![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_pexels-karolina-grabowska-5207239.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe latest NHS England figures showed the highest level so far this winter<\/p>\n
Steven Smith Content Editor<\/p>\n
08:04, 19 Jan 2026Updated 09:54, 19 Jan 2026<\/p>\n
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Norovirus is commonly associated with winter, but can be caught at any time(Image: Pexels)<\/p>\n
Norovirus cases are continuing to rise, with several NHS trusts now declaring a ‘critical incident’ due to a surge of admissions for norovirus and flu. NHS<\/a> England’s latest weekly figures, published on January 15, showed an average of 567 hospital beds filled each day the previous week by patients with norovirus symptoms.<\/p>\n This was up 57% from the previous week\u2019s average of 361 and was the highest figure for norovirus patients so far this winter. It is a fast-spreading virus and knowing how to reduce the risks is important.<\/p>\n Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy at Chemist4U<\/a>, said: \u201cNorovirus spreads much more easily than many people think. It only takes a tiny amount of the virus to make you sick, and it can survive on surfaces for days. As cases continue to rise, it\u2019s important to go beyond basic hygiene and adopt more targeted measures to protect yourself and those around you.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople often think or norovirus as a quick \u2018in and out\u2019 bug, but it\u2019s incredibly stubborn and easy to pass on. As a pharmacist, I look at norovirus in two ways: how we stop it spreading, and how we can support our body while the virus runs its course. There\u2019s no cure for the virus itself, but there\u2019s a lot we can do to make symptoms more manageable and reduce complications like dehydration.”<\/p>\n Jason has given advice on norovirus avoidance, treatment and recovery.<\/p>\n Norovirus tips and recovery advice<\/p>\n Treat it like a resistant infection \u2013 Norovirus is a \u2018non-enveloped virus\u2019, which makes it resistant to alcohol hand gels and many household cleaners. Soap and warm water physically remove the virus from your hands, and bleach chemically inactivates it on surfaces.<\/p>\n Choose cleaning products like medicine \u2013 Look for disinfectants labelled \u2018virucidal\u2019 or \u2018effective against non-enveloped viruses\u2019. If it doesn\u2019t say this, it\u2019s unlikely to work against norovirus.<\/p>\n Think in terms of correct \u2018dose\u2019 of bleach \u2013 Bleach must be diluted properly: too weak and it won\u2019t kill the virus, too strong and it can irritate your lungs and skin. Always make sure the room has adequate ventilation before using bleach to clean and always follow the instructions on the bleach label.<\/p>\n Treat vomiting as an exposure event \u2013 In healthcare, vomiting is treated as airborne contamination. Clean wider than the visible area, ventilate well, and assume nearby soft furnishings may be affected.<\/p>\n Isolate like a mini ward \u2013 If you can, have one bathroom, one towel set, and one bin for whoever is unwell. This will mirror a hospital\u2019s infection-control practice and reduces the spread of the virus.<\/p>\n Feeling sick is a main symptom of norovirus(Image: Pexels)<\/p>\n How to treat norovirus symptoms<\/p>\n Rehydration is your main \u2018treatment\u2019 – Dehydration is the biggest medical risk with norovirus. Electrolytes<\/a> are better than plain water because they replace the salts in your body as well as fluid.<\/p>\n Dose fluids like medication \u2013 Take small sips every 5-10 minutes rather than trying to quickly drink large drinks. This reduces vomiting and improves absorption.<\/p>\n Pain relief \u2013 When you\u2019re able to keep fluids down, paracetamol is the safest option for symptoms like fever, headaches, and body aches. Avoid ibuprofen if you\u2019re dehydrated or vomiting heavily as it can irritate your stomach and put strain on your kidneys.<\/p>\n![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_pexels-olly-3768582.jpg\")
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