NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Infection Prevention and Control Team are asking people to be mindful of the increased risk of norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug.

It is estimated that between 600,000 and one million people in the UK are affected by norovirus each year.

Around half of those exposed will also become sick. It can take 12 to 48 hours after becoming infected with the virus to show symptoms. You may be infectious to other people during this time.

Symptoms usually start with nausea followed by violent vomiting and/or diarrhoea.

You may also get a fever, headache or aching limbs.

Although it is unpleasant and there is no cure for it, it is not usually dangerous.

You will most likely feel better after it has run its course in a few days. The only real risk is dehydration.

Visit Health Protection Scotland’s website, www. hps.scot.nhs.uk.