Cases of the winter vomiting bug have rocketed by 13 per cent in just a week, official data reveal. Government statistics show 1,475 people have been infected with norovirus since July, compared to 1,294 last week.
The jump in cases, which has been increasing at a similar rate week-on-week since October, could hurt the NHS if it continues, experts fear.
It comes at time when the health service is already bracing itself for the dreaded 'Aussie flu', expected to be the 'worst outbreak in 50 years'.
Norovirus is one of the most common stomach infections in the UK and it is referred to winter vomiting bug as it usually occurs at this time of year.
Usually it clears up by itself within 24 to 48 hours but it can very serious for already frail patients, and can lead to dehydration.
The virus, which can also cause diarrhoea, is extremely contagious and can create huge disruption in hospitals as it spreads so quickly between patients.
But the winter vomiting bug has a tendency to mutate and some strains are worse than others, leading to higher numbers of infections.
The latest PHE figures, released yesterday, also show there were 10 outbreaks in hospitals - all of which led to ward closures or restrictions.
Earlier this week NHS Providers, which represents hospital trusts, said hospitals will be 'sorely tested' this winter.
Its comments were provoked by chief executives of two hospitals who admitted their bed occupancy rates are 98 per cent and 99 per cent respectively.
And concerned doctors warned patients will have to 'sleep, take paracetamol and pray' ahead of the impending winter crisis.
The NHS is expected to face unprecedented pressure in the coming months, as campaigners fear it will be disastrous amid soaring waiting lists in A&E.
The worries follow last year's winter crisis, which saw health secretary Jeremy Hunt beg people to stay away from turmoil-hit hospitals.
The Red Cross branded the situation a 'humanitarian crisis' - a term used to describe the devastating civil war in Syria and Yemen.
What you should (and shouldn’t) do
DO:
l Use a humidifier to counteract the drying effect of central heating
l Eat oranges, high in vitamin C, and oysters, abundant in zinc
l Gargle with salty water because it will help to loosen mucus
l Drink tea - it can provide a lift without adding to the dryness
DON'T:
l Drink hot-toddies and coffee because alcohol and caffeine are dehydrating
l Take aspirin. The over-counter-drug can dampen your immune response
l Speak too much because over-using your throat can make you feel worse
l Smoke or vape during the period of infection
