An outbreak of norovirus has forced the first ward closure of this winter at Hull Royal Infirmary.
Ward 12 at the Anlaby Road-based hospital has closed to new admissions to limit the spread of the bug.
The winter vomiting and diarrhoea infection can be particularly serious if caught by an older person or those with existing health problems.
People with the bug are asked to stay away from the hospital until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours or more.
The emergence of norovirus adds to the pressure experienced by Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust in recent weeks, a period that has seen exceptional demand for emergency care. Patients suffering non-urgent problems are asked to use alternatives to the emergency department, such as minor injury units, walk-in centres, pharmacies and GPs.
Professor Ian Philp, Chief Medical Officer at the Trust said: "Norovirus is the most common cause of outbreaks of gastroenteritis in hospitals and it can spread quickly because of the close proximity of people in relatively confined spaces.
"Generally, the illness is usually quite mild, lasting for about 48 hours, however it is very infectious and can spread easily. Plus, people who have had the bug can remain infectious for another 48 hours after the symptoms have gone away.
"We currently have one ward closed to new admissions due to an outbreak of norovirus, and this is adding to the pressure which our hospitals are already under."
People with these symptoms are advised to seek advice from their local pharmacy or NHS 111. If symptoms persist, they should then consult their GP.
Prof Philp said: "The emergency department is not the place to come with sickness and diarrhoea as this potentially risks spreading the virus to a lot of very sick and vulnerable people."
People can also help to limit the spread of norovirus through thorough hand washing.
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