Sickness bug doing the rounds makes me think about becoming a hermit – Hayley Matthews

We received a letter from the school and nursery recently explaining a sickness bug was doing the rounds.

The life of a hermit is not for Hayley Matthews (Picture: PA)

Oh the dreaded sickness bug, especially when our youngest is still in bed with us. There's nothing that gives me the fear quite like someone throwing up in the bed.

I'm very particular about my bed and like it clean and fresh, with a throw on top to keep muddy paw prints off my crisp white sheets. So you can imagine the lengths I go to, to avoid a technicolour yawn in my super-king square of luxury. However, even my efforts sometimes aren't enough.

Our eldest has currently been stuck with the sickness bug. Poor wee guy is on week three of not being well and so I've been doing some research on how to prevent further stomach bugs.

Some are obvious like drink more water and strengthen your immunity by adding more vitamin C to your diet. Germs cause havoc in your digestive system so eating nutrients that boost your immune system is great for guarding against infection. The experts say to eat lots of garlic and wash those handy-pandies!

Also, apparently eating more yogurt, particularly probiotic yogurt, can help stave off stomach flu. Half a cup per day goes a long way to maintaining a healthy gut.

However, the best advice I can give on avoiding the stomach bugs currently doing the rounds is to become a complete hermit for the winter. Don't speak to anyone, don't go out, don't let anyone in your house and definitely don't go to any softplays.

I’m kidding! No, the best deterrent is just wash those hands.