A PEEBLES hospital remains closed to all admissions this week following a norovirus outbreak.

And friends and family members of patients at Hay Lodge are being discouraged from visiting until the highly-contagious vomiting bug has cleared.

Restrictions were put in place at the start of the week due to many patients becoming unwell.

And Thursday's confirmation that many are suffering from norovirus has led to the admissions ban continuing into the weekend.

Joint director of Public Health, Dr Tim Patterson told us: “Norovirus is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea and vomiting illness.

"It is very infectious and spreads quickly between people.

"This is why outbreaks happen in hospitals where a number of people are sharing facilities. However it doesn’t just occur in hospitals, and can start abruptly and spread quickly through communities.

“Action by patients, visitors and staff can help support us to deliver safe patient care and minimise the impact of a potential norovirus outbreak, and we are urging visitors to comply with any instructions you are given by staff or signs that you see at the entrances to wards.

"This is vital to protect yourselves and your loved ones from catching this unpleasant virus, particularly as your friends or family members currently in hospital may be more vulnerable to the virus than usual."

Common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhoea and/or vomiting generally lasting for 12-to-72 hours.

Other symptoms can include headache, fever and muscle aches. Anyone can get the infection and it can be serious in the very young, frail or older people who are vulnerable to the effects of dehydration.

Treatment for norovirus in most cases requires drinking more fluids than usual and resting to give your body a chance to fight the infection.