ADVICE has been issued in the battle to control the spread of the norovirus bug.

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has launched a ‘Say NO to NOrovirus’ campaign that aims to stop the spread of the highly contagious winter vomiting virus.

They say anyone who is suffering from the bug should stay away from the accident and emergency department and instead, stay at home, drink plenty of fluids and contact their GP or NHS Direct if symptoms persist for more than a few days.

The trust have also warned hospital visitors who are suffering from the effects of the bug, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, to avoid visiting friends or relatives until they are fully recovered and have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours.

Anyone who fears they may have caught the bug should also check with the hospital about whether or not they should attend any upcoming appointments. Good hygiene is also essential to combating the bug, which is the most common in the UK.

A spokeswoman at the trust said outbreaks of the virus are common in hospitals. She said: “Although norovirus can be an unpleasant experience it’s not generally dangerous and most people make a full recovery within a couple of days without having to see a doctor.

“However outbreaks can close wards for several days so it is really important that people who have had the bug do not visit relatives in hospital until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours to avoid it spreading.”