Doctor's official advice as Brits likely to be hit with brutal illness this weekend as cases explode by 100%

Only in Britain the chances of catching a nasty ‘winter’ bug are ‘higher than expected’ when it’s not even winter.

It just so happens that the highly contagious norovirus - known as the 'winter vomiting bug' - is already here, in Autumn.

In fact, the only reason it's called the 'winter vomiting bug' is because it's more common in winter, but as you’ve seen, you can catch it at any time of the year.

What is norovirus?

The stomach bug can be very unpleasant, causing possible vomiting, diarrhoea, a high temperature and a headache, according to the NHS

Norovirus can be very unpleasant (Getty Stock Images)

Although the symptoms sound awful, norovirus happens to be one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK.

As reported by The Sun, UKHSA data suggests that cases have been up by double the average amount recorded within a two-week period.

Medical advice

Although norovirus usually only lasts a couple of days, it's still something you don't really want to catch.

"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," Dr Lesley Larkin, Interim Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety (One Health) Division at UKHSA, previously told the Mirror.

"Don’t prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop.

Norovirus can spread very easily (Getty Stock Images)

"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."

What parents can do to prevent their children from getting it

Claire Nevinson, a pharmacist at Boots, has told parents to make sure their 'children practice good personal hygiene'.

She told PA Media that kids need to stay up to date with vaccinations, stay home when ill, get enough sleep and manage their stress levels when they can.

On the importance of having a balanced diet, Nevinson added: "Try to avoid giving them lots of processed and sugary foods, as well as saturated fats, too – that’s not to say ice cream and cookies are completely off the table, it’s just about balance and moderation."

Good luck out there, everyone.