Norovirus reports in the two-week period to 2 February were higher than the previous two-week period.
Infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time.
Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director at UKHSA said:
“Norovirus cases are still exceptionally high and continue to rise. Half term usually provides a bit of a firebreak, so hopefully we will see a fall in numbers in the next few weeks. However, it’s really important that if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Please avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.
“Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. This is because you can still pass on the virus in the days after you stop being sick.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”
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