Health services across England are facing mounting pressure as a surge in norovirus cases leads to a dramatic spike in hospital admissions, prompting critical incident declarations at several NHS trusts.
Sharp Rise in Hospital Occupancy
The latest weekly figures from NHS England, published on 15 January 2026, paint a concerning picture. They show that in the previous week, an average of 567 hospital beds per day were occupied by patients suffering from symptoms of the highly contagious winter vomiting bug.
This represents a staggering 57% increase from the week before, when the daily average stood at 361 patients. The current figure is the highest recorded for norovirus patients so far this winter season.
Why Norovirus is So Stubborn and Contagious
Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy at Chemist4U, emphasised the deceptive nature of the virus. "Norovirus spreads much more easily than many people think," he warned. "It only takes a tiny amount of the virus to make you sick, and it can survive on surfaces for days."
Murphy advises the public to treat it as a stubborn infection. As a 'non-enveloped virus', it is resilient to standard alcohol-based hand gels and many common cleaners. Effective defence requires soap and warm water to physically remove it from hands, and bleach-based products to neutralise it on surfaces.
Expert Guidance on Prevention and Recovery
Pharmacist Jason Murphy outlines a two-pronged approach: stringent infection control to stop the spread, and supportive care to manage symptoms while the virus runs its course.
Key Prevention Strategies:
- Use disinfectants labelled as 'virucidal' or effective against non-enveloped viruses.
- Dilute bleach correctly for surface cleaning and ensure rooms are well-ventilated.
- Treat any vomiting incident as an airborne contamination event, cleaning a wide area.
- If possible, isolate the ill person with a dedicated bathroom, towels, and bin.
Symptom Management and Recovery:
The primary health risk is dehydration. Rehydration with electrolytes is superior to plain water. Sip small amounts every 5-10 minutes rather than drinking large volumes at once.
Once fluids are tolerated, paracetamol can help with fever and aches. Avoid ibuprofen if dehydrated. Use anti-diarrhoea medicines like loperamide with caution and avoid them for children or if a fever is present.
For severe nausea, consult a pharmacist or GP. When appetite returns, start with bland foods like toast, bananas, and rice, avoiding dairy and spicy items. Above all, rest is crucial to support the immune system.
Murphy concluded: "With the right support, most people recover well. Think of hydration, rest and symptom control as your treatment plan, and infection control as your prevention plan."
