Norovirus warning as cases of winter vomiting bug begin to rise

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Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea. (Getty Images)

The UK’s health watchdog has issued a warning of a rise in cases of norovirus vomiting this winter.

The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) said cases were rising fastest in over-65s, and urged the public to practice good personal hygiene.

Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomit bug, is a virus that causes illness and diarrhea.

Other symptoms include headache, pain in the arms and legs, and a high temperature.

“Norovirus cases are on the rise and lab reports are currently about a third higher than what we see at this time of year,” the UKHSA said on Thursday.

Read more: Hospitality closures surpass 2021 covid-hit levels as energy bills soar

“The rates rose most in those 65 and over, however, we did not see an increase in care home outbreaks.

Protecting yourself from norovirus is key and can be done in several simple ways.

“Practicing good hand hygiene such as washing your hands after using the toilet or after a bout of illness and before eating and preparing food is a great way to avoid getting sick.”

The data shows that the number of cases in the last week of 2022 and the first week of 2023 was 34% higher than in the same two-week period in the five years prior to the coronavirus.

The NHS is already under unprecedented winter pressure. (PA)

The watchdog also says the majority of outbreaks have been reported in nursing home settings.

Dr Tim Coxley, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, told MailOnline that the increased cases would “exacerbate” the pressure on the NHS as many trusts report serious incidents due to the stress of winter.

He said: “The NHS continues to be under significant pressure and things continue to balance well as we try to manage stress levels for colleagues and prepare for more challenging winter months ahead.”

“Increases in norovirus cases will exacerbate problems in the health and social care system as a whole given the impact this will have when it makes its way into hospitals.”

Read more: How close should you be to death to get an ambulance in England?

“This involves bed lockdowns, infections among critically ill people and staff absences, so it’s very worrying to see any increase in virus cases given the fragile state of play,” he added.

The rise in norovirus cases comes after the NHS was already grappling with a worse-than-average flu season, along with the fallout from COVID.

Dr Stephen Boyce, national director for the NHS, earlier this month urged the public to make sure they get their flu shots if they are eligible.

“We knew this winter was going to be one of the toughest in NHS history and I want to thank the staff for their hard work caring for and treating so many patients whilst dealing with record demand for services, including the massive pressure from flu and Covid.”

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