Norovirus: urgent warning over 'second surge' of vomiting bug as cases hit highest levels this winter
Anyone who has symptoms is being asked to ‘stay home, rest and drink fluids’ 🤢
- Cases of norovirus are at their highest level this winter.
- Also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, it is highly contagious and spreads easily.
- People are being reminded to take steps to protect themselves from infection.
People are being warned about a “second surge” in norovirus as cases reach their highest level so far this winter.
Latest figures found that the number of patients in hospital with norovirus each day this week rose to over 1,000 for the first time this winter, with cases rising by almost 9%, compared to the previous week.
Also known as the “winter vomiting bug”, the stomach virus is highly contagious and spreads easily through close contact. Members of the public are being urged to help prevent the spread by practising good hand hygiene and avoiding work or school if they develop symptoms.
The rise in numbers comes after cases initially began to stabilise in the first week of February. Pressure is continuing to hit hospitals, as the number of beds taken up by norovirus has increased by 8%.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Norovirus symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It spreads easily through close contact, with outbreaks often impacting whole households, nurseries, care homes or hospital wards.
While the symptoms are unpleasant, they tend to resolve within three days; however, young children, older adults, those with certain health conditions or who have compromised immune systems are at risk of developing complications, including dehydration, which may need to be treated in a hospital.
Why are cases of norovirus rising?
The UKHSA has stated that “multiple factors” have contributed to the rise in cases, including the recent cold weather conditions, changes in testing for norovirus, the number of people coming forward when they become unwell, and the circulation of multiple strains of norovirus causing infections.
How can you avoid catching norovirus?
The best protection from norovirus is washing your hands regularly with warm soapy water, as alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not effective at killing the virus.
If someone in your household has norovirus, as well as regularly washing your hands, use bleach-based products to clean surfaces such as kitchen counters, doorknobs and bathroom taps. Do not eat food prepared by someone who has norovirus symptoms, and if you become unwell, do not prepare food for others.
NHS national medical director, Dr Claire Fuller, said: “It’s vital that we do all we can to avoid a second surge in norovirus at a time when the NHS remains flat out coping with winter pressures.
“The public has a huge role to play in stopping the spread of this bug by taking some simple precautions like good hand hygiene with regular handwashing with soap and water.
“If you have symptoms, stay home, rest and drink fluids, and please don’t go to places like schools, workplaces, hospitals, and care homes until you have been symptom-free for at least two days.”
Cases of norovirus are continuing to spread. You can find out more about the signs and symptoms at NHS.UK.