Statistics gathered over the Christmas festivities have revealed that the winter vomiting bug, Norovirus, has affected 1.1million people in the UK.

Those suffering with the illness report a variety of symptoms including nausea, acute vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea. Those most likely to suffer severe consequences of the virus are young children and the elderly; with dehydration being a dangerous side effect for both.

However it’s easier to prevent than you realise; washing your hands prevents the spread of Norovirus via the ‘faecal-oral’ route, where unclean hands contaminate food and water. Soap and water are also said to be more effective than alcohol based hand sanitisers. Although there is yet to be enough research into the prevention of the illness the obvious answer lies in a vaccination but we are a long way off with trials currently in progress.