THE number of norovirus cases in the UK has risen 18 per cent in a fortnight, official figures show.
Rates of the “vile” winter vomiting bug are also almost double the five-year average for the same two-week period.
There were 539 laboratory reports between December 11 and 24, according to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data.
This is 18 per cent higher than the start of the month, and 49 per cent higher than the average for this time frame (361) since 2015/16.
Separate figures from NHS England, released last week, revealed that around 452 hospital beds were occupied by patients with norovirus symptoms each day in the week ending December 24.
This is about two thirds higher than last winter.
Most cases are being recorded in the over-65s, though the virus, which triggers sickness and diarrhoea, continues to affect all age groups.
There have been 2,652 lab reports so far this year, compared to a five-season average of 2,252.
Amy Douglas, norovirus epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “At the end of December, norovirus cases were nearly 50 per cent higher than average for that time of year.
“We have also been seeing higher levels of other gastrointestinal infections, such as rotavirus and shiga toxin-producing E.coli.”
She urged anyone with diarrhoea and vomiting to take vital steps to avoid passing it on.
“As the New Year gets underway, do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either,” she added.
“If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these vulnerable settings.
“Washing your hands with soap and water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading.
“Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”
Norovirus is a highly-contagious stomach bug that causes vomiting (often projectile) and diarrhoea.
It is commonly accompanied by aching arms and legs, a high temperature, abdominal pain, and a headache, according to the NHS.
Sufferers have shared their experiences on social media, describing it as “vile”, “nasty” and “like nothing they’ve ever experienced before”.
‘What the actual hell is this bug?’
One person, Laura, said: “Oh my good lord, I’ve never felt this unwell in as long as I can remember.
“What the actual hell is this bug?”
Another, Lisa, wrote: “Spent most of last night and today curled up on the bathroom floor just to be near loo and a sick bucket with norovirus symptoms.”
While a third, Amanda Harrison, posted: “Well I have had norovirus but like nothing I have ever experienced before.
“Never known sickness like it. Flu-like symptoms and it’s taken four days to feel even slightly human again. Six days wasted in the holidays.”
The bug spreads easily through contact with someone who has the virus or with contaminated surfaces or foods.
This makes nurseries, schools, workplaces, hospitals, care homes, cruise ships, and family homes over Christmas perfect breeding grounds.
While most people make a full recovery within a few days, norovirus can lead to dehydration, especially among the very young, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.
Thankfully, there are some simple ways to help curb the spread.
The UKHSA urges families to:
Wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water
Wash fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating them
Cook foods thoroughly
Routinely sanitise surfaces
Avoid close contact with people who are obviously sick
And if you, a relative or friend has got norovirus, it’s important to remember:
It cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Vomiting and diarrhoea cause your body to lose water and salts, which can lead to dehydration, so drink plenty of fluids.
Stay at home. Do not return to work or send kids to school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Avoid cooking or preparing meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Wash all contaminated clothing and bedding using detergent and at 60C.
Disinfect contaminated surfaces with bleach-based cleaning products where possible.
Seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve.
When to call 111 and 999 for norovirus
NOROVIRUS usually goes away on its own after a couple of days and doesn’t require medical attention.
But you might need to speak to a doctor if:
You’re worried about your baby who is younger than 12 months
Your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
You think your child under five might be dehydrated – signs could include fewer wet nappies
You’ve used rehydration sachets but still have signs of dehydration
You or your child keep being sick and can’t keep fluids down
You or your child have bloody diarrhoea or start bleeding from the bottom
You or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or are vomiting for more than two days
And if you spot any of the following signs, it’s vital to seek urgent care:
Vomit in your blood
Vomit that looks like ground coffee
Green vomit (adults) or yellow-green vomit (children)
A stiff neck
Pain when looking at bright lights
A sudden, severe headache or stomach ache
Source: NHS