If you’ve escaped it so far, don’t be too complacent.

As traditional as the festive season itself, flu is already doing the rounds with reports indicating an increase in the virus among five-to-14-year-olds.

Such was the extent of the virus on the run up to Christmas, some local schools were forced to close briefly for deep cleaning to help stem the spread.

This season has also seen an increase in norovirus, otherwise known as the winter vomiting bug.

Latest figures show there have been more than 3,500 laboratory-confirmed cases of the bug nationally. Yet, it is estimated that for every confirmed case there are around 288 unreported cases.

Norovirus is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales especially during the winter months.

Common symptoms are diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Vomiting is often sudden and ‘projectile’ and some people may also have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs.

The launch of the Department of Health’s ‘Catch it. Bin it. Kill it’ campaign this week aims to encourage people to wash their hands and use a tissue to catch a cough or sneeze, then bin it to help stem the spread of winter bugs.

Public health minister Anna Soubry says: “It’s likely that we’ll see an increase again when schools go back in the new year. But we can all play a part in limiting the spread of flu by taking these steps.”

Dr Stephen Morton, director at the Health Protection Agency Yorkshire and the Humber, says: “Many people don’t realise how easily norovirus is spread, and therefore just how important it is for infected people to follow good hygiene measures, including thorough hand-washing, particularly after visiting the toilet.”

To prevent further spread of the infection, children and adults should stay off work or school until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.

“Norovirus can affect people of all ages. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for the virus, apart from letting the illness run its course and so, in the vast majority of cases, there is no additional benefit to visiting a GP or A&E department. It’s important to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, especially in the very young or the elderly.”

Those with underlying medical problems who may be susceptible to infection are encouraged to get their flu jab if they haven’t already done so.

Dr Leena Inamdar, consultant in communicable disease control for West Yorkshire Health Protection Unit, says: “These include people with underlying conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, lung, liver or renal diseases and those with weakened immune systems, as well as older people and pregnant women.

“In previous winters, vaccine uptake in people aged over 65 has been good in Bradford, but we urge other people in clinical ‘at risk’ groups such as pregnant women and people with a long-term medical condition to get vaccinated too – it’s still not too late.

“Healthcare workers and carers should also have the vaccination to prevent passing the infection to vulnerable people.”

Symptoms of flu include sudden onset of fever, cough as well as sore throat, aching muscles and joints. The best advice for treating flu in healthy people is to stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and take pain relievers such as paracetamol. Children under 16 should not take any medicines containing aspirin.

Dr Inamdar added: “Although unpleasant, flu is a self-limiting illness and if you have flu, it is best to stay at home until you are well. If people in ‘at risk’ groups develop symptoms consistent with flu, or if anyone’s symptoms persist or become more severe, they should seek medical advice.”

Following HPA advice on the increasing levels of flu circulating, the Department of Health has this week issued guidance on the use of antiviral drugs for the management of people presenting with flu-like illness in England who are at higher risk of developing complications from flu.

The use of antivirals is recommended each year when flu is considered to be circulating in the community.

For more information, contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or if your symptoms don’t improve, consult your GP.