Hospitals in England are dealing with a record outbreak of norovirus. NHS figures show last week there were an average of 1,160 patients in hospital with the highly contagious sickness bug.

This marks a worrying increase from 948 the previous week and is a staggering more than double the 509 cases recorded in the same period last year. Health experts have urged people to adopt measures to protect themselves and other from the virus.

The increase had been predicted for some time. Last year it was warned that winter bugs could reach unprecedented levels.

Speaking then on ITV’s Lorraine, Dr Amir Khan, a full-time GP, cautioned: “It’s caused by contaminated surfaces or getting too close to people who are infected. You are contagious two days before and two days after your symptoms so you’ve got to stay off work for two days after your symptoms.”, reports Surrey Live.

Highlighting the common signs of infection – nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps – Dr Khan offered crucial advice to prevent further transmission. “Wash your hands regularly, so simple! ” he insisted, stressing the importance of using soap and warm water over hand sanitiser for effective cleaning.

He also recommended disinfecting areas frequently touched, including toilet facilities, with a potent cleaner. His final piece of advice for those struck down by norovirus was clear: avoid preparing food for others to minimise spreading the bug.

Dr Khan added: “People often ask me ‘if I’ve had norovirus once, can I get it again? ‘ Yes, norovirus is a group of viruses, if you’ve had one version of it you can get another one – so keep washing your hands! “

In light of recent statistics, Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, cautioned: “Norovirus cases are still exceptionally high and continue to rise, though we are hopeful that the school half term provides a break. It remains important to take steps to avoid passing on the infection.”

Addressing its prevalence in sensitive locations, she added: “Norovirus remains high in other settings like hospitals and care homes too, and can be more severe in older adults, younger children and those who are immunocompromised. Please do not visit hospitals and care homes or return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others as you can still pass on the virus.”

And finally, she instilled an important reminder: “Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus. Wash your hands with soapy warm water and clean surfaces with bleach-based products where possible to help stop infections from spreading.”

According to the NHS although norovirus is sometimes called the winter vomiting bug, you can get it at any time of year. It says the main symptoms usually start suddenly and may include:

You may also have:

If you or your child have norovirus, you can usually treat it at home. You’ll usually start to feel better in two to three days.

Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Do

stay at home and get plenty of rest

drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick

carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they’re being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual

give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds

eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy

take paracetamol if you’re in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child

Don’t

do not have fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can make diarrhoea worse

do not make baby formula weaker – use it at its usual strength

do not give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea

do not give aspirin to children under 16

111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.

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