PEOPLE suffering from winter illnesses are being urged not to visit friends and relatives in hospital.

Infection control experts at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust are asking people with winter bugs to stay away unless it is absolutely necessary.

The Trust has issued the general warning in the hope that it will prevent illnesses spreading among vulnerable patients on the hospital wards.

One virus they particularly want to keep off the wards is gastroenteritis, which is common in winter and extremely infectious.

Up to 50% of people who come into contact with it become unwell.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches and abdominal pains.

Carole Hallam, lead infection control nurse for the Trust, said: "Many people don't realise that diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms are often viral gastro-enteritis.

"Although the gastro-enteritis virus symptoms are short-lived, they can be very unpleasant and have a huge impact on hospital activities."

Anyone with the symptoms should rest and drink plenty of fluids.

They will remain infectious for two days after the symptoms stop and should stay away from hospital.

As the virus can be spread via contaminated hands, food and water, washing hands properly is the best way to prevent the infection spreading.

Cleaning toilets and hand basins with diluted bleach can also stop the virus spreading around the home.

Anyone visiting hospital wards is asked to use the alcohol hand gel when entering and leaving and to use seats instead of sitting on beds.

Carole added: "We understand that it is necessary in some cases to visit. However, we want to get this message across as outbreaks can often occur in hospitals during the winter months affecting patients and our staff."