The number of patients hospitalized with Norovirus in England has reached a record high. According to data from NHS England, an average of 1,160 patients were being treated for the vomiting bug each day last week, which is double the number from the same period last year. This surge represents a 22% increase from the previous week, marking the highest level since records began in 2012. As a result, over 1% of hospital beds are now occupied by individuals suffering from the virus.
Hospitals are facing additional strain due to Norovirus, as infected wards must be isolated and thoroughly cleaned. This has resulted in nearly 300 beds being taken out of commission each day. In contrast, cases of flu are on the decline, with just over 1,700 beds currently occupied by patients with the virus. NHS England’s medical director, Prof Sir Stephen Powis, expressed concern over the unprecedented number of Norovirus patients and acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by hospital staff in treating these individuals alongside other winter viruses.
Prof Powis emphasized the importance of practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of Norovirus, advising frequent handwashing with soap and water and avoiding contact with others until symptom-free for at least two days. While most healthy individuals recover from Norovirus within a few days, vulnerable populations and young children may experience more severe complications. The virus is highly contagious, requiring only a few viral particles to infect an individual through close contact or contaminated food. Given its persistence on surfaces, it is likely that some cases have originated from within hospital settings
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