Britain’s chief medic has urged the public to isolate for two days if they are suffering norovirus symptoms as the NHS battles a second wave of the inter vomiting bug.
His intervention comes as newly released data shows cases of Covid-19 are rising and flu and severe child respiratory infection RSV remain extremely high.
With viruses circulating in hospitals, almost 50,000 NHS staff were off sick each day last week—almost 10 per cent more than last year—exacerbating pressures.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England who today announced that he is stepping down, said despite the sunny weather that ‘winter is certainly not over.’
He added: ‘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.’
Symptoms of norovirus including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain which typically come on suddenly.
Patients may also suffer a fever and chills, muscle discomfort, headaches and fatigue—much like flu.
According to figures released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there were 1,094 patients a day in hospital with norovirus last week.
Britain’s chief medic has urged the public to isolate for two days if they are suffering norovirus symptoms as the NHS battles a second wave of the inter vomiting bug
This is more than double the number of patients compared to the same period last year.
Experts have previously said new variant that is more transmissible now accounts for almost 70 per cent of all cases.
Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, the number of norovirus outbreaks reported in hospital settings is also 26 per cent higher than the five-year average. More to come.