The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging certain people not to visit loved ones and reminding that a nasty virus "spreads easily". In a new post on X, formerly Twitter, UKHSA said: "Up in the night with symptoms of norovirus?

"The virus spreads easily and you should stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop." Text on a graphic accompanying the alert further adds: "Norovirus spreads easily. Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water can help you stop catching it and passing it on if you do get sick.

"If you catch norovirus, don't go to work or school for 48 hours after symptoms stop, as you can still pass it on during this time. Do not visit loved ones in hospital or care homes in this time to avoid outbreaks."

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While unpleasant, norovirus can usually be managed at home. However the "winter vomiting bug" can turn severe, particularly among vulnerable groups, and when dehydration develops.

Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, with some also experiencing elevated temperature, headaches, abdominal discomfort, and other aches and pains. People are urged to ring 111 if they are worried about a baby about an infant under 12 months, if their baby stops breastfeeding or bottle-feeding whilst poorly, if a child below five displays signs of dehydration.

You should also contact 111 if you or your child continue to show signs of dehydration signs following the use of oral rehydration sachets, if you or your child suffer ongoing vomiting and are unable to keep fluids down, if you or your child develops bloody diarrhoea or rectal bleeding, or if you or your child has diarrhoea for more than seven days, or vomiting continuing for more than two days.