Norovirus and flu cases surge 73% in a month ‘intensifying’ pressure on NHS as top doc urges ‘protect yourself’

THE NUMBER of Brits sick with flu or norovirus in English hospitals have hit new highs for this winter, NHS figures show.

Some 2,914 patients with the illnesses were taking up beds in total on any given day in the week up to January 28, up 73 per cent on the month before.

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Of those, 688 had the winter vomiting bug norovirus, up 80 per cent on the 376 recorded the month before and 75 per cent higher than the same time last year.

Flu hospitalisations increase 70 per cent in a month to 2,226.

Professor Julian Redhead, of NHS England, said: “The NHS is still in the thick of a challenging winter with intensifying seasonal virus pressures.

“Hospitals dealt with the highest number of patients with norovirus or flu so far this winter.

“Last week was evidence of why the NHS needed to grow its core bed numbers — with occupancy at its highest level this winter.

“NHS staff have worked tirelessly to boost capacity and execute key steps of the urgent and emergency care recovery plan.

“As always, I would urge the public to get their flu and Covid vaccines if they are eligible, and continue to come forward for NHS services when you need them.”

Norovirus is the most common infectious cause of diarrhoea and vomiting.

It spreads easily through contact with someone who has the virus or with contaminated surfaces.

While most people make a full recovery within two or three days, it can lead to dehydration, especially among the very young, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

The latest NHS data show norovirus cases in hospital are now at their highest level since medics started tracking on November 20 last year.

Flu hospitalisations last week were up 41 per cent from 1,582 the previous week, and 84 patients were in critical care beds.

The NHS is still in the thick of a challenging winter

Professor Julian RedheadNHS England

Infections this year are surging at a later point than last winter, when cases peaked at Christmas and fell rapidly in January.

Last year’s flu outbreak saw hospital numbers top 5,000, in what was the worst flu season in the UK for a decade.

Separate figures show Covid still remains a concern, with an average 3,982 patients in hospital with the virus each day last week — up from 3,895 each day the week before.

Adam Brimelow, of NHS Providers, said: “There’s been no respite for the NHS this week with a major spike in winter bugs piling the pressure on the health service.

“These pressures are being compounded by worrying levels of staff sickness and an unrelenting pressure on beds – despite a much needed boost in bed numbers.

“The double whammy of winter pressures and the cost of living crisis is taking its toll on the public’s health too.

“Despite these challenges, trust leaders and their teams are doing everything they can to treat patients as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Norovirus cases nearly two thirds higher than average for this time of year

Separate data released by the UK Health Security Agency today showed norovirus infections in Britain are 64 per cent higher than the average for this time of year.

Infections were highest in adults aged 65 and older.

Amy Douglas, of the UKHSA, said: “The latest data show a notable increase in norovirus reports and outbreaks in hospital settings are rising.

“Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs.

“Norovirus could cause dehydration, especially invulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time.”

She added: “If you have got diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on.

“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.

“If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.