The NHS could be facing a “second surge” in norovirus after cases reached the highest level so far this winter.
Figures published today show the average number of patients in hospital with norovirus each day this week rose to 1,012, the first time it has topped 1,000 this season. That is an increase of 8.9% from the previous week’s average of 929.
Daily hospital norovirus patients rose more than 2.5 times across January, growing from 361 at the start of the month to 950 by the end. After a brief stabilization in early February, numbers have increased again for a second consecutive week, raising concern about a renewed surge.
NHS clinicians are urging the public to help limit spread by observing good hand hygiene and staying away from schools, workplaces, hospitals and care homes until at least two days after symptoms stop.
The average number of adult hospital beds closed each day because of norovirus symptoms this week was 1,257, up 8.2% from 1,162 the previous week, and more than 190% higher than the first full week of January (432).
Hospitals are also managing high demand elsewhere: there were almost 3,000 (2,837) more ambulance handovers with recorded handover times than in the same week last year. Despite the increased volume, ambulance handovers were completed slightly faster on average than last year (32:03 vs 32:23).
NHS national medical director Dr Claire Fuller said: “It’s vital that we do all we can to avoid a second surge in norovirus at a time when the NHS remains flat out coping with winter pressures. The public has a huge role to play in stopping the spread of this bug by taking some simple precautions like good hand hygiene with regular handwashing with soap and water. If you have symptoms, stay home, rest and drink fluids, and please don’t go to places like schools, workplaces, hospitals and care homes until you have been symptom free for at least two days. If you have any concerns about norovirus symptoms, local pharmacies can provide support and advice and remedies, or please contact 111 or use 111 Online.”
