Brits who contract a nasty bug which triggers vomiting and diarrhoea have been told not to go to work or school after a rise in cases. Scientists from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) say cases of norovirus are higher than they should usually be for this time of year - and blame the miserable weather for the spread of the illness. Figures from government testing labs show norovirus cases 75 per cent higher than the five-year average for the same four-week period.

The UKHSA said the cause is "currently being investigated" and that "multiple factors" may be contributing to the surprising numbers, such as changes in testing since the Covid pandemic and the cold weather so far this spring. As well as vomiting and diarrhoea, norovirus can leave sufferers dehydrated, so it's important to keep drinking water if you come down with it. Those in vulnerable groups, such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, at especially at risk.

Norovirus: Major red flag symptom of highly contagious virus sweeping UK amid warning If you have norovirus, the NHS asks that you stay off school or work until two days after you have stopped being sick or had diarrhoea, as this is when you're most infectious. It's also important not to visit hospitals or care homes during this time. Washing your hands with soap and cleaning surfaces will bleach-based products will help stop the bug from spreading - but don't just rely on hand sanitiser, as this does not kill norovirus.

Amy Douglas, Nor.