Doctor issues advice after bug sweeps the country over Christmas

Amidst all the Christmas and Boxing Day festivities - coupled with the inevitable roast dinner food babies and Baileys hangovers - it seems a whole bunch of people haven't been feeling all that well.

There's a bug sweeping across the country and, let me tell you, it's a whole lot worse than some roast potato-induced indigestion and foggy morning brought on by too much mulled wine.

The 'contagious' winter bug is causing sufferers 72 hours of hell but, luckily, one doctor has come to the rescue with key advice on how to get through it.

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The virus in quested is the dreaded norovirus, also known as the 'winter vomiting bug' or gastroenteritis, triggers both nausea, vomiting diarrhoea in its patients, due to the fact it causes inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining.

Not very festive, that.

Norovirus comes from the faeces (poop) and vomit of people who have it, and if they don't clean up properly, then they can end up spreading it around.

The virus can be passed onto objects that the highly-contagious sufferers have touched meaning it can infect food, water and surfaces.

So, if you are one of the unfortunate souls who happened to catch it this Crimbo, one doctor has shared exactly what you need to do until it buggers off.

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Dr Lesley Larkin, Interim Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety (One Health) Division at UKHSA told the Mirror: "Norovirus cases continue to rise, especially among those 65 and older and in care homes.

"If you have norovirus or any other stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing it on to family and friends over the festive period.

"Don’t prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop.

"Many of us will be travelling for Christmas, but you should avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these settings.

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"Do not return to work or school once term restarts, until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.

"Washing your hands with soap and water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading."

Well, there you have it.

Luckily, while it's a right pain, the norovirus can usually be treated at home with plenty of rest and fluids, and the NHS says that most people will start to feel better within two to three days.

Of course, if you have any concerns, you can always give 111 a quick ring for some advice.