Norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting bug", is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about 2 days

This infection can live on hard surfaces for weeks and spreads very quickly through environments where lots of people are mingling closely, such as hospitals, schools and nurseries. Alcohol or antibacterial hand gels are a popular choice for people wanting to protect themselves from the bugs that circulate during winter. However most people don’t realise that hand gels are NOT an effective protection against this common sickness bug.

The best way to protect yourself and others from catching this unpleasant sickness bug is simply to wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water, and to keep the environment you live and work in clean.

It takes between 10 and 14 days for your immune system to respond fully after you have had the flu vaccine, which is why it is important to have your vaccine early in the flu season.

For most people flu will clear up on its own relatively quickly, but for some people, including over 65s, pregnant women or people with underlying health conditions, it can be more serious. The flu vaccine is available on the NHS for:

• adults 65 and over
• people with certain medical conditions
• pregnant women
• children aged 2 and 3
• children in primary school
• frontline health or social care workers

If you’re eligible, you can get yours free at your GP surgery or a local pharmacy.

Are you one of the 4,000 people in Devon who have already downloaded the new NHS App?

Wherever you are, 24/7, the NHS App allows you to book, cancel and track appointments at your GP surgery with ease. 

You can order repeat prescriptions, view your GP medical record, and quickly check symptoms, plus access to NHS 111 online means no more wondering if you need urgent attention. 

You can download it free from Android and Apple app stores.