People struck down by a stomach bug sweeping the country have been urged not to go back to work.
People struck down by a stomach bug sweeping the country have been urged not to go back to work.
Doctors estimate more than 100,000 people a week are catching norovirus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
Doctors estimate more than 100,000 people a week are catching norovirus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
Workers need to remain at home for 48 hours after the symptoms have gone and stay away from surgeries and hospitals, the Royal College of GPs warned.
Workers need to remain at home for 48 hours after the symptoms have gone and stay away from surgeries and hospitals, the Royal College of GPs warned.
The Health Protection Agency confirmed the number of cases this year is the highest since 2002.
The Health Protection Agency confirmed the number of cases this year is the highest since 2002.
Norovirus - also known as winter vomiting disease - is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in the UK.
Norovirus - also known as winter vomiting disease - is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in the UK.
Wash your hands regularly so you don't infect anyone else and stay at home two days after the symptoms have gone Professor Steve Field
Wash your hands regularly so you don't infect anyone else and stay at home two days after the symptoms have gone Professor Steve Field
Illness can occur at any age because immunity to it is not long-lasting.
Illness can occur at any age because immunity to it is not long-lasting.
It is not normally dangerous but the very young and very old are most at risk of complications from dehydration.
It is not normally dangerous but the very young and very old are most at risk of complications from dehydration.
The bug can be spread by contact with an infected person, through contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
The bug can be spread by contact with an infected person, through contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
Outbreaks of are common in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and cruise ships.
Outbreaks of are common in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and cruise ships.
'Stay home'
'Stay home'
Professor Steve Field, chair of the Royal College of GPs said its surveillance unit in Birmingham had confirmed the number of cases was the highest in five years.
Professor Steve Field, chair of the Royal College of GPs said its surveillance unit in Birmingham had confirmed the number of cases was the highest in five years.
He said the number of new cases each week may even top 200,000 across the UK.
He said the number of new cases each week may even top 200,000 across the UK.
"Surgeries and hospitals have been swamped with people wanting advice."
"Surgeries and hospitals have been swamped with people wanting advice."
He advised those affected to stay at home, drink lots of fluids and take paracetamol.
He advised those affected to stay at home, drink lots of fluids and take paracetamol.
NOROVIRUS Sudden vomiting and diarrhoeaSome people also suffer fever and aches and painsExperts advise drinking plenty of fluids and to take paracetamolStay at home for 48 hours after symptoms have gone away to avoid further spread
NOROVIRUS Sudden vomiting and diarrhoeaSome people also suffer fever and aches and painsExperts advise drinking plenty of fluids and to take paracetamolStay at home for 48 hours after symptoms have gone away to avoid further spread
"Wash your hands regularly so you don't infect anyone else and stay at home two days after the symptoms have gone."
"Wash your hands regularly so you don't infect anyone else and stay at home two days after the symptoms have gone."
In December, the Health Protection Agency warned the norovirus season had started particularly early.
In December, the Health Protection Agency warned the norovirus season had started particularly early.
They estimate that in epidemic seasons, noroviruses may cost the NHS in excess of £100m per year.
They estimate that in epidemic seasons, noroviruses may cost the NHS in excess of £100m per year.
Official figures for norovirus greatly underestimate the actual number of cases as many go unreported.
Official figures for norovirus greatly underestimate the actual number of cases as many go unreported.
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