Overview
- NHS England reported an average of 567 beds occupied daily by patients with norovirus symptoms in the week to January 11, a 57% rise from the previous week and the highest level this winter.
- UKHSA noted a marked increase in cases among people aged 65 and over alongside more reported hospital outbreaks.
- Several NHS trusts have declared critical incidents linked to combined pressures from norovirus and flu.
- Public guidance advises staying home while unwell and for 48 hours after symptoms end, avoiding visits to hospitals and care homes, and not preparing food for others during that period.
- Clinicians stress rehydration with electrolytes and cautious symptom management, and they warn that alcohol hand gels do not reliably inactivate norovirus, which requires soap-and-water removal and bleach or virucidal disinfectants.