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NHS data released today has sparked concerns we may be on the cusp of a surge in a nasty sickness bug.

People being hospitalised with norovirus in England saw a 57% rise during just last week. NHS data shows an average of 567 hospital beds were filled each day last week by patients with the diarrhoea and vomiting bug. While this is still much lower than the peak of infections last winter the steep increase in just a week has sparked concerns it is about to see a dramatic increase after children returned to schools after the Christmas holidays.

Later today the UK Health Security Agency will release latest infection data later from surveillance labs which will indicate whether infections are increasing as sharply in the wider community. It comes as high rates of flu hospitalisations showed a slight drop off last week with an average of 2,725 patients hospitalised in England, down from 2,924 the previous week.

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Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England’s Medical Director, said: “While it’s positive that the number of flu cases in hospital is falling, this comes after a rise following the festive period, leaving bed occupancy very high so it is clear we are still in the thick of winter."

According to the NHS symptoms of norovirus usually start “suddenly” and can include feeling sick, vomiting, and diarrhoea. People can also experience a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain, and body aches and pains.

If someone is experiencing any symptoms health chiefs say they should not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days. You should also avoid hospitals and care homes for the same period.

You should start to feel better in two to three days. The NHS adds: “The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.”

Google Trends saw a 5,500% increase in searches for "how to know if you have norovirus" in the last week.

The NHS advice states you should:

• Wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet or changing nappies (alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus)
• Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or eating food
• Wash clothes and bedding that has poo or vomit on it on a 60C wash and separately from other laundry
• Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
• Avoid contact with others as much as possible.

The NHS states that if you or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days you should call 111.