Overview
- An average of 567 hospital beds per day were occupied by patients with norovirus symptoms in the week to 11 January, a 57% rise on the previous week and the highest level this winter.
- UKHSA surveillance shows community cases climbed 47% in the first two weeks of 2026 compared with the prior fortnight, with activity highest in people aged 65 and over.
- Multiple NHS trusts, including in Kent, Sussex and the Midlands, declared critical incidents this week, reporting severe delays and some cancelled operations.
- Flu hospitalisations fell slightly last week, yet overall pressure remains intense with bed occupancy at 94.1% and very long A&E waits reported.
- Health officials advise washing hands with soap and water, using bleach-based surface cleaners, not relying on alcohol gels, and staying away from work, school and care settings until 48 hours after symptoms stop.