Emergency departments are being swamped with desperate gastro sufferers as a NSW viral outbreak worsens.
Close to 5000 people have turned up in NSW emergency departments with gastroenteritis in the past three weeks, 500 more than the worst case scenario predictions.
Of those 1200 have been admitted for care.
The crisis is also affecting those in child care, nursing homes and hospitals, with almost 100 from this category being struck down - 20 more than the five year average.
NSW Health is pleading with people to wash their hands to help slow the spread of the virus.
"These outbreaks are mostly caused by infection with a virus - most often norovirus or rotavirus - and spread easily from person to person, particularly if hands are not carefully washed after using the toilet or attending to nappy changes," NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said.
Dr Chant warns the virus can be dormant for up to three days.
He has also asked those who are affected by the virus to avoid preparing food for others for at least 48 hours.
"If your work involves handling food, or looking after children, the elderly or patients, do not return to work until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped," he said.
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