Health professionals have urged those with long-term conditions in the Furness area to take extra care this winter to avoid the norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug.

For most people, the virus is an unpleasant experience. However, for those already ill, the elderly or the very young the virus can have a much greater impact.

The symptoms of norovirus typically begin around 12 to 72 hours after the patient picks up the infection and can last for 12 to 60 hours, although it sometimes take longer to be processed by the body.

Most people start by feeling nauseous, often followed by vomiting. Many patients will also get watery diarrhoea or a raised temperature, experience headaches and aching limbs or flu-like symptoms.

Public places like hospitals, schools and offices are susceptible to outbreaks and people are advised to stay at home until they are free of the symptoms. As it is a virus, it cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Dr Sarah Arun, Barrow GP and GP Executive Lead for Planned Care and Cardiovascular Health for Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Most people make a full recovery within one or two days from norovirus – but this is not the case for everyone.

“For patients already ill in hospital, or those with long term conditions, this virus can cause further health complications. It is vital, therefore, to prevent the spread of the condition to help protect ourselves and...others.”

Dr Arun advises readers who contract the virus to stay off work or school for at least 48 hours until symptoms have passed, not to visit loved ones during that time (especially if the loved one is already in hospital), to wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, to not share towels, to disinfect any surfaces that may be contaminated, as well as to wash any items of clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated separately on a hot wash to ensure the virus is killed.