A tweet from the NHS which appears to be advising Norovirus sufferers to play computer games until they have recovered has been posted online.

The missive, which was sent on Wednesday evening by NHS England, tells anyone who is ill with suspected norovirus that their GP can’t treat them, and advises alternatives to treat themselves as part of an ‘essential kit’.

The instructions read: “Stay hydrated… Take paracetamol… Prevent spread… Stay at Home for two days after symptoms clear.”

The console, which looks similar to a Nintendo DS, is not mentioned in the text, but its intimation seems to be that those recovering from the severe stomach bug should play computer games until they are better.