Norovirus above average, and flu season may start early

Winter has not arrived yet, but cases of norovirus, the winter vomiting bug, are running above average, and health officials say the flu season could be starting early.

Norovirus

The UK Health Security Agency's latest data shows that norovirus laboratory reports in late August and September were 36.9% higher than the five-season average for the same four weeks. Activity has fallen in recent weeks and is within expected levels, but it is still higher than usual for the time of year.

Cases usually peak between November and April, when people spend more time indoors.

Symptoms start one to two days after infection and usually last two or three days. The main symptoms are:

• suddenly feeling sick
• projectile vomiting
• watery diarrhoea

Some people also have a high temperature, a headache and aching arms and legs.

Stay at home for 48 hours

The NHS says people with norovirus should not go to work or school, and should stay at home for at least 48 hours after the vomiting and diarrhoea have stopped. They should also stay away from care homes and hospitals and avoid visiting anyone with a weakened immune system.

Norovirus spreads easily, through close contact with someone who has it, by touching surfaces they have touched, or by eating food they have prepared, and it can survive for days on surfaces. The best way to stop it spreading is to wash hands with soap and water, because alcohol gels do not kill it. Avoid sharing towels, cups and cutlery, and clean hard surfaces with a bleach-based product.

Most people get better at home, but drinking plenty of fluids is important to avoid dehydration. Call 111 for advice if symptoms are severe, or 999 in an emergency.

Flu

There are also signs that flu has arrived early. The UK Health Security Agency said flu activity throughout September was higher than in the same period over the past four winters.

"While levels remain at baseline, meaning still relatively low overall, the upward trend, if it continues in the coming weeks, suggests an early flu season," it said. "The rise so far has been driven largely by cases in the 18 to 24-year-old age group."

A Birmingham GP who runs an online illness map, Dr Dean Eggitt, has reported a widespread respiratory illness with sore throats, runny noses, congestion and coughs, with reports in Washwood Heath, Edgbaston and Bordesley among other places.

Anyone eligible for a free flu vaccine, including people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, young children and people with some long-term conditions, is being urged to book it as soon as possible through the NHS App, a GP practice or a pharmacy.