{"id":203519,"date":"2026-02-03T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hillfoothealth.nhs.uk\/?p=203519"},"modified":"2026-02-03T12:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T12:00:00","slug":"health-advice-as-norovirus-cases-spike-in-the-north-west","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hillfoothealth.nhs.uk\/?p=203519","title":{"rendered":"Health advice as norovirus cases spike in the North West"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Health leaders in the North West have issued advice on preventing the spread of norovirus following a spike of people in the region\u2019s hospitals with the virus.<\/p>\n

Latest data shows that in the North West, an average of 164 patients a day were in hospital with the \u2018winter vomiting bug\u2019 in the week up to 25 January \u2013 more than two-thirds higher than the same week last year and an increase of 30% from the previous week (week ending 18 January), when an average of 126 beds per day were occupied by a patient with norovirus. <\/p>\n

Nationally, an average of over 1,100 adult beds were closed or occupied due to the virus each day.<\/p>\n

Dr Paula Cowan, a GP and Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, said:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cNorovirus can be a deeply unpleasant and debilitating illness, especially for those with underlying medical condition, and it\u2019s vital people do everything they can to stop it spreading.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus, but you can prevent the spread of norovirus by frequent handwashing with soap and water. <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can usually treat norovirus at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol if you need it to bring down high temperatures and ease any discomfort.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director, UKHSA North West, said:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cNorovirus activity has remained high in recent weeks in the North West. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs.<\/p>\n

\u201cNorovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children, older people and those who are immunocompromised, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have diarrhoea and vomiting, it’s really important to take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Please avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent spreading the infection in these settings.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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NHS advice for treating norovirus includes:<\/p>\n