According to the UKHSA, current case levels are 66 per cent higher than the average for this time of year and 60 per cent higher than the five-year average.
The majority of cases in the recent spike have been recorded in those over the age of 65 and in care homes. The main symptoms of the virus include nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting.
Dr Lesley Larkin, Surveillance Lead, Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety (One Health) Division at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Norovirus levels are currently the highest we have seen at this time of year in over a decade.
“Most reported cases are in the over 65s and we’re also seeing a rise in reported outbreaks, particularly in care home settings.
“Please stay at home if you are experiencing norovirus symptoms and do not return to work (particularly if you work with vulnerable people or food) or send sick children to school or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.
“If you have a loved one in a care home or hospital, please avoid visiting until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.
“Regular hand washing is really important to help stop the spread of this bug, but remember, alcohol gels do not kill off norovirus so soap and warm water is best.”
Norovirus is highly infectious and is easily spread through contact with someone who has been infected or with contaminated surfaces.
While most people will make a full recovery within two to three days, the UKHSA warned it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially for the very young, elderly or those with weakened immune systems who are more at risk.
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NHS Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “The number of people in hospitals with norovirus has risen significantly in line with what we are seeing in the community and in care homes – it is a really unpleasant illness to catch, but for the vast majority of people it will usually pass in a couple of days, and self-treating at home is the best way to help yourself and avoid putting others at risk.”
The UKHSA has provided five measure to help prevent the spread of the norovirus: stay at home if feeling unwell, wash your hands thoroughly with soap, bleach-based household cleaner or a combination of bleach and hot water should be used to disinfect potentially contaminated household surfaces, avoid cooking if unwell, and wash any contaminated clothing or bedding using detergent and at 60C.
