CHEST infections not stomach bugs are keeping Huddersfield GPs busy, it emerged today.

The latest wave of the contagious norovirus to sweep the country has so far had no major impact on doctors’ surgeries in the town, says a Fartown GP.

The news comes after hospitals across the UK – including Huddersfield Royal Infirmary – have been forced to shut wards because of winter vomiting outbreaks.

But today Dr David Anderson – who also chairs the professional executive committee of Kirklees Primary Care Trust – said the illness hadn’t hit his Grange Group Practice on Spaines Road too hard.

He said: “Norovirus has been hitting the headlines, which tends to happen every year, but so far it hasn’t been too bad at our surgery.

“There have been more respiratory tract infections around, which has made us busier.

“In the last three or four days we have had more people ringing in with norovirus symptoms, but we’re not swamped with it.

“People seem to have been responsible with it and are calling for advice, rather than coming into the surgery.

“But it could get worse before it gets better; we’ll have to see.”

The Health Protection Agency in Yorkshire and Humberside confirmed there had been a rise in the number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting across the region in recent weeks.

But it said it was difficult to give exact numbers because institutions were not forced to notify them of cases.

However, it is estimated that the illness affects around 1m people in the UK each year.

An agency spokesman said: “Many of these cases may be caused by norovirus, which is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales.

“Before Christmas, we were aware of this sort of viral gastroenteritis around in the community, particularly in West Yorkshire. Reports are continuing of cases in a variety of settings around the region.

“Norovirus is often known as ‘winter vomiting disease’ because the number of cases tend to increase during the winter months. The symptoms are vomiting, which is often sudden and ‘projectile’, diarrhoea and sometimes both.

“Some people may have raised temperatures, headaches and aching limbs. Norovirus affects people of all ages.

“It is very unpleasant but is generally short-lived. Most people recover in one to two days, usually without treatment.

“Norovirus is highly infectious and easily transmitted from one person to another. It spreads very easily, especially in semi-closed environments where people congregate.’’

“Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment, apart from letting the illness run its course.’’

The HPA has the following advice for people affected by norovirus-type symptoms:

l Stay away from school or work until 48 hours after symptoms have ceased

l Follow good hygiene measures, including thorough hand-washing, particularly after going to the toilet.

l Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and also rest.

l Make sure that any surface contaminated by vomit or faeces is thoroughly disinfected

l If symptoms worsen or persist for more than 48 hours contact your family doctor or take advice from NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

l Delay any visits to hospitals, care or nursing homes or schools until fully recovered and don’t visit people who are especially vulnerable.

l If visiting someone in hospital – even if you are well – obey the signs for hand-washing before entering and after leaving wards.