A warning has been issued by Public Health England (PHE) about the highly contagious norovirus.

The health body is urging people displaying symptoms to avoid hospitals, care homes and GP surgeries if they are displaying symptoms.

People displaying symptoms should avoid preparing food for 48 hours and contact either NHS 111 or ring their GP.

PHE's national infection service deputy director Nick Phin said: "Norovirus can be unpleasant and is easily passed on to those around you.

"Most people get over it within a day or two but, in the very young, elderly or those who have weakened immune systems, it can last longer and it is easy to get dehydrated, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent this.

"It is transmitted by touching hands or surfaces that the virus has landed on.

"All surfaces should be thoroughly disinfected after any episode of illness.

"Those who have diarrhoea and vomiting should not prepare food until 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared.

"We advise that they should avoid visiting GP surgeries, care homes and hospitals if they have symptoms."

In an effort to prevent spreading the infection, the health body advises everyone to practise good personal hygiene by washing their hands with hot water and soap after using the toilet and before food preparation.

Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, stomach cramps and a slight fever.

They typically show within a few hours after catching the bug and, depending on how strong your immune system is, can last between 24 and 48 hours.

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