The UK is being swept by norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting disease, with more than 100,000 people falling ill each week, reports the BBC.

Norovirus is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis and makes its presence felt with symptoms such as sudden vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms may be fever, aches and cramps.

The BBC reports that doctors in the UK estimate some 100,000 catch the bug each week.

People who show symptoms of norovirus infection are being urged to not go back to work. People need to remain at home for another 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared to ensure they are no longer carrying the virus, the Royal College of General Practitioners said.

They are also strongly advised to keep away from hospitals.

The Health Protection Agency, which monitors infectious diseases, confirmed the number of cases this year is the highest since 2002.

Specialists urge people to wash their hands so as to prevent spreading the virus. It can be spread by contact with an infected person, through contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

No age-group is spared from the possibility of infection but children and the elderly are most at risk of complications from dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids is recommended. Doctors also recommend taking paracetamol (acetaminophen).

“GPs are seeing a huge number of cases of patients with the norovirus,” said Royal College of GPs chairman Professor Steve Field. “Our advice for those affected is to stay at home, take paracetamol and drink plenty of fluids.”

Outbreaks are most common in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and cruise ships.

More than 1.1 million people contacted the health advice helpline NHS Direct in the 11 days from December 21 to January 1 about vomiting and diarrhea, reports Guardian Unlimited. This is a 61 percent rise from the same period last year.