A highly-infectious sickness bug resulted in 4,000 bed days being lost by the NHS in Cumbria and the north east last winter.

The norovirus winter vomiting bug left patients either confined on wards, or empty beds closed to avoid it spreading.

The NHS in Cumbria is now appealing to residents to help stop its spread this winter.

Latest figures reveal the true impact on hospitals, including those in Carlisle and Whitehaven, last year.

Between the months of November to January across the region, a total of almost 4,000 bed days - days when another patient could have been cared for - were lost.

Of these, nearly 1500 were unoccupied beds - empty beds on wards that had to close to new patients due to norovirus.

NHS England says sickness and diarrhoea bugs like norovirus are unpleasant for patients, take up resources and bed space, and slow patient flow through the hospital.

Its message is to stay away from hospital if you have symptoms to avoid it getting on to wards.

Norovirus is one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK.

It's also called the winter vomiting bug because it's more common in winter, although you can catch it at any time of the year.

Professor Chris Gray, NHS England’s medical director for Cumbria and the north east, said: “We’ve already seen a number of clinical settings and schools affected by norovirus this winter, and unfortunately instances like these are likely to rise over the coming months as the temperature drops.

“If you are feeling unwell, have diarrhoea or vomiting, please don’t visit a hospital for at least 48 hours after the last symptom has gone. Norovirus can have a serious impact on patients who are often more vulnerable to catching it.

“Self-treating at home is the best way to help yourself and avoid putting others at risk. You don't normally need to see your GP if you have the bug because there's no specific treatment for it - antibiotics won't help because it's caused by a virus.

“If you’re concerned, the NHS 111 service is a great alternative to presenting to your GP in person.”

Norovirus rarely requires medical treatment and most people will recover from it within a few days, but remain carriers for some time.

Symptoms include suddenly feeling sick, projectile vomiting and diarrhoea.

Some people also have a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs.

The symptoms appear one to two days after becoming infected and typically last for up three days.

Adults can take anti-diarrhoea and anti-vomiting medication if suitable.

The advice is to check with a pharmacist first.

Tips to avoid norovirus include paying extra attention to hygiene, including thorough hand washing and disinfecting surfaces before cooking.