Norovirus Hospitalisations Jump 15% as Winter Bug Spreads
Hospital admissions for norovirus in England have surged by 15 per cent in just one week, reaching concerning new highs for this winter season. According to the latest NHS performance figures, an average of 950 hospital beds were occupied daily last week by patients suffering from diarrhoea, vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms.
This significant increase highlights the growing pressure on healthcare services from seasonal viruses. Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, warned that "cases of the winter vomiting bug are triple what they were at the start of the month", causing substantial disruption and occupying valuable hospital capacity.
Understanding the Highly Contagious Norovirus
Norovirus represents a particularly infectious virus that triggers gastroenteritis, which involves inflammation of both the stomach and intestines. "It spreads easily through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or direct contact with an infected person", explained Dr Chun Tang, a GP at Pall Mall Medical. The transmission routes extend to touching contaminated surfaces then placing hands in the mouth, or consuming food handled by someone carrying the virus.
Dr Ashwin Sharma from MedExpress online pharmacy clarified a common misconception: "Unlike respiratory viruses like influenza, norovirus specifically targets the gastrointestinal system." He further emphasised the extended contagious period, noting that most individuals remain infectious for up to two weeks or more after their symptoms have completely resolved.
Identifying Symptoms and High-Risk Groups
The primary symptoms of norovirus infection include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
Additional symptoms may encompass fever, headaches and general body aches. Dr Sharma advised monitoring these symptoms closely and seeking medical attention if they become severe or persistent.
While anyone can contract norovirus, certain environments and groups face elevated risks:
- Settings with close contact including schools, hospitals and nursing homes
- Young children and elderly individuals
- People with compromised immune systems
Dr Tang highlighted that "young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for severe symptoms because their bodies might not handle dehydration and other effects as well as others." However, he cautioned that even healthy adults can experience severe illness due to the virus's extreme contagiousness.
Critical Prevention and Management Strategies
The most crucial preventive measure involves regular handwashing with soap and water, particularly after using bathroom facilities and before eating. Dr Tang stressed that "hand sanitisers aren't as effective against norovirus, so good old-fashioned handwashing is key."
Additional preventive steps include:
- Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, especially in kitchens and bathrooms
- Washing fruits and vegetables meticulously before consumption
- Avoiding direct contact with infected individuals
- Maintaining rigorous hygiene practices
For those infected, recovery primarily involves rest and maintaining hydration. Dr Tang advised that "the key is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially if you're vomiting or have diarrhoea." In severe cases where dehydration becomes problematic, some patients may require intravenous fluids administered in clinical settings.
The NHS specifically recommends that individuals should not return to work, school or visit hospitals until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours to prevent further transmission. If symptoms persist or worsen, contacting a GP remains essential for appropriate medical guidance.
