Brits instructed ‘keep at dwelling’ as virus at ‘highest ever ranges’ from begin of Spring
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that the number of patients admitted to hospital with the bug in the week ending March 24 was 903, up from 1,160 in the previous week
The NHS issued a stark warning to Brits as the nasty norovirus hit the ‘highest ever’ at the start of spring.
New statistics revealed that 903 people had been admitted to hospital last week with the bug that can cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
Health bosses at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have recommended that everyone with norovirus to “stay at home” for at least two days after symptoms as you can still pass on the highly contagious virus.
The warning comes after data showed the number of people hospitalised with the virus is two thirds higher than the previous recording of cases during the same week, ending on March 24, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Norovirus levels have come down from the “all-time highs” of 1,160 cases that we experienced mid-February, but the decline’s dragging its heels.
On X, formerly Twitter, the UKHSA explained:”#Norovirus spreads easily, washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water can help limit the spread.”
“You remain infectious for 48 hours after symptoms stop and should stay home at this time. Just because you’ve had norovirus once doesn’t mean you won’t get it again.”
To make matters worse, hospital beds are nearly at full capacity. According to NHS England, over 9 out of every 10 adult beds are currently filled up (94%).
For a long 12 weeks straight, about one in seven beds have been held by patients who no longer need them anymore. This is due to a delay in discharging patients – with some people being in hospital three weeks longer than necessary.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, shared: “While the worst of winter is no doubt over for NHS staff, virus rates in our hospitals remain stubbornly high and we are still feeling the pressure – the green shoots of spring for the NHS aren’t showing just yet.
“Hospitals continue to run at near capacity, while the added pressure from almost one in seven beds taken up by patients who don’t need to be in hospital hasn’t relented for 12 weeks and counting.
“It’s vital that the public continue to use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies and use NHS 111 – and 111 online – if you need advice and support for other conditions.”
Norovirus, a highly infectious bug stirring up nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting, spreads easily through faecal matter, passing from one individual to the next either airborne or surfaces like doorknobs, or even through food.
Health bosses have urged:
– Stay clear of hospitals and care homes if symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting hit
– Keep away from work, school, or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms clear up
– Don’t make food for other people for 48 hours
In light of recent NHS figures, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting expressed his gratitude, saying: “I would like to thank all NHS staff for their resolve, dedication, and hard work in the face of everything this winter has thrown at them.
“As we move into spring, the pressures that remain on the health service are a stark reminder that we cannot take our eye off the ball.
“Now is the time to take stock and learn the lessons from this winter which, through our upcoming urgent and emergency care plan, can help shorten waiting times in A&E and reduce ambulance delays next winter. Through the government’s Plan for Change, we will make our NHS fit for the future.”
