DOCTORS are calling on residents experiencing symptoms of norovirus to stay at home and telephone NHS 111 for advice, rather than visit their hospital or GP surgery.

Also known as the winter vomiting bug, there is no treatment for the virus but GPs say it is important to keep yourself hydrated.

Dr Simon Redfearn, Warrington CCGs clinical lead for urgent care, said: “Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads rapidly in closed environments such as hospitals, schools and care homes.

“Those with symptoms of norovirus will probably feel very unwell for a couple of days but will get better.

"However, it could cause further health complications for patients already ill in hospital, making it vital that the virus is not introduced into the hospital environment."