Vomiting cases to soar as millions head back to work

The advice comes as experts fear the number of cases of norovirus - which causes uncontrollable projectile vomiting - will soar this week as millions return to work and school after the Christmas break.

No part of the country has escaped the clutches of the winter vomiting bug, which is claiming up to 200,000 victims a week and costing the economy an estimated £40million a day in lost productivity.

Some 100 hospital wards were closed to new admissions last week in a desperate attempt to halt the march of the virus, which is 100,000 times more infectious than salmonella.

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Non-essential operations are also being cancelled with visitors banned to stop the bug from spreading further.

Sally Bloomfield, an honorary professor at London's School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, urged families to protect themselves by taking simple precautions.

These include washing hands regularly and disinfecting much-used items, such as remote controls and phones.

In the case of computer keyboards, placing a note on the monitor reminding users to wash their hands before starting to type could prove easier than disinfection.

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Other bug-busting tips include ventilating a room after someone has been sick, keeping the washing of those infected separate from other family members, and not sharing towels, toothbrushes or cutlery.

Professor Bloomfield, chairman of the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene, said: "I think people don't realise just how contagious the norovirus is.

"It is estimated that there are 30million virus particles in vomit and it may only take 100 of them to infect you, so you can see how it runs like wildfire through families. I don't think the bug has run its course yet."

Her advice came as the Government was urged to do more to tackle the outbreak, the worst for five years.

Katherine Murphy, of the Patients Association, said: "Instead of the Government giving a lead by making people aware of what to do, people are desperate and are turning up at their GP surgery.

"GPs can't cope, so people are turning up at A&E. By going into an area with lots of people, the chances of spreading this are greater.

"What we need is an annual campaign from the Department of Health telling people what to do."

The most common cause of stomach bugs, norovirus causes sickness, diarrhoea, fever, headaches and aching limbs.

Symptoms last for up to three days, although those who are infected remain contagious for another two days or so.

Although the virus is not normally dangerous and most make a full recovery, the very old, very young and those already seriously ill with other ailments risk complications from dehydration.

There is no treatment other than drinking plenty of liquids and staying at home to avoid spreading the bug.

The Royal College of GPs has warned workers to remain at home for 48 hours after symptoms subside to prevent passing on the virus. They should also stay away from surgeries and hospitals.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "Norovirus is not a ' superbug' and generally there are no longterm effects following infection.

"The NHS deals effectively with norovirus outbreaks all year round and this year is no different."