Anyone over the age of 65 has been hit by a warning after a virus has exploded across the UK. The UKHSA is warning of a 'notable increase' in the number of norovirus cases among over-65s, including a rise in hospital cases too.

Cases of norovirus, often called the winter vomiting bug, have risen 47% in the first two weeks of the year compared to the previous fortnight. The UKHSA said: "Reports remain highest among those aged 65 years and over and although activity remains within expected levels, outbreaks in hospital settings are also rising."

The health agency said that people should take 'simple steps' such as washing hands regularly. It also warned that alcohol hand gels don't kill norovirus, so you will need to wash hands with soap and water and use bleach based products to disinfect surfaces around the house.

It added: "For both respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses like norovirus, this includes washing hands regularly. Remember that alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so regularly washing hands with soap and warm-water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading."

Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "We have seen a notable increase in norovirus cases in recent weeks among those aged 65 years and over, with more hospital outbreaks also being reported.

"While this is still within expected levels, there are simple steps that people can take to reduce the spread of norovirus and ensure levels don't rise further.

"Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don't rely on these alone.

"If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, don't return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don't prepare food for others in that time either. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection to those most vulnerable."