Norovirus cases up 60% in the past 2 weeks
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This weekly bulletin brings together the latest surveillance data,
along with the latest public health advice for flu, COVID-19,
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other viruses. Latest The UK
Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding people of the steps
they can take to halt the spread of norovirus. Latest data shows
that cases have increased 61.1% in the last 2 weeks, compared to
the previous 2-week period. There has been a significant rise in
cases in adults aged...Request free
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This weekly bulletin brings together the latest surveillance data, along with the latest public health advice for flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other viruses. Latest The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding people of the steps they can take to halt the spread of norovirus. Latest data shows that cases have increased 61.1% in the last 2 weeks, compared to the previous 2-week period. There has been a significant rise in cases in adults aged 65 and over, and outbreaks in hospital settings have increased too. To help reduce the spread, people are urged to make sure they practice good hygiene. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so washing hands regularly with warm soapy water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces are the best steps people can take to protect themselves and reduce the chance of further spread. Despite this increase in norovirus, the latest respiratory surveillance data shows that flu, COVID-19 and RSV levels continue to fall. Although general trends show that RSV is declining, levels remain unchanged in older adults, which is why it's important that those eligible ensure they are protected with vaccination. However, respiratory viruses can be unpredictable, which is why it's important that people continue to take necessary precautions to ensure this downward trend continues. Getting vaccinated if eligible, making sure indoor spaces are well-ventilated and staying home where possible if you have symptoms, are all things that help reduce the spread. If you need to go out when you have symptoms, consider wearing a face covering, particularly if visiting vulnerable people. Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: Norovirus cases have remained high in recent weeks and continues to rise, particularly among people aged 65 and over. This increase is in line with what we expected following Christmas, and we are now seeing hospital outbreaks begin to climb as well. We should all remember the simple steps we can all take to stop norovirus spreading. Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don't rely on these alone. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, don't 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. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection to those most vulnerable. Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: While trends are heading in the right direction, it's important to remember that we are not yet at the end of the flu season and people should still take necessary steps to reduce the spread, particularly around those more vulnerable. Although activity is declining in general, cases of RSV in older adults have remained at similar levels for the past few weeks which is why we urge those eligible to come forward for the vaccine. The RSV vaccination programme is open year-round for pregnant women and older adults aged 75 to 80 who haven't yet had a dose. For flu, the NHS still has vaccine appointments available for those most at risk. If you are eligible and haven't yet taken up the offer, you should get vaccinated now to ensure you are protected for the remainder of the season. In the week between 12 January and 18 January 2026:
The flu, COVID-19 and RSV surveillance report and the national norovirus and rotavirus surveillance reports: 2025 to 2026 season are published weekly. Norovirus surveillance data between weeks 2 and 3 of 2026 (5 to 18 January 2026) In weeks 2 and 3:
Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs. Norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time Flu surveillance data for week 3 (12 to 18 January 2026) In week 3:
For the 2025/26 season's vaccination programme, children and pregnant women have been eligible since 1 September, with other groups eligible from 1 October. Up to the end of week 3 of 2026 (18 January), vaccine uptake stands at:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 3 (12 to 18 January 2026) In week 3:
COVID-19 surveillance data for week 3 (12 to 18 January 2026) In week 3:
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