PEOPLE are being asked to help prevent any outbreaks of he vomiting bug norovirus over the festive period.

Public Health England says each winter many people unintentionally bring norovirus into hospitals and care home when visiting loved ones.

Now the organisation and NHS England are urging the public to protect themselves and their loved ones against the winter vomiting bug.

Their advice is:

No visits to hospitals, care homes and GP surgeries if you are suffering from symptoms of Norovirus - send someone else to visit loved ones until you are better

Once you’ve been symptom-free for at least 48 hours, you’re safe to return to work, school or visit hospitals and care home

Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet, and before eating or preparing food

Only hand-washing will prevent spread of Norovirus - alcohol hand gels don’t kill the virus

Fiona Neely, consultant in communicable diseases for Public Health England South West, said: ‘If you have any suspicion that you have the symptoms of norovirus we would urge you to put off that visit to see a loved one in a care home or hospital this Christmas.

‘Send someone else in your place, stay away until you have been free of symptoms for 48 hours – and give your relative the gift of a healthy happy Christmas day.

‘Levels of norovirus are increasing in line with expected levels so far this winter but many schools, nurseries, hospitals and care homes across the south west are already reporting outbreaks.

‘The symptoms of norovirus include suddenly feeling sick, projectile vomiting, and watery diarrhoea. Some people also have a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs. The symptoms appear one to two days after you become infected and typically last for up to two or three days.’