This tip could help prevent the spread of illness
Brits are being urged to adhere to crucial food safety practices following a surge in infections of a highly transmissible winter illness. Multiple NHS trusts have announced a “critical incident” because of this condition and rates of flu.
Recent figures reveal that norovirus instances in NHS hospitals across England have jumped by 57 per cent in merely seven days. Cases hit 567 during the week concluding January 11, rising from 361 the week before.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) additionally demonstrates that norovirus infections are on the rise, with numbers climbing by 47 per cent throughout the initial fortnight of 2026, in comparison to the previous two-week period ending December 28. Consequently, coupled with elevated influenza levels, “at least” 10 trusts throughout England have announced critical incidents due to “high demands and capacity issues”, according to the British Medical Journal.
A Welsh health body has likewise implemented such protocols. Referred to as the “winter vomiting bug”, norovirus is a gastrointestinal ailment that triggers vomiting and diarrhoea.
The primary indicators typically commence “suddenly”, although generally subside within 48 hours. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The NHS website notes that sufferers may additionally experience an elevated temperature, headaches, abdominal discomfort, and widespread bodily aches.
The condition originates from a virus transmitted via faecal matter. “It can spread to others very easily,” the NHS warned.
You can catch norovirus from:
- Close contact with someone with norovirus
- touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
- Eating food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
- Drinking unclean water or infected food
How to stop the spread of norovirus
The NHS shared some vital tips for reducing the spread of norovirus. This included some advice for mealtimes.
It said: “Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or eating food.” Other ways to ensure you don’t infect others include:
- Wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet or changing nappies (alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus)
- Wash clothes and bedding that has poo or vomit on it on a 60C wash and separately from other laundry
- Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
- Avoid contact with others as much as possible
- Do not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days
- Do not visit others in hospitals or places like care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days
You will usually recover at home in two days. However, you should “call 111 now” if:
- You’re worried about a baby under 12 months
- Your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
- A child under five years has signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
- You or your child (aged five years or over) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- You or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
- You or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
- You or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days
The NHS said: “111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.”
Critical incidents in hospitals
The extra strain placed on the NHS by norovirus as well as flu has led to several NHS trusts declaring critical incidents. An average of 2,725 patients were in hospital with flu each day last week, a slight reduction from 2,924 the week before.
As reported by The Sun, the NHS trusts that have recently declared a critical incident are:
- East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
- South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM)
- Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH)
- Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
- Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
- East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in Wales also declared a critical incident.
