Norovirus Cases Surge: NHS Reports Over 800 Adult Cases in a Week

The National Health Service (NHS) is facing significant pressure as cases of norovirus increased by 52% in just one week. Norovirus is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhea, and it spreads quickly in places where people are in close contact, such as hospitals and care homes. The rise in norovirus cases is putting additional strain on the already stretched NHS, which is struggling to cope with a backlog of appointments and surgeries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hospitals are experiencing higher than usual demand for emergency services, and some are having to cancel surgeries and appointments to free up beds for those who need them most. The NHS is urging people to stay away from hospitals if they have symptoms of norovirus and to seek medical advice from their GP or pharmacist instead.

The increase in norovirus cases is a reminder of the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and staying home if you feel unwell. The NHS is also reminding people to get vaccinated against the flu, which can cause similar symptoms to norovirus and can also put pressure on the health service.

📈 Hospital cases of adult norovirus increased by 50% over the past week, with 840 cases in the most recent week compared to 551 the previous week.

🏥 There were an average of 95,340 patients in hospital beds in the week of 6 to 12 March 2023, compared to 90,391 in the same week in 2022.

🩺 13,367 patients in hospital beds no longer meet the criteria to reside in the week of 6 to 12 March 2023 compared to 11,619 in the same week in 2022.

☎️ There were 333,778 NHS 111 calls answered in this week in 2023 compared with 297,586 in the previous week.

💪 Despite the increasing pressure on NHS staff, the NHS has managed to cut the number of people waiting over 18 months for care by over 9,000 in January compared to the previous month.

🚨 People are encouraged to continue seeking medical care by using 999 in an emergency or using 111 online for other conditions.

🌟 Summary: Hospital cases of adult norovirus have surged by 50% in the past week, while the number of patients in hospital beds has increased compared to the same week in 2022. Despite the challenges, the NHS is making progress against its elective recovery plan and people are encouraged to continue seeking medical care.

Original Source: https://westbridgfordwire.com/norovirus-cases-up-52-in-one-week-as-nhs-faces-significant-pressures/

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