PEOPLE in Worcestershire are being urged to follow a few simple steps to help them avoid the winter vomiting bug.

The illness, or norovirus, causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and is highly contagious.

But ways to avoid the bug include washing your hands, not sharing towels and flannels, disinfecting surfaces and objects, washing clothing and bedding that could be infected, avoiding raw, unwashed food and unreliably sourced oysters and if you do become ill stay away from public places for at least 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.

Dr Martin Lee, medical director for NHS England in Worcestershire, said: "Norovirus, although not very pleasant, is not usually dangerous and most people make a full recovery within a couple of days without having to see their GP.

"If a child, or baby, gets norovirus it is very important to make sure they drink plenty of fluids in order to prevent them from becoming dehydrated."