
UK Hospitals Overwhelmed by Winter Bug Surge: Cases Soar 80% – Watch for These 3 Warning Signs
0
Britons are being urged to recognize three key symptoms of a highly contagious winter bug, as hospitals face a significant surge in norovirus cases. According to the latest NHS update, norovirus levels are currently 80 percent higher than they were at this time last year, marking the highest January figures since 2020.
New data indicates that an average of 784 patients per day were admitted to hospitals with norovirus during the week ending January 19, 2025, up from 650 the previous week. This sharp increase has contributed to hospitals across the nation being “extremely busy,” with 96 percent of adult hospital beds occupied.
Alarmingly, almost one in seven of these occupied beds (13,710) are taken by patients who do not require hospitalization and could be safely discharged, the NHS reported. Norovirus is not the only strain burdening healthcare facilities this winter.
Cases of flu, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain elevated. While flu rates have decreased since their peak, they remain nearly two and a half times higher than last year, with an average of 3,833 patients hospitalized daily, including 176 in critical care. Additionally, more than a thousand patients (1,071) were hospitalized with Covid-19 each day last week.
RSV cases saw a slight decrease, with 29 children hospitalized daily, yet this is still a 91 percent increase compared to the same period last year, as reported by the Mirror. Professor Julian Redhead, NHS National Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, addressed the situation, stating: “NHS hospitals have been hit by a surge in norovirus cases over the last week – with the highest level recorded in any January since 2020.
This, along with higher than normal rates of flu and other winter viruses – and continued issues in delays in discharging patients – means hospitals remain extremely busy with patients. Staff are working incredibly hard to see patients as quickly as possible, and it is welcome news that flu cases have now peaked.
Patients should continue to use 111 and 111 online if they need advice and support for health conditions and call 999 or go to A&E in life-threatening emergencies.” The NHS has highlighted three primary symptoms of norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug:
Additional symptoms may include a high temperature, headache, and aching arms and legs. Symptoms typically emerge suddenly within one to two days of infection. Norovirus spreads through close contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces or objects, and consuming food prepared or handled by someone with the virus. The NHS advises frequent handwashing with soap and water, as alcohol-based hand gels are ineffective against norovirus.
If symptoms develop, individuals are advised to stay off work or school until they have been free of sickness and diarrhea for at least two days, the period during which they are most contagious. The NHS also recommends avoiding visits to hospitals or care homes during this time to prevent further spread.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting commented on the ongoing pressures, saying: “Despite the work we did to end the strikes and roll out the new RSV vaccine, hospitals up and down the country are still facing significant pressure, and patients continue to face unacceptable levels of care this winter. It’s welcome that flu rates are starting to decline and ambulance handovers are improving – but we’re not out of the woods yet.
If you’re eligible, it’s not too late to get your flu vaccination – contact your local pharmacy or GP to protect yourself this winter.” As winter continues, the NHS urges the public to remain vigilant, recognize symptoms early, and take necessary precautions to mitigate the spread of these highly contagious viruses.