Individuals with asthma are being cautioned about a potential exacerbation of their symptoms due to a rising incidence of norovirus this winter. Recent NHS statistics reveal that in late January, an average of 950 individuals were hospitalized with symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, indicative of norovirus, marking a 15% increase from the previous week. Helen Sinton, the head of services at Asthma + Lung UK, expressed concerns, stating: “The persistent high rates of norovirus not only exert ongoing pressure on the NHS but also pose a significant concern for those living with asthma.”

“Although norovirus is not a respiratory illness, it can still affect asthma sufferers,” Sinton explained. “Any acute illness has the potential to aggravate asthma symptoms, including breathlessness and wheezing. Episodes of repeated vomiting can lead to increased coughing and may even trigger bronchospasm—a sudden constriction of the muscles surrounding the airways, causing them to narrow and making breathing more difficult.”

According to the NHS website, common symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headaches, stomach pain, and general body aches.

Sinton further commented, “Dehydration resulting from vomiting and diarrhea can thicken secretions like mucus or saliva, which may lead to chest tightness or breathlessness, posing a particular risk to those with asthma.”

“Being ill and dehydrated can impact the daily management of asthma, including the effective use of inhalers. If oral medications cannot be retained, there is a heightened risk of experiencing an asthma attack,” Sinton advised.

In the UK, approximately 7.2 million people are affected by asthma. Sinton urged asthmatics who contract norovirus to maintain regular use of their preventer inhaler, adhere to any other prescribed medications, and keep their reliever inhaler at hand should symptoms deteriorate.

She added: “Stay well hydrated with regular sips of water throughout the day and make sure you follow your asthma action plan.

“If your symptoms are getting worse, make an urgent appointment to see your GP and if you are struggling to breathe always dial 999 as this is a medical emergency.”

The latest weekly snapshot of the performance of hospitals in England this winter also showed the number of people in hospital with flu had fallen to its lowest level for nearly two months. 

An average of 1,987 flu patients were in the hospital each day during the week ending January 25, down 21% from 2,519 the previous week.

It was the lowest number since the week ending November 30, when the figure stood at 1,717. The total had climbed as high as 3,140 in the week to December 14.