Tsunami of winter illnesses continues. Norovirus hospital cases reach highest level since records began in 2012.
Last week an average 1,160 patients a day were in English hospitals with the vomiting bug, double the same period last year. This was up 22% on the week before. Over 1% of beds were occupied by patients with Norovirus. Norovirus puts added pressure on hospitals because they must isolate and clean infected wards – nearly 300 empty beds a day were taken out of action because of this.
Most healthy people recover from Norovirus in a few days, but it can cause serious problems in vulnerable people and young children. It spreads very easily – with just a few viral particles needed to infect someone – for example through close contact with someone who has the virus, or by eating food prepared by someone with it. It can also stick around on surfaces so it’s thought likely some patients catch it in hospital. Can you catch Norovirus twice? Yes.
If you have Norovirus
- Stay home and don’t return to work or school until two days after the vomiting and diarrhoea have stopped
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- Many household disinfectants don’t work well against the virus and nor do alcohol hand gels
- If you’re concerned – for example if a young child isn’t able to keep fluids down or the illness doesn’t stop after a few days – seek medical advice.
English hospitals recently had their busiest week of this winter. Over 98,000 patients, on average, were in hospital beds each day with 96% of adult beds occupied. The twin pressures of winter viruses and problems discharging patients means hospitals are close to full – even though more beds have been opened to manage increased demand. Rising pressures on hospitals have led to patients facing long delays in A&E and ambulances queuing outside.
Flu rates overall decreased and were at medium activity levels – there continues to be an increase in influenza B. Covid activity remained stable and was at baseline activity levels. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) activity decreased against most indicators and was circulating at baseline levels.
GP practices across Mid & South Essex delivered almost seven million appointments in 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year, with 75% of consultations conducted in person. Local pharmacies provided over 99,000 consultations through the Pharmacy First service last year.
English TB cases increased in 2024 by 13% compared to 2023, continuing the upward trend over recent years. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of infected poeple. It’s a serious condition that can be cured with proper treatment.
Women’s Super League fans are first to see a new campaign on cervical cancer awareness aiming to drive uptake of the HPV vaccine and cervical screening. There’s a new campaign to encourage women to attend breast screening appointments. This week will see the launch of the ‘Love Your Lungs’ campaign aimed at tackling the growing issue of underage e-cigarette use. Public health news is on our website and in weekly e-newsletters. SWF Library provides online services and help with internet access. For health & welfare information and subscription to our newsletter, email swfhealthsocial@outlook.com , or leave voicemails on 01245 322079.