An outbreak of NoroVirus, also known as the Winter Vomiting Bug, is a sickness and diahorrea virus spreading around the country.

The virus has also affected passengers on a New Year cruise on the Queen Victoria liner. The super liner is now docked in Southampton at time of writing and the ship will be thoroughly disinfected.

The bug has been affecting many people around the country over the Christmas period. It's not normally dangerous but it's effects last about three days. A form of gastro-enteritus the bug cannot be treated by anti-biotics which only attack bacteria, because it is a virus. There are many types of this bug so infection could happen many times until the body memorises how to defend against it although immunity only lasts for about 14 weeks.

Healthy people get over it in 24-48 hours. When people are ill with vomiting and diarrhoea, they should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Dehydration among young children, the elderly, the sick, can be common, and it is the most serious health effect that can result from a Norovirus infection.

Norovirus is HIGHLY contagious and can be picked up by close personal contact with someone already infected. It can be acquired by touching contaminated surfaces or objects with hands and then putting hands in mouth or touching lips. Also by eating and drinking foods contaminted with the virus. Some people are still contagious up to 2 weeks after being affected themselves and got over it. The most common type is genotype G.II 4 which appears to be the predominant virus.

The importance of good hygiene is paramount - wash hands properly with soap or disinfectant spray before eating and drinking. Disinfect surfaces and areas with different bleach agents to kill the virus. In places where the virus has appeared clean and wipe all worksurfaces, door handles and edges, stair balustrades with disinfectant. Disinfect cups and cutlery too.

Don't go out to work or shopping if you feel unwell. Your colleagues won't be impressed and nor will other shoppers if you bring the virus to them. Stay at home in one place until the illness has passed then clean areas as in the previous paragraph.

This virus is monitored within the European Union (see report).

For advice and information via telephone or internet visit NHS Direct-Norovirus. It's free and confidential.