A shocking new health statistic has left Brits reeling, as cases of norovirus are 75 percent higher than usual, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

       Despite it being May, cases have remained high and are yet to decrease as is typically expected during spring, health experts warned.

       In April 2024 the total number of cases was 75 percent higher than the average.

       Norovirus, which is also branded the "winter vomiting bug", is a highly infectious illness.

       READ MORE NHS symptoms of nasty winter vomiting bug to spot as UK cases soar

       It is believed that the increase in case detection may stem from new ways of studying diseases post-pandemic.

       Alterations to testing and new ways of reporting, and the long spell of chilly weather may also be behind the increased numbers.

       Most of the outbreaks took place in care homes.

       Norovirus epidemiologist at UKHSA, Amy Douglas, reported that the cool conditions combined with numerous other factors is to blame for the hike in cases.

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       According to The Sun, she said that illness causes "dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people".

       Thus, if you are ill, it’s key to drink lots of fluids, ideally water.

       The symptoms for norovirus include projectile vomiting and diarrhoea. Experts said to people with these symptoms: “Do not return to work”. The virus is highly contagious.

       The health expert said to wait for two days until “after your symptoms have stopped before going back into work”, adding that those infected should not “prepare food for others in that time either”.

       She added that those feeling under the weather with norovirus should avoid going to hospital where possible due to the contagiousness of the illness.

       Ms Douglas said: "Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading".

       Additionally, alcoholic gel isn't that efficient against the virus, therefore it’s crucial not to simply "rely on these alone".

       Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases are up again this week, this time by two percent. The spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccination is now live, according to the UKHSA.

       People that are eligible should visit the NHS site or book their appointment via the app.

       Those eligible:

       Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at UKHSA, said: "Once again, Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations have risen this week, so now is the time to get your Covid-19 spring vaccine if you’re eligible and haven’t already."

       The jab programme will end on 30 June, 2024.