Brits were today warned of an alarming rise in contagious norovirus as cases hit their highest level in a decade.
Rates of vomiting, which can also cause diarrhoea, are also more than double the levels seen before Covid for this time of year, recent figures show.
Health chiefs fear the outbreak will continue to accelerate in the coming weeks as a result of more people socializing indoors over Christmas and New Year.
They urged people with symptoms to limit contact with vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying illnesses, for fear of becoming seriously ill.
It comes as experts have already warned the health service must prepare for a ‘quadraemia’ driven by the four winter illnesses – flu, Covid, norovirus and cold-like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Separate flu figures also published today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that cases and hospitalizations have continued to rise.
Just over one in five tests (21.7 per cent) of Britons of all ages with coughs and colds carried out at the end of last week came back positive for the flu virus.
Rates were highest among children ages 5 to 14, at 39.8 percent, up from 30 percent the previous week.
Rates of vomiting, which can also cause diarrhoea, are also more than double the levels seen before Covid for this time of year, new figures show.
Health leaders today warned that the rise “threatens to overwhelm an NHS and workforce already in crisis”.
According to figures published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the total number of norovirus reports this year (4,523) was also more than double that of five years ago (2,057).
There were 782 confirmed cases of the bug between November 25 and December 8.
It represents an increase of one fifth compared to the 649 reported the previous fortnight and almost double that of five years ago (400).
Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, the number of norovirus outbreaks reported in hospital settings is also 24 percent higher than the five-year average.
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.
Norovirus may appear similar to Covid symptoms, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches.
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: “Norovirus cases remain high and the latest figures remain the highest reported at this time of year in a decade.”
‘If you have contracted the virus, take steps to avoid spreading the infection this holiday season.
‘The very young, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of more severe illness from norovirus.
‘If you have diarrhea and/or vomiting, avoid visiting people in hospitals and nursing homes to prevent the spread of infection in these settings.
‘If you feel unwell, do not return to work, school or childcare until 48 hours after your symptoms have disappeared and do not prepare food for other people during that time.
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.
It comes as separate NHS data published today also suggests flu hospital admissions in England have already surpassed last year’s peak and are reaching their highest level so far this winter.
Figures show that more than 2,600 beds have been occupied by flu patients, an increase of almost 40 per cent on last week (1,795).
Of them, 125 were in critical care, 90 percent more than in the previous seven days.
NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “The NHS has been hit hard by an early festive flu season, increasing pressure on staff as they prepare for the long winter ahead.” .
‘In response to the spate of flu cases so early in the season, the NHS has been making it as easy as possible for people to protect themselves with the vaccine, including vaccination centers in supermarket car parks and football clubs.
‘As children finish school and friends and families gather over the Christmas period, we expect viruses to continue to spread.
Patricia Marquis, chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing in England, also said: “As people prepare for the holidays, nursing staff are struggling to keep the service together and are deeply worried about what the coming weeks will bring.”
“Across the NHS beds are full, A&E is facing increasing pressures, while the rising number of flu cases threatens to overwhelm an NHS and workforce already in crisis.”