NHS Ayrshire are asking the public to be aware of the increased risk of norovirus (also known as the winter vomiting bug) at this time of year.

It is estimated that between 600,000 and one million people in the UK are affected by norovirus each year. Around 50 per cent of those exposed will also become ill.

It is more serious and more easily spread among people who are already ill.

Bob Wilson, Infection Control Manager – NHS Ayrshire & Arran, commented: “Norovirus is highly contagious and becomes more common in the winter when people stay indoors for longer and in larger groups.

“Our job is to protect patients in hospital from norovirus since it can be much more serious for those who are already ill.

"We are asking everyone to help us reduce outbreaks by staying at home for at least 48 hours after symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting have ended."

For more information about norovirus, visit Health Protection Scotland’s website, www.hps.scot.nhs.uk.