HAND washing is the best protection against a diarrhoea and vomiting virus outbreak, according to health chiefs.

Bromley Primary Care Trust (PCT) has issued the advice following reports of winter vomiting disease in the borough.

The illness lasts for one to three days and symptoms include feelings of nausea, sudden vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pains and fever.

It is caught through contact with an infected person, by consuming contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

Bromley PCT's director of public health Dr Angela Bhan said: "It is rarely serious and little your doctor can do for you. Anyone with diarrhoea and vomiting should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and let the illness run its course."

People who have had the disease remain infectious for two days after the symptoms have gone.

Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for advice.