.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care said: “It is welcome news that the number of patients in hospital with Covid and flu continued to fall last week, however the worrying surge in norovirus cases – now at their highest level so far this winter – means there is no let-up for NHS staff.

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"Hospitals remain close to capacity, with almost a fifth of beds filled due to seasonal viruses and delayed discharges to settings like social and community care."

He added: "With the higher than usual levels of norovirus, it is important to remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms."