Five wards at the Royal United remain closed to new admissions this week after an outbreak of the norovirus.

Restrictions on visiting also still apply but adult patients at the RUH are no longer being treated in the children's centre - as they were for a few days last week.

Norovirus is the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhoea at this time of the year, and is highly contagious, particularly when it gets into environments where people live or work in close proximity.

Patients in hospital are more vulnerable to the disease as their immune systems are weaker, meaning it is harder for them to fight it off.

Friends and relatives are allowed to visit open wards only between 6pm and 8pm.

Only two visitors are allowed per patient and parents are being asked not to bring children onto the wards.

A spokeswoman said: "We appreciate that families want to visit their loved ones when they are in hospital and are aware of the benefits for patients, but we must do all we can to prevent our patients and staff catching the virus."

Norovirus is short-lived and people usually recover in three days.

People who are fit and healthy will make a full recovery from the disease without any medical intervention.

If the symptoms persist, or seem to be getting worse, advice is to phone NHS Direct on 0856 46 47.