According to latest new figures, the number of people in hospitals in London with norovirus cases have increased in the last two weeks.
The increase comes just after the UK Health Security Agency warned the public of a new wave of illness. In a fortnight, figures are up by nearly 90% with around 100 more beds taken up by people with norovirus.
The illness is said to cause sickness and diarrhoea. The agency also stated that people who have had the virus before can potentially be at risk again.
The NHS have shared stats that show that visits to the NHS.uk webpage on norovirus have surged by 40% in the last week – from 53,052 (12-18 February) to 74,324 (19-25 February), which is more than double the visits for the same in 2023 and 2024 (35,522).
Karen Bonner, NHS London’s chief nurse said: “The rising number of norovirus cases in London hospitals is putting the NHS under increasing pressure at what is already a difficult time for health services.
“Hospitals remain very busy because of seasonal illnesses and it is vital that people do everything they can to reduce the spread of norovirus, which causes sickness and diarrhoea.”
What is norovirus?
According to the NHS website, Norovirus is also called the winter vomiting bug – it is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. While it can be very unpleasant, it is said to get better in about two days.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
The main symptoms of norovirus reportedly start suddenly and may include:
- Feeling sick
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
You may also have:
- A high temperature
- Headache
- Tummy pain
- Body aches and pains
While it’s called the winter vomiting bug, you can get norovirus at any time of year.
How to treat norovirus yourself
Norovirus can be treated at home – you’ll usually start to feel better in 2-3 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:
Don’t have fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can make diarrhoea worse
Don’t make baby formula weaker – use it at its usual strength
Don’t give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea
Don’t give aspirin to children under 16
How to avoid the spread of norovirus
To avoid the spread of the virus, people are encouraged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water. Avoiding mixing with other people until they have not had symptoms for two days.
Karen added: “While pressures on hospitals remain incredibly high, people should continue to use NHS services in the normal way – using 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support and only using 999 or attending A&E in life-threatening emergencies.”
