NOROVIRUS cases that have left sufferers “curled up on the bathroom floor” are soaring, official data shows.
Some 1,653 people in England have been infected with the "vile" vomiting bug this year up to November 26, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
This is seven per cent higher than the five-year average, with patients warning it "feels like the worst hangover ever".
There were 249 positive lab tests in the two weeks up to November 26 alone, up 41 per cent on the previous two weeks.
Sufferers have taken to social media to share how they have been left sickened by the virus.
One X user called Lisa said: “Spent most of last night and today curled up on bathroom floor just to be near loo and a sick bucket with norovirus symptoms.
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“Hoping that Imodium and Cyclizine will keep symptoms at bay so I can sleep.
“Won't be able to go to my hospital appointment tomorrow cos of it.”
Matthew Blackwood said: “Up till 4am with all five children, well one is 18, vomiting from norovirus.
“Still hoping my wife and I don't succumb.”
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Dave, from Scotland, said: “Norovirus — feels like the worst hangover ever!”
And another person said: “Norovirus is vile and really knocks you about.
“Best thing I found to help was Lucozade sport – mind you that is my go to hangover cure too.”
Norovirus is the most common infectious cause of diarrhoea and vomiting.
It spreads easily through contact with someone who has the virus or with contaminated surfaces.
While most people make a full recovery within two or three days, the virus can lead to dehydration, especially among the very young, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.
Health officials warned the number of people in hospital with norovirus and other winter illnesses like flu is “creeping up” ahead of Christmas.
An average of 406 adult hospital beds were filled last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, according to data from NHS England.
Up till 4am with all five children vomiting from norovirus. Still hoping my wife and I don't succumb.
That was up 16 per cent from 351 beds the previous week and more than quarter on this point last year, when the average stood at 318.
Dr Lesley Larkin, of the UKHSA, said: “While reports of norovirus cases have been rising across all age groups, in recent weeks the increase has been highest in children aged zero to four years.
“As norovirus activity increases it's important we take steps to try and stop it spreading.
“If you or a family member have been sick with norovirus, you should avoid visiting hospitals and care homes, and not return to work, school or nursery, until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.
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“Using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop the virus from spreading.
“Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration which can result in hospitalisation, particularly for the most vulnerable.”
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
The main symptoms of norovirus are:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhoea
- being sick (vomiting)
You may also have:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- aching arms and legs
The symptoms start suddenly within one to two days of being infected.
Source: The NHS
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