Brits were asked today to prepare for a rise in norovirus cases.
Figures show that numbers of the winter vomiting virus, which can also cause diarrhoea, have risen by almost a fifth in just a fortnight.
means cases by this time of year in England and Wales they are more than double the levels seen pre-Covid.
Health chiefs attributed the rise to the recent cold snap and warned people not to work for at least 48 hours after symptoms subsided.
Experts also said that a variant called ‘Kawasaki’, first detected in Japan, now accounts for almost 70 per cent of all cases.
According to figures published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there were 447 confirmed cases of the virus between October 14 and 27.
This is 16 per cent more than the 384 reported in the previous fortnight.
It’s also more than double the five-year average for the same two weeks.
Norovirus may appear similar to Covid symptoms, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches.
According to figures published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there were 447 confirmed cases of the virus between October 14 and 27.
Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, the number of norovirus outbreaks reported in hospital settings is also 26 percent higher than the five-year average.
However, the actual number of cases, which only covers England, may be even higher.
This is because the figures are based on positive laboratory reports and NHS hospitals reporting suspected and confirmed norovirus outbreaks.
Most of those infected suffer nausea, diarrhea and vomiting and recover at home.
UKHSA said the rise in cases was largely due to the variant known as GII.17.
The strain has been nicknamed “Kawasaki” since it was first detected in the Japanese city in 2014.
“The rise of the variant has been observed in other counties and is being monitored closely,” the health agency said.
The virus is spread through close contact with someone infected; touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them and then touching your mouth; as well as eating food that has been handled by someone with norovirus.
Regular handwashing is the best way to stop the spread.
Norovirus can show symptoms similar to Covid, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches.
The stomach virus usually goes away on its own in two or three days.
But patients, who may also experience pain in their arms and legs, are advised to stay home until 48 hours after their symptoms have resolved.
However, in severe cases, some people may need to be hospitalized, with the elderly and children most at risk.
Health bosses often recommend rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Paracetamol can also relieve fever or aches and pains.
But last week, a health expert advised people to stay away from ibuprofen for fear it could irritate the lining of the stomach.
The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) could also increase the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers, according to Savneesh Bhogal, healthcare expert at Netex. saying.
This is because the medication reduces the production of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances made by the body) that protect the stomach lining.
The rise in cases also comes as a new vaccine that could prevent people from developing norovirus is being tested in the UK.
Moderna’s mRNA vaccine has entered its final stages of testing, the Health Secretary announced, and results so far show it creates a “strong immune response.”
