A significant surge in norovirus cases, particularly the emerging GII.17 variant, has triggered urgent warnings from hospital officials in the UK.

To avoid catching and spreading norovirus, you should regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the loo and before eating or preparing food. If you are infected with norovirus, avoid contact with people and do not go to school or work.

Norovirus hospital cases have reached the highest level ever in England. There's an average of 1,160 patients a day ill in hospital, double the level at the same period last year and a 22% rise on last week,