Hospitals are being hit by a “worrying surge” in norovirus infections, health chiefs have warned, after cases reached their highest level yet this winter.
Some 898 people were being treated on wards last week, up from 15% the week before and 30% higher than at the same time last year.
Vomiting and diarrhoea are the most common symptoms of norovirus, and sufferers may also experience a high temperature, headache and aches and pains.
The virus is spread through close contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces or consuming contaminated food or drink.
In better news, cases of flu, Covid and RSV were falling. The number of patients admitted with flu was down 21% to 3,019, while 995 had Covid. There were 28 children being treated for respiratory syncytial virus, down from 29 the previous week.
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care said: “It is welcome news that the number of patients in hospital with Covid and flu continued to fall last week, however the worrying surge in norovirus cases – now at their highest level so far this winter – means there is no let up for NHS staff.
“Hospitals remain close to capacity, with almost a fifth of beds filled due to seasonal viruses and delayed discharges to settings like social and community care.”
An average of 96% of adult beds were occupied last week, caring for a total of 97,567 patients. There was also an average of 13,426 patients in hospital each day despite being medically fit for discharge, taking up more than one in seven available beds.
Prof Redhead added: “The public can help us out by continuing to only call 999 or visit A&E in a life-threatening emergency or using NHS 111 for other conditions.
“With the higher than usual levels of norovirus, it is important to remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms.
“If you haven’t had your Covid jab yet and are eligible, make sure you don’t miss out and get to a walk-in service today or tomorrow.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said hospitals were “continuing to grapple with challenging conditions” but blamed the previous Government for this winter’s crisis.
He added: “The broken NHS system we inherited has meant too many people have suffered unacceptable standards of care this winter, but we are steadfast in our commitment to turn that around as we deliver the reforms required through our Plan for Change.
“Today we are publishing the NHS mandate which sets out that improving A&E and ambulance waiting times should be among the top priorities for trusts as we set the direction for the health service over the coming year.”
