HEALTH officials are warning Enfield residents to look out for symptoms of the winter vomiting bug.

Cases of the virus, known as Norovirus, tend to spike during the winter period, and if not contained can spread rapidly through hospitals, community centres, and schools.

The virus starts with feelings of nausea, and symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea which can last anywhere between 12 and 60 hours.

NHS Enfield has urged anyone with these symptoms to avoid visiting friends and family in hospital and to stay away from school until at least two days after the symptoms dissipate.

Glenn Stewart, assistant director of public health at the health trust, said: “We are asking the public to help the NHS this winter by not visiting friends and relatives if they have any symptoms of norovirus.

“If you think you have norovirus, please stay at home, telephone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or your GP practice for advice.”

He urged any sufferers to avoid visiting their local doctor, as norovirus thrives in areas where there are lots of people, and can easily be passed on at a GP surgery.