SICK OF IT
Grim warning as norovirus cases surge by 40% in weeks – as killer lung virus on the rise amid ‘tripledemic threat’
See below for how to book your jabs - and everything you need to know about a concerning new Covid strain
NOROVIRUS cases have surged over the past two weeks, raising fears as Brits brace for a trio of rampant winter viruses.
During the summer months, the virus was already on the rise, but recent data indicates that its numbers are now superseding expected levels.
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The most recent UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show reports of the nasty bug are up by 39 per cent already - with cases predicted to rise further over the coming weeks.
At least 382 lab reports came back positive for the "extremely contagious" norovirus between September 30 to October 13, (weeks 40-41) figures show - up from 274 in the two weeks prior.
This suggests the number of people sick with the bug is more than double what’s typically expected for this time of year, the agency said.
It comes as health chiefs fear a "tripledemic" of Covid, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this winter.
Read more on norovirus
Brits have been urged to take up "life-saving" NHS jabs to give themselves the best chance of dodging the bugs.
Separate UKHSA stats, published earlier this week, revealed an uptick in RSV infections that have led to more babies being admitted to the hospital with severe chest infections.
RSV is a very common infection that - in some instances - can be deadly, especially for infants and the elderly.
Meanwhile, flu cases are already twice as high among children aged 5 to 14 - compared with the general population prompting experts to urge parents to get their kids vaccinated.
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Scientists have also sounded the alarm over a new, more contagious Covid variant called XEC, which is spreading across several European countries.
Amy Douglas, epidemiologist at UKHSA said: “As we head into the winter season, we are seeing norovirus levels higher than usual, and we expect the virus to spread more in the coming weeks.
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“Recently, we’ve seen the biggest rise in cases in adults, especially those aged 65 and over."
First-ever norovirus vaccine to be trialled
Norovirus - also known as the "winter vomiting bug" - is a highly infectious viral illness.
Adults and children who might have the bug are being urged to stay home from work and school.
The figures come as a new vaccine that could stop people from developing the vomiting bug norovirus is being trialled in the UK.
As we head into the winter season, we are seeing norovirus levels higher than usual, and we expect the virus to spread more in the coming weeks
Amy Douglas
The mRNA vaccine from Moderna has entered its final stages of testing, the Health Secretary has announced, with results so far showing it creates a "strong immune response".
The UKHSA report, based on laboratory test results, suggests that the rise in detected cases may be linked to changes in national disease surveillance methods following the pandemic.
Changes to testing and reporting, and the weather getting colder, are also considered possible factors in the report.
Who is eligible for free Covid, flu and RSV vaccines?
In line with JCVI advice, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:
From 3 October:
- Those aged 65 years and over
- Those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
- Those at serious risk, including those with a BMI over 40, diabetes, heart and breathing conditions
- Those in long-stay residential care homes
- Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer-led occupational health scheme - including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers
- Those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants.
From 1 September:
- Pregnant women
- All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
- Primary school-aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are:
- Residents in a care home for older adults
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book, including pregnant women
- Frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults
Those eligible for an RSV vaccine are:
- Pregnant people from 28 weeks onwards
- People aged 75 to 79
Not all norovirus cases are reported or tested, so the true number of infections is likely to be much higher.
Most cases are being recorded in the over-65s, though the virus, which triggers sickness and diarrhoea, continues to affect all age groups.
The bug spreads easily through contact with someone who has the virus or with contaminated surfaces or foods.
This makes nurseries, schools, workplaces, hospitals, care homes, cruise ships, and family homes over Christmas perfect breeding grounds.
While most people make a full recovery within a few days, norovirus can lead to dehydration, especially among the very young, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.
How to stay safe
Thankfully, there are some simple ways to help curb the spread.
The UKHSA urges families to:
- Wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water
- Wash fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating them
- Cook foods thoroughly
- Routinely sanitise surfaces
- Avoid close contact with people who are obviously sick
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And if you, a relative or friend has got norovirus, it's important to remember:
- It cannot be treated with antibiotics.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea cause your body to lose water and salts, which can lead to dehydration, so drink plenty of fluids.
- Stay at home. Do not return to work or send kids to school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
- Avoid cooking or preparing meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
- Wash all contaminated clothing and bedding using detergent and at 60C.
- Disinfect contaminated surfaces with bleach-based cleaning products where possible.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve.
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