HEALTH officials are asking people to be on their guard to prevent the spread of a winter vomiting bug.

The norovirus is not dangerous but usually last a few days and last year more than three million people had the disease, which also causes diarrhoea and is spread through contaminated surfaces.

People should wash their hands regularly and spend at least 48 hours off work as soon as symptoms appear.

For more information, visit the NHS Direct website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call 0845 4647