HEALTH chiefs have urged people in Lancashire to help stop the spread of the highly contagious norovirus.

The virus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, swept across the UK over the Christmas period affecting thousands of people.

Now the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is urging people to help limit the spread of the virus by avoiding GP surgeries, hospitals and residential care homes.

Dr Kenneth Lamden, consultant in communicable disease control with the HPA's Cumbria and Lancashire Health Protection Unit, said the affects of the virus only last for around three days.

He said: "People can feel quite poorly whilst they are ill, but there is no specific treatment other than rest and lots of drinks to replace lost fluids.

"People who are otherwise fit and healthy will make a full recovery without any medical intervention.

"It is therefore not necessary for people with norovirus infection to visit GP surgeries or hospital accident and emergency departments. If the symptoms persist, or seem to be getting worse, patients should phone NHS Direct, the 24-hour nurse-led health advice service or ask for a telephone consultation with their GP.

"We also strongly advise people with the infection not to visit friends or relatives in hospitals or residential care homes and to stay away from work or school until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours.

"Norovirus is highly infectious and it can spread rapidly in closed environments such as hospitals, residential care homes and schools."

Dr Lamden stressed that good hygiene is the key to avoiding the infection and preventing spread where it has occurred.

He encouraged thorough hand washing after using the toilet and before and after handling or preparing food.

He added: "Contaminated surfaces should be thoroughly disinfected after an episode of illness and food preparation should also be avoided until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have disappeared."