The number of norovirus patients in hospitals in England has risen to its highest level this winter, new figures revealed.
In the week up to 15 February, an average of 1,012 hospital beds were filled each day – marking a rise of 9% from the previous week and representing the highest weekly figure so far this winter.
The UK Health Security Agency also received 981 positive norovirus laboratory results across the two weeks to 15 February – 38% higher than the long-term average for the period of 713.
Health officials warned of a “second surge” after the number of infections started to fall.
Dr Claire Fuller, NHS national medical director for England, 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.”
Cases of norovirus previously appeared to have levelled off at the start of the month, after an average of 950 hospital beds were filled by people with symptoms towards the end of January.
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Four hospital trusts in southeast England also declared critical incidents in January due to “significant and sustained pressures” on services after a “surge” in complex A&E admissions.
NHS Surrey Heartlands said at the time that the situation was being “exacerbated by increases in flu and norovirus cases and an increase in staff sickness”.
The average hospital admissions climbed from 861 to 3,140 in mid-December.
Last winter, weekly flu numbers for England peaked at 5,408 patients.
Some 24 flu patients were in critical care beds last week, down from 43 the previous week.
According to the NHS, norovirus is the most common infectious cause of vomiting and diarrhoea, and spreads easily through contact with someone who has the virus or with contaminated surfaces.
While most make a full recovery within two or three days, it can lead to dehydration, especially among the very young, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.
