Health experts warn that cases of norovirus remains at “very high levels” despite a recent drop in cases.
It comes as norovirus spread across the nation at a worrying rate at the start of 2025. While the situation appears to be improving, doctors are still on guard.
They have issued a now issued a warning to avoid mixing for two days if you have symptoms. The safest thing to do is to stay at home until you feel better.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England, warned that while the weather is warming, the latest figures were proof that winter pressures are far from over for NHS staff.
The NHS states: “Norovirus is continuing to pile pressure on NHS hospitals with over 40,000 bed days lost to the vomiting bug in February alone.
“Hospital staff needed to close an additional 273 unoccupied beds due to infection prevention and control, adding to pressures on capacity and meaning the NHS lost a total of 43,938 bed days to norovirus alone last month.”
The main symptoms of norovirus are feeling sick, vomiting and diarrhoea. The latest data shows a decrease in cases, but the health agency say cases are still at “very high levels”.
An average of 1,094 hospital beds were filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus type symptoms.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “Despite the sunnier weather this week showing some early signs of spring, these latest figures show winter is certainly not over for NHS staff who are continuing to work tirelessly to treat thousands of patients with norovirus and other nasty winter viruses each day.
“Last month the NHS lost almost 44,000 bed days to norovirus, adding to already incredibly pressured bed occupancy levels and with flu, RSV and staff absences all up on last year, we are certainly not out of the woods yet.
“To help stop the spread of norovirus it is important to remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and if you’re unwell to avoid mixing with other people until you have not had symptoms for two days.”
