LONDON, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- An outbreak of norovirus in England prompted hospitals to stop accepting new patients as more than 100,000 people per week contract the stomach bug.
The flood of sick people has prompted hospitals to cancel routine surgeries, The Independent reported Saturday.
The Health Protection Agency reported the norovirus season began a month early in December and the number of cases was the highest in five years, the British newspaper said Saturday.
"This is the highest year since 2002 but we are not overly concerned. Every year we have ward closures and people off sick. The effects are in line with previous years," an HPA statement read.
Southwestern England seems most effected.
The Royal College of General Practitioners said the elderly, the very young and those with depressed immune systems are susceptible to serious health issues associated with the virus.
Doctors advise affected people to stay home another 48 hours after symptoms subside to avoid spreading the illness, and encourage people to wash their hands with soap and water to avoid spreading the infection.
The norovirus symptoms are similar to the common flu, including diarrhea and vomiting.
