A campaign has been launched by Southend Hospital to beat the winter vomiting disease which threatens to bring wards to a standstill every year.

The bug, also known as norovirus, causes sudden nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can last up to two days.

But it can be easily avoided by following a few simple preventative measures.

Dr Colin Goodbourn, clinical director of infection prevention and control, stressed the importance of not letting the bugs get a foothold in the hospital.

"If we get an outbreak, we have to close the ward to further admissions, which inevitably has a serious knock-on effect on the rest of the hospital and to those waiting to come into hospital, because operations have to be cancelled and patients have to wait longer for their treatment."

Dr Goodbourn urged relatives and friends visiting patients to ensure any food they bring in - including fruit - is properly covered in either a bag or a plastic container and not left exposed on bedside lockers.

He added: "The best preventative measure for individuals is to wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating."

The hospital is also putting up posters highlighting the problem, while visitors are being asked to avoid wards or restaurants if they, or a member of their family, have had nausea sickness or diarrhoea within 48 hours, as the bug can be spread after symptoms have gone.

Patients who are booked to go to hospital are also being asked to disclose any symptoms when they are phoned two days before their admission date.