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BRITS are being urged to stay at home and mask up when venturing outside after a “worrying” surge in norovirus cases.
While cases of the winter vomiting bug tend to be more common this time of year, the latest figures show levels of hospitalisations in England are 30 per cent higher than the same period last year.
NHS figures published this week reveal there were 898 people a day in hospital with the bug last week (Jan 26).
It’s a 15 per cent jump on the 784 patients the week before (Jan 19).
Professor Julian Redhead, from the NHS, said: “The worrying surge in norovirus cases – now at their highest level so far this winter – means there is no let up for NHS staff.”
Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people.
Dehydration can lead to serious complications, including low blood pressure, kidney failure, and even death.
Amy Douglas, Epidemiologist at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said: “Norovirus cases are over double what we would usually see at this time of year. This isn’t just unpleasant for those affected – it’s having a big impact on hospitals and care homes.
“It’s really important that if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you take steps to avoid passing the infection on.”
With high levels of other winter viruses this year, including flu, COVID, and RSV, health experts at UKHSA are urging the public to take necessary precautions to avoid getting and spreading illness.
A post from UKHSA on X, formerly Twitter, on January 30 warned: “During winter, lots of illnesses like #Norovirus and #Flu spread easily.
“If you’re unwell, there are actions you can take to reduce the risk of spreading infections to others.”
It said you can stop the spread of infections by:
- Staying at home if you feel unwell
- Washing your hands regularly
- Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues
- Opening a window when meeting others indoors
- If you need to go out, consider wearing a mask
On norovirus specifically, Ms Douglas advised: “Please avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.
“Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. This is because you can still pass on the virus in the days after you stop being sick.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”
First signs of norovirus
The earliest signs of norovirus usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure.
Symptoms can start as early as 10 hours after exposure.
The NHS says they usually start suddenly and can include:
- feeling sick
- being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
A person may also experience:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- tummy pain
- body aches and pains
The health service also warns of more serious signs to look out for that may require hospitalisation.
It recommends calling 999 or going to A&E if you or your child:
- vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
- have green vomit (adults)
- have yellow-green or green vomit (children)
- may have swallowed something poisonous
- have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- have a sudden, severe headache
- have a sudden, severe tummy ache
- have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- are having severe difficulty breathing, or taking lots of quick, short breaths
- are confused or not responding as usual
If you or your child has norovirus, you can usually treat it at home.
People usually start to feel better in two to three days.
The most important thing to do is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration from diarrhoea and vomiting.
Norovirus vaccine in development
THERE are currently no licensed norovirus vaccines in use anywhere in the world.
But a global trial is underway, with 25,000 volunteers taking part.
After a surge in hospitalisations this winter, doctors hope a vaccine could lead to fewer hospital admissions and fewer wards being closed.
The Nova 301 trial will see a vaccine developed by pharmaceutical firm Moderna and 2,500 volunteers in the UK taking part.
Like Moderna’s vaccine used in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the study involves messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA).
When used in vaccines, mRNA shows the body’s cells some genetic code from the bacteria or virus.
This doesn’t cause infection but can teach the body how to defend itself.
The body reads and translates the code and its own natural immune cells take over.
If the trial is successful, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will decide whether it can be licensed.
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