Brits warned not to cook Christmas dinner if they have symptoms of virus sweeping the UK right now

Ah December, when you’re booked up with plans with friends, family, work mates and whoever else you’ve agreed to go out with.

But while half of us attend the endless Christmas dos and meet ups, the rest seem to be cooped up with whatever cold or flu or virus is going round.

And if you’re unlucky enough to have been struck down by one of the viruses sweeping the UK, then there’s a pretty important warning for you ahead of the big day.

We all have our own traditions for the 25 December and for those of us who celebrate Christmas, they might include exchanging presents and meeting up with family for various festivities.

Then of course, there’s the main event (let’s be honest, it’s the best part): Christmas Dinner.

Brits up and down the country will be looking forward to piling up their plate with roast meat, veg, potatoes, pigs in blankets, Yorkshire puddings, gravy and just everything else they can fit in the oven (or air fryer I guess).

However, an expert has warned that if you’re suffering with norovirus then that meal should be looking a little different for you.

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Also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, it’s a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea – how festive.

The NHS say norovirus usually goes away in about two days and the main symptoms are throwing up and having the sh**s as well as feeling sick.

You may also have a high temperature, headache and aching arms and legs.

If you’re suffering with Norovirus, you can usually treat yourself at home – it’s most important to just get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.

But as you can catch the virus by close contact and eating food that’s been prepared by someone with it, you shouldn’t be cooking Christmas Dinner if you’ve got it.

Yep, bad news if you’re supposed to be the chef this year – or if your dedicated family cook has caught it then it’s time to step up.

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Dr Lesley Larkin, Interim Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety (One Health) Division at UKHSA told the Mirror: "Norovirus cases continue to rise, especially among those 65 and older and in care homes.

"If you have norovirus or any other stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing it on to family and friends over the festive period.

"Don’t prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop. Many of us will be travelling for Christmas, but you should avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these settings.

"Do not return to work or school once term restarts, until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped. Washing your hands with soap and water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading."

Well, Merry Christmas.