Surge in norovirus a ‘very real concern’ as hospital cases twice as high as last year – 6 signs you must know

BRITS have been warned of a surge in norovirus cases in hospitals - which are twice as high as this time last year.

NHS data shows 371 adult beds are filled by patients with the bug -  up from 344 the week before.

Professor Julian Redhead, clinical director of emergency care, said: "Bed occupancy [in hospitals] is still constrained, and illnesses like flu and norovirus are still a very real concern." 

Infections are 34 per cent higher than the five-season average and have surpassed pre-Covid levels, separate data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows.

The majority of cases have been seen in those over the age of 65 and those living in care homes.

Norovirus, also commonly referred to as the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach complaint that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

In most cases, you will suddenly become ill, with symptoms often lasting up to three days, according to the NHS.

Flu has been on the rise in recent months, but the number of patients has fallen by three quarters since January 1, to 1,468, NHS data suggests.

The 6 signs you have the bug

The symptoms of norovirus come on suddenly and the NHS states the main signs are:

1. feeling sick (nausea)
2. diarrhoea
3. being sick (vomiting)
4. you may also have a high temperature
5. a headache
6. 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.

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.

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.

What you can do to protect yourself?

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.