A bug, which has led to NHS being under a massive strain, has attacked hospitals in the UK and more than 140 hospital wards were forced to close over the weekend.

NHS trusts had to cancel operations and to avoid the spread of virus even visitors have been banned.

Number of patients getting admitted to hospitals is on a rise and the NHS is struggling to clear a huge backlog of patients.

Experts believe cases of the vomiting bug also called the norovirus could rise further in the coming weeks.

Dr Steve Field, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said, “It seems incredibly serious. We know it peaks twice a year and it looks like we are in the middle of a second serious peak in a few months that could be affecting up to half a million people.”

Norovirus cases were reported in November in large numbers but this phase seems more severe.

In January last year 46 wards were closed in England. But this time 141 wards were closed over the weekend, which is more than the last month.

Due to NHS workers catching the bug a staff shortage is prevalent.