BRITS have been told not to go to A&E as cases of a winter bug explode – and a “tidal wave” of flu swamps the NHS.
Public health experts have warned those with norovirus to stay at home amid fears of a surge in the highly-transmittable infection.
They said the bug could rip through hospitals where patients are already unwell with other illnesses, such as the flu.
It comes as the usual spike in norovirus cases has “begun early” this year, according to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Medical director at the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, Hermant Nemade, said: “It can create problems in hospitals if [norovirus] is brought into an environment where patients are already unwell through other medical conditions.
“Because the virus is very infectious, it means we need to take additional precautions such as enhanced cleaning and reduced movement on affected wards, which can lead to restrictions in visiting.”
Sally Burns, the director of public health on West Northamptonshire Council, also cautioned against putting unnecessary pressure on health services.
She said: “It’s really important that you keep away from hospital and other healthcare settings, such as GP practices, as most people can manage their symptoms at home without any medical intervention.”
Norovirus is a a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
The NHS advises those who have the virus to rest and hydrate with fluids.
Patients should start feeling better in around two to three days.
Concerns about a surge in norovirus cases come amid a “tidal wave” of flu – in which one in four tests on Brits of all ages tested positive, according to the UKHSA.
Earlier this month, an average of 1,861 flu patients were in hospital every day, up from 1,099 the previous week – 3.5 times higher than the same time last year.
Health chiefs pleaded with Brits to get vaccinated immediately if eligible to avoid “festive flu” before it was “too late”.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, boss of NHS England, said: “The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and for the NHS – the figures are adding to our ‘quad-demic’ worries.”
He added: “With one week left to book your vaccine, I cannot stress enough the importance of getting booked in to protect yourself against serious illness and to avoid ‘festive flu.'”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, said: “With A&Es facing record demand, we are continuing to encourage people to protect themselves, their family, and the NHS by getting vaccinated before it’s too late.”
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Source: NHS
