Norovirus cases surge 57% in a week as Britons with key symptoms are told 'don't return to work'

Health authorities are now urging anyone suffering from symptoms to stay away from work, school and nurseries.

"If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, don't return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped," said Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency.

She also warned unwell people to avoid visiting hospitals and care homes to protect vulnerable patients.

The pressure on hospitals is growing, with 92 per cent of adult beds now occupied across the NHS – up five per cent from the previous week. Experts say this is the threshold where staff performance starts to suffer.

On January 11, more than 800 beds were filled by norovirus patients alone, nearly double the figure recorded just a week earlier.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been hit hardest, with 140 beds taken up by those with the bug.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust follows with 98 patients, while Hampshire Hospitals reported 69 cases.

Nottingham University Hospitals, which has declared a critical incident, had 56 beds occupied.

At least 10 NHS trusts have now declared critical incidents – the highest alert level, allowing staff to take emergency measures to free up capacity and safeguard patients.

Those on the list include East Suffolk and North Essex, South Warwickshire University, University Hospitals of North Midlands, Nottingham University Hospitals, and Sherwood Forest Hospitals.

Ashford and St Peter's, Royal Surrey, Epsom and St Helier, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare, and East Kent Hospitals have also raised the alarm.

The norovirus outbreak, combined with a resurgence of flu, is putting enormous strain on services that were already stretched thin.

NHS Surrey Heartlands reported "exceptionally high demand" driven by winter illnesses and respiratory infections.

Norovirus causes seven unpleasant symptoms, including diarrhoea and projectile vomiting – often striking simultaneously, which has earned it the grim nickname "two-bucket disease".

Sufferers also experience stomach cramps, muscle aches, nausea, headaches and fever. Young children may even develop seizures linked to high temperatures.

The bug spreads through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or food handled by someone carrying the virus.

Here's the crucial bit: hand sanitiser won't protect you because alcohol doesn't kill norovirus.

The only effective defence is washing your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Most people recover at home without needing hospital treatment.