Last winter as many as six Sheffield wards were closed to new admissions, and more than 50 operations were postponed, at the Northern General and Royal Hallamshire hospitals due to the Norovirus.

The bug –commonly known as the winter vomiting virus – is a highly contagious infection which leads to sickness, diarrhoea and fever.

Norovirus, which spreads easily from person to person, often hits big organisations where people are in close proximity and, although not serious in most, can lead to severe illness in babies, small children, or the very elderly.

Now Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is planning ahead early, by warning hospital visitors to help reduce the spread of bugs by keeping clear of the wards if they have been ill.

Friends and relatives should not visit patients if they are suffering a sickness bug – and should follow strict hygiene rules whenever they do.

Chief Nurse Hilary Scholefield said: "There is no problem with Norovirus at the hospitals at the moment, but we want to keep it that way.

"We would like people to think about whether they, or anyone close to them such as family, friends or colleagues, have had diarrhoea, vomiting or fever within the last 72 hours.

"If so they should avoid visiting hospital. If they really feel they can't postpone their visit they should contact the ward for advice before coming in."

Visitors should already always wash their hands with soap and hot water, and use the alcohol handrubs provided when entering and leaving wards.

The infection was thought to be striking as many as 100,000 people in the UK each week during January this year.

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