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A pharmacist is warning people about a sharp rise in a highly infectious winter sickness bug that can put children in hospital. Well Pharmacy ’s deputy superintendent George Sandhu is urging Brits to be aware of the rotavirus viral infection that causes stomach inflammation and can lead to gastroenteritis, known as stomach flu.

But he says parents of young children should pay particular attention to the signs and symptoms of rotavirus as it continues to spread. His warning comes as the latest government data shows the winter sickness bug is 50% higher than the five season average across the nation.

The virus spreads through poor hand hygiene following a trip to the toilet, so it is essential you wash your hands correctly. If you are changing your baby's nappy or helping a child to use the toilet it is important to wash thoroughly with both soap and warm water afterwards to kill the germs.

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Rotavirus spreads through the faecal-oral route and once it is in a household it can be passed very easily from family member to family member. The symptoms of rotavirus include diarrhoea, which is often watery and vomiting, there can also be a mild fever and pain in the stomach.

The illness lasts between three to nine days, which means that a lot of fluid can be lost - so it is essential for patients to ensure they drink water or milk throughout. Parents should ask for an urgent GP appointment if their child continues being sick, has blood in their faeces or has a swollen or painful stomach.

If the child stops feeding or shows signs or dehydration - such as fewer wet nappies - then it is important to consult NHS 111 or speak to your doctor because this could be signs of an infection or a blocked bowel.

The most severe cases will see children and babies end up in hospital where the use of an IV drip may be required to hydrate them. One of the most effective ways to combat rotavirus is to ensure that your child has been vaccinated against the virus.

The vaccination comes in two stages usually given to babies between the ages of six to 12 weeks and is given as an oral vaccine not an injection. The vaccine is given in two or three stages depending on the brand used but it is vital to ensure that your child receives both or all three to give maximum protection against rotavirus.

If your child is infected with rotavirus then ensure their laundry is kept separate from the rest of the family, including towels and flannels - and wash on 60C to kill the virus. Parents should also remember not to send their child to nursery, playgroup or school until 48 hours after their last bout of sickness or diarrhoea.

George Sandhu said: “It is very important that parents and guardians are aware of the dangers of rotavirus this winter. There have been plenty of cases already and Government data shows that it is on the rise as many children will be mixing at school and nursery ahead of a winter break.

“During this time of year everyone is more susceptible to viruses and for little ones it often can be rotavirus that causes severe bouts of sickness and diarrhoea leaving them very dehydrated. It is important to ensure your child remains hydrated - with plenty of water and milk throughout the illness.

“If you are breastfeeding your child, continue to do so throughout the course of the virus as it can aid recovery. It is very important to try and avoid rotavirus spreading across the family so ensure clothes and towels are washed individually and not with the rest of the family.

“While rotavirus is a very unpleasant thing for a child, it is usually over in just around a week and if it lasts longer then consult your GP or call 111, you know your child better than anyone else so trust your instincts.”