The number of people in hospital in England with norovirus is continuing to climb and has hit another new high for this winter, NHS figures show. An average of 961 hospital beds were filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, up 7% from 898 the previous week, which had been the highest so far this season.
Norovirus levels also remain higher than at this point 12 months ago, when an average of 570 beds were filled with patients with symptoms, and also two years ago (750 patients).
Flu levels in hospitals in England have fallen for the fourth week in a row. An average of 2,461 flu patients were in beds each day last week, including 122 in critical care.
This is down 18% from 3,019 the previous week, when 148 were in critical care. The total is slightly lower than at this point last winter (2,478) but higher than this stage two years ago (962).
The figures have been published in the latest weekly snapshot of the performance of hospitals in England. An average of 13,776 hospital beds per day were filled last week in England with patients who were fit to be discharged.
This is up from 13,426 the previous week and is the highest number so far this winter. On average, 41% of patients ready to leave hospital last week were actually discharged each day.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It leads to symptoms like:
- Severe vomiting
-
Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever and body aches (sometimes)
How It Spreads
- Through contaminated food or water
- By touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth
- Through close contact with an infected person
How Long It Lasts
- Symptoms usually start 12–48 hours after exposure
- Most people recover within 1–3 days, but dehydration can be a concern
Prevention
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
- Disinfect surfaces
- Avoid preparing food if you’re sick
- Stay hydrated if infected
There’s no specific treatment for norovirus—just rest, fluids, and symptom management. It spreads easily in places like schools, cruise ships, and nursing homes.