Brits have been urged to look out for three key symptoms of a dreaded winter bug and stay away from hospitals and care homes if infected amid a “surge” in cases. The NHS has reported that norovirus levels are presently 80 percent higher than they were at the same time last year.
Fresh data reveals that last week (week ending 19 January 2025), an average of 784 patients per day were hospitalised with norovirus, an increase from 650 the previous week. These figures represent the highest levels seen in hospitals in any January since 2020.
Consequently, hospitals nationwide continue to be “extremely busy”, with 96 percent of adult hospital beds occupied by patients. Nearly one in seven of these (13,710) were occupied by patients who were well enough to be discharged and did not need to remain in hospital, according to the NHS.
It’s not just norovirus adding to these pressures, as cases of flu, Covid and RSV also remain high. Although flu rates have decreased since their peak, they are still almost two and a half times higher than last year, with an average of 3,833 patients hospitalised with the illness each day last week, including 176 in critical care.
There were more than a thousand patients on average (1,071) in hospital with COVID-19 every day last week. Meanwhile, an average of 29 children were in hospital with RSV each day – a decrease from the previous week but up 91 percent compared to the same period last year.
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, explained: “NHS hospitals have been hit by a surge in norovirus cases over the last week – with the highest level recorded in any January since 2020.”
He added that this spike, combined with higher than usual rates of flu and other winter viruses, as well as ongoing delays in discharging patients, means hospitals are under significant pressure. “Staff are working incredibly hard to see patients as quickly as possible, and it is welcome news that flu cases have now peaked.,” he said.
“Patients should continue to use 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions and call 999 or go to A&E in life-threatening emergencies.”
Symptoms
In light of this, it’s crucial to be vigilant for symptoms of norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug. The three primary signs to watch for are feeling sick (nausea), diarrhoea, and being sick (vomiting).
However, the NHS cautions that sufferers may also experience a high temperature, headache, and aching arms and legs. Symptoms usually appear abruptly within one to two days after infection.
Norovirus is highly infectious. You can contract it through close contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then your mouth, or consuming food prepared or handled by someone with norovirus.
The NHS has issued guidance on the best practices to prevent the spread of norovirus, emphasising the importance of hand hygiene. It advises: “Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.”
The health service also recommends that those exhibiting symptoms should avoid going to school or work until they have been free from sickness or diarrhoea for at least two days, as this is the period when they are most infectious. “Do not visit hospitals or care homes during this time,” the NHS warns.
Health and Social Care secretary, Wes Streeting, added: “Despite the work we did to end the strikes and roll out the new RSV vaccine, hospitals up and down the country are still facing significant pressure and patients continue to face unacceptable levels of care this winter.
“It’s welcome that flu rates are starting to decline and ambulance handovers are improving – but we’re not out of the woods yet. If you’re eligible, it’s not too late to get your flu vaccination – contact your local pharmacy or GP to protect yourself this winter.”