Barking and Dagenham has seen an increase in cases of norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug.
Chair of the local GPs group Dr Waseem Mohi said the number of people with the virus over the past few months was higher than last year.
Although not able to say how many more cases had been reported and treated since the summer, he said the rise was much lower than the national increase of 83 per cent.
He urged those suffering diarrhoea and vomiting not to visit their GP or local A&E department.
“You should stay away from schools and day centres and not visit friends in hospital or care homes as people there are particularly susceptible to picking up the bug,” he said.
“If you are suffering from symptoms, you should be extra careful about washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after going to the toilet. You shouldn’t be preparing food for others.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here