Britons were today told to prepare for a “quadrupedemia” amid a rise in norovirus cases.
Vomiting virus numbers have risen more than 40 per cent in just a fortnight, increasing pressure on the health service before the season reaches its peak.
Covid, RSV and flu will also hit in the coming weeks, even though they are currently circulating at low levels, health experts predict.
Carolina Goncalves, pharmaceutical superintendent of Pharmaceuticalsaid: ‘The risk of a “quadrupledemia” is quite real for some people.
“Simultaneous outbreaks of Covid, flu, RSV and norovirus during colder months can trigger consecutive illnesses and may be exacerbated by seasonal factors, increased indoor gatherings and weak immune systems in some individuals.”
Norovirus can show symptoms similar to Covid, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches.
However, it also causes explosive vomiting and diarrhea.
The stomach virus usually goes away on its own in two or three days.
Norovirus may appear similar to Covid symptoms, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches.
Figures released today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed that cases of the winter virus increased by 41 per cent in just a fortnight.
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.
Health bosses recommend resting and drinking plenty of fluids.
However, in severe cases, some people may need to be hospitalized, with the elderly and children most at risk.
Figures released today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed that cases of the winter virus increased by 41 per cent in just a fortnight.
This is double the five-year average for the same two weeks.
Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, the number of norovirus outbreaks reported in hospital settings was also 37 percent higher than the five-year average.
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.
The XEC strain comes after health experts warned about the FLiRT variant sweeping the UK.
In addition to norovirus, Britons also suffer from other seasonal viruses.
Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, said: “We are approaching the winter season with higher than usual norovirus levels and we expect norovirus to spread further in the coming weeks.
‘Recently, we have seen the largest increase in cases in adults, especially those aged 65 and older.
‘To help reduce the spread of norovirus, steps can be taken to avoid transmitting the infection.
‘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.”
As well as norovirus, Brits are also getting sick from other seasonal viruses.
UKHSA data shows that cases of RSV, a common virus that can cause bronchiolitis in babies and children under two, have risen to 5.2 per cent in the last week.
Hospital admissions for this disease increased to 1.26 per 100,000, compared to 0.88.
Flu rates also increased to 2.7 percent, while Covid rates “remained stable.”
Covid hospitalizations decreased to 3.91 per 100,000 compared to 4.4 the previous week.
Dr Jamie López Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “The three main respiratory infections remain at low levels, although we expect Covid and flu to increase in the coming weeks, and RSV is already increasing, especially among minors. of 5 years.
‘Flu, Covid and RSV vaccines are being offered and we urge those in eligible groups who have not yet been booked to do so soon, before the peak season, to ensure they are protected heading into the winter months.
“Our current surveillance shows that around 13 per cent of sequenced Covid cases are of the XEC lineage; however, current information does not suggest we should be more concerned about this variant.”