Norovirus cases remain 50% higher than average for this time of year, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The UKHSA said cases were particularly high for those over 65 and in hospital settings.

Norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 4 and 5 of 2026 (19 January 2026 to 1 February 2026) were 50.6% higher than the five-season average for the same two-week period.

Flu and RSV cases are now declining, however, and have been falling since the start of the year.

In the week between 26 January and 1 February 2026: influenza activity decreased and is circulating at low levels; Covid activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at baseline levels; and respiratory syncytial virus activity decreased and is circulating at low levels.

The data comes in the week East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust reported a critical incident due to ongoing and exceptional demand for hospital services at the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford.

Royal Lancaster Infirmary, meanwhile, escalated to Operations Pressure Escalation Levels (OPEL) 4 to cope with significant and growing demand.