We’re being warned that norovirus is still highly contagious for at least 48 hours after vomiting and diarrhoea have completely stopped.

An average of 950 hospital beds nationwide were filled by people with symptoms of the “winter vomiting bug” last week.

People who have had it are being urged to stay away from others until at least two days after their symptoms have stopped.

Bill Oldfield is Chief Medical Director at Kingston Hospital.