Norovirus is sweeping the UK at an 'unusual' rate, with the current number of cases being 75% higher than normal.

It means Brits are being urged to follow strict hygiene measures as the country battles the highly-contagious virus, which brings on bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea, and can be spread through infected food or surfaces.

The UK Health Security Agency said in a warning to the public that the current number of cases in the UK is unusually high for the time of the year - and there hasn't been the typical decline expected during spring. At the moment, the number of confirmed cases of people with the virus is 75% above the five-year average.

The main symptoms of norovirus include nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting, although some people may also experience a high temperature, headache and aching limbs. Brits who haven't yet caught the virus and are trying to steer clear can follow six steps to avoid catching the highly-contagious vomiting bug.

How now to not catch Norovirus - Six vital steps

1. Avoid being in close contact with someone with norovirus, or anyone displaying norovirus symptoms
2. Avoid touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
3. Avoid cooking and helping prepare meals for other people if they have norovirus or are displaying symptoms
4. Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water. This is the best way to stop norovirus spreading, as alcohol hand gels do not kill the virus
5. Use bleach-based household cleaners and hot water to disinfect household surfaces and commonly used objects
6. Use detergent to wash contaminated clothing and bedding at 60°C and use disposable gloves if possible

Experts have put the current spike down to cold snaps in May and lingering effects of the pandemic, advising those unlucky enough to catch it to maintain a rigorous hygiene routine and stay home from work. Amy Douglas, a Norovirus Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: "Norovirus levels were higher in April than we would usually see at this time of year and have been increasing. This is likely due to a combination of factors, but the colder weather we have had won't have helped."