Hospital managers are urging people who have caught a virus to stay away.

A small number of people have been turning up at the Crawley Hospital walk-in centre with diarrhoea and vomiting caused by a bug known as winter vomiting disease.

The bug is unpleasant but rarely serious.

However, it is infectious and can spread around a hospital quickly, debilitating already sick and vulnerable patients.

If it establishes itself in a hospital, it can lead to ward closures and cancelled operations as staff also become infected.

The bug, also known as Norovirus, lasts between one and two days.

Hospital doctors said people with the virus did not need treatment except in exceptional circumstances as the illness tends to run its course and resolve itself without the need for medical attention.

Symptoms of the virus include nausea, a sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pains and cramps, headaches, fever and tiredness.

Although the symptoms tend to pass after one or two days, people can remain infectious for up to 48 hours afterwards.

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust's medical director Anthony Gordon-Wright said: "The winter vomiting disease can pass from one person to another easily.

"If you have the virus, it's important to wash and dry your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before you handle food to prevent it being passed on to others.

"Unless your symptoms are very severe or long lasting, we would advise you not to come to hospital for treatment.

"There is no specific treatment for the virus and there is nothing your doctor can do to speed up your recovery.

"However, people with diarrhoea and vomiting should seek medical advice if their symptoms last more than 48 hours or if they have a pre-existing medical condition.

"Older people and children under one years of age may also need to seek medical advice."

Call your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for more details.