Dr Hilary warned pet owners as cases of norovirus are on the rise.
The health professional was back on ITV's Lorraine giving health advice to the public. Lorraine Kelly asked him: "Can I talk to you about norovirus? With having being subjected to it myself. They sent me home from work! That's never happened in my life.
"It's horrid, but it seems to be like everybody just about knows somebody who has been struck down by it."
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Dr Hilary said: "Yeah, it is particularly in the over 65 years age group. We've seen an unprecidencted amount and much higher levels than we've seen in 10 years.
"But it's also affecting children in schools. There's been outbreaks in schools and it's called 'the winter vomiting bug' but it doesn't just cause vomiting. The symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, feeling sick, aching arms and legs, high temperature and headache as well."
Lorraine added: "It's horrible. You just generally feel blah. But it hangs around for a while and you get tired."
The health professional said: "It's normally 48 hours but it can linger a bit longer than that for some people." He added how to prevent the spread of the illness as he said: "It's important to wash your hands frequently and not to go out for at least 48 hours after your symptoms are all gone.
"It's very infectious. Use soap and warm water other than alcohol gels which don't work."
The doctor added that norovirus is one of the leading causes of diarrhoea in the world. Surprisingly, he also warned pet owners as he said that the bug can be present in dogs.
He said: "It's important not to let your dog lick your face. Wash your hands after clearing up their poo and make sure your dogs are vaccinated. So yes, pets can carry norovirus."
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