Norovirus cases are on the rise, a healthcare trust has reported.

The highly contagious virus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, can cause sickness and diarrhoea.

It reaches its peak of infection during the colder months and can be spread easily through close contact with a person or the virus on surfaces.

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust has shared advice on keeping the illness at bay as it warns that cases are on the rise.

A spokesman for the trust said: “Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

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“Cases are rising, so if you catch norovirus, it’s important to rest and have plenty of fluids.”

To reduce the risk, clothes and bedding should be washed at 60C, while hands should be washed with soap and surfaces disinfected with bleach-based solutions.

Anyone who contracts the virus should stay at home for 48 hours even after symptoms have cleared.

They also should not visit hospitals or care homes while sick and should not attend work or school.

You should get advice from 111 if you’re concerned about a baby under 12 months, your child stops feeding, if you observe signs of dehydration, fluids cannot be kept down, bloody diarrhoea is present or vomiting continues for more than two days.