Norovirus cases in hospitals in England have fallen slightly, according to NHS England, but levels are still well above this point last year.
An average of 706 adult hospital beds were occupied last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms. That number is down 5 per cent from 743 in the previous week.
At this stage last year the average stood at 181 and cases are still the highest seen in a decade. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed on Thursday (February 9) that reports of the virus are 66 per cent higher than the average for this time of year.
READ MORE: Is Norovirus contagious and how long does the 'winter vomiting bug' last?
The rise has affected over-65s in particular with health bosses witnessing a particularly "sharp increase" this year. Before now, hospital cases of norovirus have nearly doubled week-on-week, according to NHS data.
Despite the slight decrease, the public are still being reminded of the symptoms of norovirus with health bosses reminding individuals that washing their hands with soap, rather than using hand sanitizer, and staying at home when symptomatic are the best ways of limiting the spread.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Symptoms of norovirus start suddenly within one to two days of being infected. The virus is a stomach bug that typically causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
Symptoms include:
- feeling sick (nausea)
being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
- high temperature
headache
aching arms and legs
Vomiting or having several bouts of diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, which has symptoms of:
- decrease in urination
- dry mouth and throat
- feeling dizzy when standing up
Children may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy. Symptoms usually go away in about two days.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child suffers from the following:
- vomit blood or vomit that looks like ground coffee
- green or yellow-green vomit
- might have swallowed something poisonous
- stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache
Get advice from 111 if:
- you're worried about a baby under 12 months
- your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they're ill
- a child under 5 years has signs of dehydration – such as fewer wet nappies
- you or your child (over 5 years) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- you or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
- you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
- you or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days
To find out more about norovirus, please visit the NHS website.
READ NEXT:
