Norovirus warning as health chiefs urge 'don't go to work'

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning as norovirus is "spreading at higher levels this year". Symptoms of what's known as the winter vomiting bug include feeling sick, diarrhoea, and being sick, and sufferers may also experience a high temperature, headache, and aching arms and legs.

Anyone who comes down with the virus is advised by government bosses to "stay at home for 48 hours until symptoms are clear." The UKSA also says people who have the bug should "not go to work or school, visit care homes or hospitals, or prepare food for others".

People are also asked to wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water, and wash their clothes and bedding at 60C. Norovirus is usually not life-threatening and clears up within a few days for most people.

However, you should call 111 if you're worried about a baby aged under one, if your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they're ill, if a child under five shows signs of dehydration, if you or your child still has signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets, you or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down, you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom, and/or if you or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days.