England’s top doctor has urged the public to isolate for two days if they feel unwell, after a surge in Norovirus cases has gripped the country.
The latest NHS figures show that there were 1,094 patients a day in hospital with the illness last week, more than double the number of patients compared to the same period last year.
The warning comes a week after the UKHSA suggested the UK could experience a second norovirus wave with laboratory reports at the highest levels since reporting data this way began in 2014. Norovirus cases first peaked at the end of January with an average of 898 people a day in hospital with the virus for the week starting January 20.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England, warned that while the weather was getting warmer, the latest figures were proof that winter was far from over for NHS staff.
He said staff continued to “work tirelessly to treat thousands of patients with norovirus and other nasty winter viruses each day”.
“Last month the NHS lost almost 44,000 bed days to norovirus, adding to already incredibly pressured bed occupancy levels and with flu, RSV and staff absences all up on last year, we are certainly not out of the woods yet.
“To help stop the spread of norovirus it is important to remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and if you’re unwell to avoid mixing with other people until you have not had symptoms for two days.
“Hospitals continue to run at near capacity, with added pressure from almost one in seven beds taken up by patients who don’t need to be in hospital.”
He added that it was “vital” the public continue to use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies and use NHS 111 - and 111 online - for advice and support for other conditions.
Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director for Gastrointestinal Infections at UKHSA, said that the as norovirus levels particularly impacted hospitals and care homes.
She added: “If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, please do not visit hospitals and care homes or return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others, as you can still pass on the virus during this time.
“Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus. Wash your hands with soapy warm water and clean surfaces with bleach-based products where possible to help stop infections from spreading.”
Norovirus also known as the winter vomiting bug, is described by the NHS as a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. People may also suffer a high temperature, headache, and body aches and pains.
Symptoms usually improve in two days and doctors recommend increasing fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
Sir Stephen’s latest warning comes as he announced he would be stepping down from the role as England’s top doctor this summer after over seven years in the role.
He is set to continue until early July, focusing on the medical training review for postgraduate doctors, ongoing work to improve stroke care as well as ongoing inquiry commitments.
Prior to his role as national medical director, he was medical director at the Royal Free NHS Trust for 12 years.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said it had been an “honour” working alongside Sir Stephen, calling him a “dedicated public servant as well as a brilliant and kind colleague.”
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, praised Sir Stephen’s “outstanding clinical leadership to the NHS over the last eight years.”
He said: “I would like to thank Steve, not only for his pivotal role in the COIVD vaccine roll out, but for all his work as medical director, including overseeing the team’s work in the creation of the national patient safety strategy.
“Between now and July, I look forward to working with Steve and the new leadership of NHS England under Jim Mackey, as we publish the 10 Year Plan for Health and combine investment with reform to build an NHS fit for the future.”
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