Winter isn't just a season of rubbish weather, it's also a time when our health can take a hit due to a host of nasty bugs that are prevalent.

Alongside the usual surge in colds, flu and Covid, there's another menace to be wary of - . Often referred to as 'the winter vomiting bug', norovirus is an extremely contagious stomach bug that triggers sudden, watery and projectile vomiting. It's responsible for around 12,000 hospital admissions in the UK annually.

Norovirus typically rears its ugly head during the winter months, and this year, a new variant has been identified in the UK, leading to a rise in cases. was first spotted in Kawasaki, Japan in 2014, and has rapidly become a dominant virus across the UK in recent times, accounting for 70 per cent of all norovirus cases.

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Symptoms usually manifest within one to two days of infection and generally last between two and three days, although they can persist longer in some instances. The virus spreads easily via contaminated food, water and surfaces, or through direct contact with an infected individual.

Touching surfaces or objects carrying the virus and then touching your mouth, or consuming food prepared by someone with norovirus, can also lead to infection, reports .

Dr John Burke, chief medical officer at , has issued a stark warning about the ever-changing norovirus, which can strike more than once due to its ability to constantly evolve, evading long-term immunity. He's calling on everyone to be extra cautious with hygiene and to quickly recognise the six main symptoms of the winter vomiting bug to prevent its spread:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• High temperature
• Exhaustion

Dr Burke advises that norovirus symptoms are typically manageable at home and should ease after a few days as the virus works its way out of the system. He recommends keeping meals simple, like toast or crackers, if you're struggling to eat, and stresses the importance of staying hydrated to counteract the fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhoea.

"Try and keep your meals bland whilst you're unwell with Norovirus, to avoid further upsetting your stomach. If you are struggling to keep food down, try small amounts of easily digestible foods such as toast and crackers."

He also emphasises the need for rest, advising a minimum of 48 hours off work or school to allow the body to recuperate. "With any illness that causes sickness, it's really important to maintain fluid levels whilst unwell to prevent dehydration. Our bodies lose a lot of fluids through vomiting and diarrhoea therefore, you must be regularly drinking clear fluids and electrolytes when you are unwell with Norovirus.

"When infected with Norovirus, rest is essential for a quick recovery. It's best to ensure that you are giving your body adequate time (a minimum of 48 hours) to rest and recover from the virus before returning back to work or school." Maintaining good hygiene and cleanliness at home is crucial to prevent the virus from spreading. It's recommended that you disinfect any surfaces you touch while sick with a bleach-based cleaner and refrain from preparing or handling food or drink for others to avoid contamination.

If you've contracted norovirus, it's essential to steer clear of others for at least 48 hours after your symptoms have eased to minimise further spread.