The number of people in hospital with norovirus has doubled year on year - and increased 7.8 per cent in a week.
The latest data shows norovirus cases have increased with an average of 371 adult beds in England occupied last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, up week on week from 344 and twice as many as this time last year.
Norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting bug", is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Norovirus can spread very easily.
You can catch norovirus from:
- close contact with someone with norovirus
- touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
- eating food that's been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.
An average of 2,034 flu patients were in hospital beds each day last week, down 63% from the week to January 1, NHS data shows.
At this point last winter the average stood at just 36.
There were 5,632 patients with Covid-19 in hospitals in England on January 18, a drop of 40% since January 1.
The figure peaked at 9,535 on December 29, but this was well below levels seen in previous waves.
Check if you have norovirus
The main symptoms of norovirus are:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhoea
- being sick (vomiting)
You may also have:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- aching arms and legs
The symptoms start suddenly within 1 to 2 days of being infected.
How to treat norovirus yourself
You can usually treat yourself or your child at home.
The most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
You will usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days.
