HOSPITAL bosses are appealing for visitors with winter bugs to stay away to stamp out infection.

People with symptoms including sickness and diarrhoea are being asked to put their hospital visits on hold this winter to stop viruses spreading.

People are being urged to wait 48 hours after their symptoms have gone before visiting patients at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

The move comes as part of a drive to stop bug levels rising during winter months which can lead to staff shortages and ward closures.

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

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

"That is why we want to reduce the risk as much as possible."

She urged anyone with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches or abdominal pains to stay away from visiting friends and family.

And she said good handwashing was the best way to stop the infection spreading.

She added: "We understand that it is necessary in some cases to visit.

"However, we want to get this message across as large outbreaks, resulting from people bringing the virus in, can often occur in hospitals during the winter months.

"At its worst it can lead to staff shortages and restricted admissions to affected wards.

"It may also mean that patients who were due to be discharged become too unwell to be moved and those awaiting operations and investigations may have their treatments put back until they have recovered."