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NHS bosses have urged the public to do all they can to avoid a "second surge" of a common winter virus that can feel "very unpleasant". It was recently reported that cases are already taking up more than 1,000 hospital beds in England.

In a recent post on X, a spokesperson for NHS England said: "Norovirus cases in NHS hospitals have risen to their highest level so far this winter, with an average of 1,012 patients in hospital each day. These numbers have more than doubled since early January and have risen for the second week in a row."

The national service is bracing for what has been called a "second surge" of the norovirus, also known as the vomiting bug. Figures published this week show the average number of patients in hospital with norovirus each day this week rose to over 1,000 for the first time this winter (1,012).

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NHS national medical director, Dr Claire Fuller, said: “It’s vital that we do all we can to avoid a second surge in norovirus at a time when the NHS remains flat out coping with winter pressures. The public has a huge role to play in stopping the spread of this bug by taking some simple precautions, like good hand hygiene with regular handwashing with soap and water.

“If you have symptoms, stay home, rest and drink fluids, and please don’t go to places like schools, workplaces, hospitals, and care homes until you have been symptom-free for at least two days. If you have any concerns about norovirus symptoms, local pharmacies can provide support and advice and remedies, or please contact 111 or use 111 Online.”

Norovirus is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Anyone can get infected with norovirus and become sick, with children younger than five, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems more likely to develop severe infections.

The main symptoms of norovirus usually start suddenly and may include feeling or being sick (vomiting) and diarrhoea. You may also have a high temperature, headache and aches and pains (especially around the stomach)

Experts say that, even though it can be very unpleasant, most people usually get better in about two days.

In most cases, norovirus does not require hospital treatment and can usually be managed at home. The NHS recommends:

• stay at home and get plenty of rest

• drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick

• carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they're being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual

• give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds

• eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy

• take paracetamol if you're in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child

If symptoms last for more than three days, or if there are signs of severe dehydration, such as dizziness, confusion, little/no urine, or reduced consciousness, people should consider seeking medical attention.

At first, call 111 and an operator will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.