Vomit Bug Warning

There are fears a miserable vomiting bug could grip England over the festive period, according to a top GP.

The doctor has warned those inflected with the virus to stay in doors to avoid the risk of an outbreak, which could force hospitals to close wards in order to limit contamination.

According to experts norovirus is on the rise, however they have moved to allay fears of a crisis, claiming such an upsurge is expected this time of year.

Those who are ill with the bug should stay off work for 48 hours after the symptoms go, The Royal College of GPs' chairman has insisted.

Professor Steve Field said it was unlikely many cases would require a visit to the doctor.

Last year more than three million people had the bug, which also causes diarrhoea and is spread through contaminated surfaces.

Despite being exceedingly unpleasant, the bug is rarely dangerous and people usually recover fully within two to three days.

The very young and very old are most at risk of complications from dehydration.

Professor Field said: "If people are going down with diarrhoea and vomiting they should stay at home and drink plenty of fluids. It will not last long - for the majority of people it lasts a day or so.

"Obviously we worry about very young babies, the very old and people who are immunocompromised, but generally you do not need to go and see your doctor."

Thorough hand washing should reduce the spread of the bug, which can be killed by disinfectant.

"If someone went to the toilet and did not wash their hands properly before touching a door handle and then you touched it, you could catch norovirus. The droplets stay on door handles and other objects for many hours," added Professor Field.

(PR/JM)