Health officials have issued a stark warning that norovirus cases remain persistently high across England, with the winter vomiting bug occupying more than one thousand hospital beds last week alone. This sustained pressure comes as the National Health Service grapples with seasonal viral surges amid already stretched resources.
Hospital Bed Occupancy Nears Record Levels
The number of hospital beds in England either occupied by infected patients or closed for deep cleaning remains alarmingly close to the previous week's record high. Last week saw an average of 950 beds filled each day due to norovirus, marking only a slight decline from peak levels. Health leaders emphasise that despite this minor dip, winter viruses continue to exert significant strain on hospitals operating near full capacity.
Regional Disparities in Norovirus Impact
Hospitals in northern England have borne the brunt of this outbreak, with facilities in the North West region averaging over sixty beds filled daily last week due to norovirus infections. North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, located in the East of England, emerged as a particular outlier with more than one hundred beds occupied by norovirus patients towards the end of last week. In contrast, cases in London and the Midlands have remained relatively low, highlighting geographical variations in the outbreak's severity.
Critical Incidents Declared Amid Service Strain
The cumulative pressure on health services led five NHS trusts to declare critical incidents last month, with East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust announcing yesterday that it had limited capacity to admit additional patients requiring care. A critical incident represents the highest alert level within the NHS, typically declared when emergency departments can no longer deliver critical services safely, potentially placing patients at risk of harm.
Public Health Guidance and Prevention
Health authorities continue to urge the public to exercise caution and follow specific guidelines to curb transmission. Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, emphasised that norovirus particularly affects vulnerable populations, stating: Norovirus cases have remained high in recent weeks, particularly among people aged sixty-five and over.
Officials recommend several preventive measures:
- Washing hands thoroughly with soap and warm water
- Using bleach-based products to disinfect surfaces
- Avoiding reliance on alcohol gels, which do not kill norovirus
- Self-isolating for forty-eight hours after symptoms cease
- Refraining from preparing food for others while symptomatic
- Avoiding visits to hospitals and care homes when unwell
Broader Winter Virus Landscape
While norovirus maintains its grip, other seasonal viruses show varying trends. Influenza levels are currently low and declining, COVID-19 remains at baseline surveillance levels, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) – which poses particular dangers to infants and older adults – has shown an overall decline. However, officials note that RSV levels among older adults remain stubbornly unchanged, prompting renewed calls for eligible groups to receive vaccination.
Expanded RSV Vaccination Programme
The government announced on Monday that from April this year, the RSV vaccination programme will expand to include additional vulnerable groups. The extension will cover adults aged over eighty, all residents in care homes for older adults, building upon the existing programme that already includes those turning seventy-five and pregnant women.
Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, commented: RSV lung infection is less well known than COVID or flu but for older adults it puts thousands in hospital each year with a risk to life. This extension of the RSV vaccination programme means many more will soon be able to get protected.
Analysis indicates that individuals aged seventy-five to seventy-nine who have already received the vaccine demonstrate significantly reduced hospitalisation rates. Evidence also confirms that the RSV vaccine offered to pregnant women provides excellent protection for newborns during their most vulnerable early months.
With approximately nine thousand elderly people hospitalised annually due to RSV in the UK, this highly contagious virus that particularly affects older adults' lungs represents a substantial public health concern. Health officials strongly encourage all eligible individuals to accept vaccination when offered, emphasising its proven protective benefits.
