Britons have been warned to prepare for an alarming rise in potentially deadly noroviruses as the festive period approaches.
Rates of vomiting, which can also cause diarrhoea, are almost double the levels seen before Covid for this time of year, recent figures show.
During the previous fortnight, some 416 laboratory-confirmed reports were recorded in England. This is up from 216 during the same two weeks in 2019.
But cases are likely to “rise again as we approach Christmas”, health chiefs predict.
The experts said a particularly rampant variant It now accounts for almost 90 per cent of all cases and he urged Britons not to rely on alcohol gels to try to help “kill” the virus as they are not potent enough.
According to figures published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the total number of reports this year (2,849) was also more than double that of five years ago (1,208).
Cases have fallen slightly in recent fortnights, but scientists have warned the problem could simply be due to the mid-term and is likely to rise again.
Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, the number of norovirus outbreaks reported in hospital settings is also 10 percent higher than the five-year average.
During the previous fortnight, some 416 laboratory-confirmed reports were recorded in England. This is up from 216 during the same two weeks in 2019.
However, the actual number of cases nationwide 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.
But norovirus can increase pressure on hospitals because infected patients must be isolated in individual rooms or wards must be closed to new patients to contain the spread.
UKHSA epidemiologist Amy Douglas said: “The half-term school holidays are likely to have interrupted the upward trend we have been seeing recently in norovirus levels, but cases are likely to rise again as we We are approaching Christmas.
‘If you have diarrhea and vomiting, do not return to work, school, or daycare until 48 hours after your symptoms have gone away, and do not prepare food for others during that time.
‘If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and nursing homes to avoid spreading the infection in these settings.
‘Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop the spread of infection.
Norovirus may appear similar to Covid symptoms, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches.
“Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so don’t rely on them alone.”
The UKHSA said the rise in cases was largely due to the variant known as GII.17.
The strain, which now accounts for 87 percent of cases, was nicknamed “Kawasaki” as it was first detected in the Japanese city in 2014.
It does not cause more severe symptoms than previous outbreaks, but it is believed to be much more infectious.
In response to a Mail on Sunday column written by Dr Ellie Cannon earlier this month, readers wrote detailing how it had affected them.
A 69-year-old woman described experiencing “the most aggressive diarrhea and nausea” after caring for her granddaughter. Another spoke of her 29-year-old son being “completely crushed” by the virus.
Paul Pardon, 73, says he contracted the “excruciating” virus after returning from a holiday.
“It came out of nowhere,” says the former IT consultant from Reading. ‘I couldn’t get more than a few meters away from the bathroom before I had to run back.
‘This went on for days. During that time I couldn’t eat it all. He also had a terrible fever and was shaking constantly.’
Most people will not need to talk to a doctor about a norovirus infection.
In most cases, it will go away on its own.
Health bosses often recommend rest and drinking plenty of fluids to aid recovery. Paracetamol can also relieve fever or aches and pains.
Rehydration drinks, such as Dioralyte, which replace essential salts and water, can be purchased from the pharmacist.
Parents are advised to avoid giving soft drinks or fruit juices to children with norovirus, as this can make diarrhea worse.
Many patients also ask their doctor for antibiotics, but these are not effective against viruses.
However, patients with particularly severe vomiting and diarrhea may be given anti-nausea medication from a GP.