BRITONS have been told not to go to A&E as winter bug cases explode – and a “tidal wave” of flu overwhelms the NHS.
Public health experts have warned those with norovirus to stay home amid fears of an increase in the highly transmissible infection.
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People in Northamptonshire have been told not to go to hospital if they have norovirusCredit: Getty
They said the bug could be infesting hospitals where patients are already sick with other illnesses, such as the flu.
This comes as the usual rise in norovirus cases “started early” this year, according to the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA).
Medical director of University Hospitals Northamptonshire, Hermant Nemade, said: “It can create problems in hospitals if [norovirus] it is brought into an environment where patients are already sick due to other medical conditions.
“Because the virus is highly contagious, this means we have to take extra precautions such as increased cleaning and reduced movement in infected wards, which may lead to visiting restrictions.”
Sally Burns, director of public health at West Northamptonshire Council, also warned against putting unnecessary pressure on health services.
She said: “It’s really important to stay away from hospitals and other healthcare facilities, such as GP surgeries, as most people can manage their symptoms at home without any medical intervention.”
Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
The NHS advises those with the virus to rest and drink fluids.
Patients should feel better in about two to three days.
The concern over the rise in norovirus cases comes amid a “tidal wave” of flu – in which one in four Britons of all ages have tested positive, according to the UKHSA.
Earlier this month, an average of 1,861 flu patients were hospitalized each day, up from 1,099 the previous week – 3.5 times more than the same time last year.
Health chiefs have asked Britons to get vaccinated now if they are eligible to avoid “holiday flu” before it is “too late”.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, head of NHS England, said: “The tidal wave of cases of flu and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really worrying for patients and the NHS – the figures add to our concerns about a ‘quad-demic’.”
He added: “With a week left to book your vaccine, I cannot stress enough the importance of ordering to protect yourself from serious illness and avoid ‘holiday flu’.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “As A&Es face record demand, we continue to encourage people to protect themselves, their families and the NHS by getting vaccinated before it’s too late.”
What are the symptoms of norovirus and how to treat it?
Symptoms:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhea
- be sick (vomit)
- high temperature
- headache
- painful hands and feet
Treatments:
- Rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- You should feel better in 2 to 3 days
Source: NHS
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Experts fear the bug could be invading hospitalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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