HEALTH chiefs have warned winter “is certainly not over” with norovirus hospitalisations still close to record highs – and people should isolate for two days if they feel unwell.
Hospitals in England have been hit by a storm of norovirus infections in recent weeks, with cases reaching record highs.
If you feel unwell with norovirus symptoms, stay at home for at two days until you feel better[/caption]
While there’s been a glimpse of cases beginning to slow, experts have warned a second wave could be on the way.
The main symptoms of norovirus are feeling sick, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
While most people get better on their own, the virus can prove more serious for some people, especially young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England national medical director, who today announced he is stepping down, said despite the sunnier weather this week showing some early signs of spring, the latest figures by NHS England show winter is “certainly not over” for NHS staff.
He added: “To help stop the spread the norovirus it is important to remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and it you’re unwell to avoid mixing with other people until you have no had symptoms for two days.”
According to the latest stats, an average of 1,094 hospital beds were filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms.
While this is down slightly by 4 per cent from 1,134 the previous week and is just 6 per cent below the record high of 1,160 a fortnight earlier, the NHS remains under immense pressure.
Norovirus levels continue to be sharply higher than at this point 12 months ago, when an average of 470 beds were filled with patients with symptoms, and in 2023 (568 patients).
While flu levels in hospitals are continuing to fall, they also remain higher than at this point in previous years.
An average of 1,546 flu patients were in beds each day last week, including 74 in critical care.
This is down 7 per cent from 1,656 the previous week, when 80 were in critical care.
The total is higher than at this stage in 2024 (1,333) and two years ago (430).
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting added: “While the latest figures point to slight easing in certain areas, the health service remains under considerable strain.
“To ease the burden of seasonal pressures this year, we have delivered more than 29 million vaccinations and ended the damaging strikes, keeping doctors on the front line, rather than the picket line.”
People with norovirus may also experience a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain, and body aches and pains.
But they can expect to feel better in about two days.
Complications from norovirus primarily occur due to the potential for severe dehydration caused by the intense vomiting and diarrhoea.
Vulnerable people like young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems may not be able to adequately replace lost fluids, leading to serious health consequences if left untreated.
You should call 999 or go to A&E if you experience the following symptoms below…
Other tips for stopping the spread of norovirus include:
- wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or eating food
- wash clothes and bedding that has poo or vomit on it on a 60°C wash and separately from other laundry
- clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
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.
