‘STOP THE SPREAD’
Storm of horror winter D&V infections cripples NHS as cases hit all-time high – and experts issue urgent warning
Plus, the latest on a norovirus vaccine
HOSPITALS in England have been hit by a storm of norovirus infections, with cases reaching a record high.
As well as bouts of violent vomiting, the winter vomiting bug can cause a high temperature, diarrhoea, and aching arms and legs - and in some cases can prove life-threatening, .
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According to the latest data from NHS England, an average of 1,160 patients a day were in hospital with norovirus last week - a 22 per cent surge on the previous week, and more than double the same period last year.
While most people with norovirus start to feel better in two to three days, infections can turn life-threatening, primarily because it can lead to severe dehydration due to intense vomiting and diarrhoea.
This is particularly dangerous for vulnerable people like young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England, said: “It is concerning to see the number of patients with norovirus hit an all-time high and there is no let up for hospital staff who are working tirelessly to treat more than a thousand patients each day with the horrible bug, on top of other winter viruses.
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“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."
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, added: “Norovirus cases are still exceptionally high and continue to rise, though we are hopeful that the school half term provides a break. It remains important to take steps to avoid passing on the infection.
“Norovirus remains high in other settings like hospitals and care homes too, and can be more severe in older adults, younger children and those who are immunocompromised.
"Please do not visit hospitals and care homes or return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others as you can still pass on the virus."
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Amy also warned alcohol gels don't kill norovirus.
Instead, she advised: "Wash your hands with soapy warm water and clean surfaces with bleach-based products where possible to help stop infections from spreading.”
HSE advise deep cleaning and handwashing to avoid Norovirus bug after Irish schools affected
Symptoms of norovirus listed by the NHS include:
- feeling sick
- being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
- a high temperature
- a headache
- tummy pain
- body aches and pains
It also warns of more serious symptoms to look out for that may require hospitalisation.
It recommends calling 999 or going to A&E if you or your child:
- vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
- have green vomit (adults)
- have yellow-green or green vomit (children)
- may have swallowed something poisonous
- have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- have a sudden, severe headache
- have a sudden, severe tummy ache
- have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue - on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- are having severe difficulty breathing, or taking lots of quick, short breaths
- are confused or not responding as usual
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NHS staff have faced one of the most challenging winters it has ever had with huge demand, high bed occupancy and pressure from other winter viruses.
The new data revealed flu cases in hospital have continued to fall, but are still putting pressure on front-line services, with an average of 1,755 patients with flu in beds last week - including 87 in critical care, down 14 per cent on the week before.
There were 22 children on average in hospital with RSV each day last week, up 83 per cent from 12 the week before and 144 per cent higher than nine last year.
The number of patients with Covid rose slightly on the week before, up 3 per cent from 952 to 984.
Pressure on hospital capacity remained high last week with 95.4 per cent of adult beds occupied, and a total of 97,152 patients in hospital each day.
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And delays discharging patients to settings like social or community care continued to have an impact on capacity, with almost one in seven beds (13,767) taken up by patients who didn't need to be there.
Professor Powis said: "Hospitals continue to run at near capacity, with added pressure from almost one in seven beds taken up by patients who don’t need to be in hospital, and as these pressure continue it is vital that the public continue to use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies and use NHS 111 – and 111 online – if you need advice and support for other conditions.”
Norovirus vaccine in development
THERE are currently no licensed norovirus vaccines in use anywhere in the world.
But a global trial is underway, with 25,000 volunteers taking part.
After a surge in hospitalisations this winter, doctors hope a vaccine could lead to fewer hospital admissions and fewer wards being closed.
The Nova 301 trial will see a vaccine developed by pharmaceutical firm Moderna and 2,500 volunteers in the UK taking part.
Like Moderna's vaccine used in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the study involves messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA).
When used in vaccines, mRNA shows the body's cells some genetic code from the bacteria or virus.
This doesn't cause infection but can teach the body how to defend itself.
The body reads and translates the code and its own natural immune cells take over.
If the trial is successful, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will decide whether it can be licensed.
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