The UK Health Security Agency has issued a stark warning as norovirus infections continue to circulate at elevated levels across the country. Surveillance data indicates that cases of this highly contagious vomiting bug remain significantly higher than typical seasonal averages, posing particular risks to vulnerable populations and healthcare settings.
Surveillance Data Shows Alarming Trends
Laboratory testing at surveillance facilities reveals that norovirus cases are currently running approximately 50% higher than the five-season average for this time of year. This persistent elevation in infection rates has raised concerns among public health officials, especially as the winter season progresses.
Perhaps most worryingly, the data shows that individuals aged 65 and over are experiencing the highest infection rates. This demographic is particularly vulnerable to severe complications from norovirus, including dehydration and hospitalisation.
Hospital Outbreaks Increasing
Compounding the public health challenge, there has been a notable increase in norovirus outbreaks within hospital wards across the UK. These institutional settings present ideal conditions for the rapid spread of the virus, potentially affecting both patients and healthcare staff.
NHS data indicates that hospitalisations related to norovirus symptoms reached their peak earlier this winter, with an average of 950 beds occupied daily by patients experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting. While recent figures show a slight decline to 904 daily occupied beds, representing a 5% decrease from the previous week, the overall burden remains substantial.
Expert Guidance on Prevention
Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at the UKHSA, emphasised the importance of basic hygiene measures in controlling the spread of norovirus. "Norovirus cases have remained high in recent weeks, particularly among older people aged 65 and over," she stated. "Outbreaks in hospitals have also increased, so it's important to remember the simple steps we can all take to stop this nasty bug spreading."
Health officials recommend several key preventive measures:
- Thorough handwashing with soap and warm water
- Using bleach-based cleaning products for surfaces
- Avoiding reliance on alcohol gels, which are ineffective against norovirus
- Staying away from work, school, or nursery for 48 hours after symptoms cease
- Refraining from preparing food for others while symptomatic
- Avoiding visits to hospitals and care homes when unwell
Special Risks for Vulnerable Groups
Beyond the general population, specific vulnerable groups face additional risks from norovirus infection. Asthma + Lung UK has highlighted particular concerns for people with asthma, noting that while norovirus is not a respiratory condition, it can significantly worsen asthma symptoms.
Helen Sinton, head of services at the charity, explained: "The continuing high numbers of norovirus can be a worry for people with asthma. While norovirus is not a respiratory condition, it can have an impact on people with asthma as any acute illness can worsen asthma symptoms, such as breathlessness and wheezing."
She added that repeated vomiting can increase coughing and potentially trigger bronchospasm, a dangerous tightening of airway muscles that makes breathing difficult. The charity advises those with worsening symptoms to seek urgent medical attention.
Signs of Improvement Amid Caution
Despite the concerning data, there are indications that the norovirus season may have reached its peak. The recent week-on-week decline in hospitalisations marks the first decrease since late December, suggesting that infection rates might be beginning to moderate.
This positive trend aligns with broader respiratory virus surveillance, which shows that both influenza and RSV cases have been declining since the beginning of the year. Dr Ellen Fragaszy, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, noted this encouraging development while urging continued vigilance.
"It's really encouraging to see that cases of flu and RSV have fallen again this week," she said. "But we mustn't be complacent. We are still in the middle of the flu season and we know from previous years that respiratory viruses can be unpredictable."
When to Seek Medical Help
The NHS provides clear guidance on when to seek medical assistance for norovirus symptoms. Individuals should contact NHS 111 if they experience:
- Diarrhoea lasting more than seven days
- Vomiting persisting beyond two days
- Severe symptoms or signs of dehydration
- Worsening of pre-existing conditions like asthma
For those experiencing breathing difficulties, immediate emergency care should be sought by dialling 999.
As the UK navigates this challenging norovirus season, public health officials continue to emphasise the importance of preventive measures while monitoring infection trends closely. The combination of elevated case numbers, hospital outbreaks, and particular risks to vulnerable populations underscores the need for ongoing public awareness and adherence to hygiene protocols.
