CASES of a winter virus that causes violent bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea are surging in the UK - with hospitalisations at a five-year high. Norovirus , known as the ' winter vomiting bug', is more prevalent this time of year with people staying indoors more. But this year's wave of norovirus has proven particularly bad, with new data revealing levels of the virus in hospitals in England are 80 per cent higher than the same period last year.
The figures published by the NHS today also show 784 patients a day were in hospital with norovirus last week (Jan 19), up from 650 the previous week. And levels are the highest seen in hospitals in any January since 2020. Norovirus can be very unpleasant, but usually takes about two days to go away.
Read more on norovirus The main symptoms, according to the NHS , are: feeling sick (nausea) diarrhoea being sick (vomiting) You may also have: a high temperature a headache aching arms and legs Most read in Health You can usually treat norovirus at home - the most important thing to do is rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. But in some cases norovirus can turn life-threatening, especially for people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and young children. You should call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child experience the following four symptoms: vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee have green vomit (adults) or have yellow-green or green vomit (children) have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bri.
