Officials at the Health Protection Agency said that more than 650,000 people in Britain have already suffered from norovirus -- the winter vomiting bug -- officials at the Health Protection Agency said. Laboratory tests confirmed norovirus cases up to Dec. 2 were almost double compared to this time last year, but more sensitive testing might also boost the numbers. Health officals warned that this desiease is highly contagious and can be transmitted by contact with an infected person; by eating or drinking contaminated food or water; or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Norovirus is a short-lived unpleasant infection but most people will fully recover in a couple of days. It is important to remain hydrated as those who suffer with this disease will be losing a lot of fluids due to the symptoms. ubAlert