Norovirus cases in NHS hospitals have risen to their highest level so far this winter, with an average of 1,012 patients in hospital beds each day.
NHS bosses have called on the public to do everything possible to prevent a “second surge” of the widespread norovirus that can prove to be “very unpleasant”. Cases are already occupying more than 1,000 hospital beds across England.
A spokesperson for NHS England said: “Norovirus cases in NHS hospitals have risen to their highest level so far this winter, with an average of 1,012 patients in hospital each day. These numbers have more than doubled since early January and have risen for the second week in a row.”
The health service is preparing for what has been described as a “second surge” of norovirus, commonly referred to as the vomiting bug. Figures released this week reveal that the average daily number of patients hospitalised with norovirus climbed above 1,000 for the first time this winter (1,012).
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. If you have any concerns about norovirus symptoms, local pharmacies can provide support and advice and remedies, or please contact 111 or use 111 online.”
What are the warning signs of norovirus?
Norovirus is an extremely contagious illness that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. While anybody can contract norovirus, children under the age of five, elderly adults, and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe infections, reports the Mirror.
The principal symptoms of norovirus typically come on suddenly and may include nausea or vomiting and diarrhoea. Additional symptoms can include a high temperature, headache, and aching limbs and stomach. Health experts note that, although it is unpleasant, the majority of sufferers tend to recover within around two days.
How to treat norovirus
In most instances, norovirus does not necessitate hospital treatment and can ordinarily be managed from home. The NHS recommends:
- Stay at home and get plenty of rest
- Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick
- Carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they’re being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual
- Give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds
- Eat when you feel able to. It may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy
- Take paracetamol if you are in discomfort. Check the leaflet before giving it to your child.
Should symptoms persist beyond three days, or if there are indications of severe dehydration, such as dizziness, confusion, little or no urine output, or a reduced level of consciousness, medical attention should be sought quickly.
In the first instance, call 111 where an operator will advise you on the appropriate course of action. If necessary, they are able to arrange a call back from a nurse or doctor.