A record number of patients are in hospital with Norovirus in England, according to data from NHS England.
Gatekeepers News reports that last week, an average of 1,160 patients per day were hospitalised with the vomiting bug, double the number from the same period last year.
This represents a 22% increase from the previous week and the highest level since records began in 2012. As a result, more than 1% of hospital beds are occupied by patients with Norovirus.
The outbreak is putting added pressure on hospitals, with nearly 300 beds taken out of action each day due to the need for isolation and cleaning.
NHS England medical director Prof Sir Stephen Powis said: “It is concerning to see the number of patients with Norovirus hit an all-time high… To help stop the spread of Norovirus, it is important to remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water and avoid mixing with other people until you have not had symptoms for two days.”
While most healthy people recover from Norovirus within a few days, it can cause serious problems in vulnerable individuals and young children.
The virus is highly contagious and can spread through close contact, contaminated food, and surfaces.
