Three Queensland hospitals are battling outbreaks of the highly infectious norovirus which has struck down almost 150 patients and staff.

Queensland Health on Tuesday said the Royal Brisbane and Woman's (RBWH), Gold Coast and Cairns Base hospitals had been affected by the virus, which causes vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, stomach cramps, fever and headaches.

It's estimated about 70 staff and patients have fallen ill at the RBWH over the past 10 days, while another 50 have been affected at the Gold Coast Hospital in the past few weeks.

The problem has forced the hospitals to reduce activity in a number of wards in a bid to curtail the virus' spread.

In the Cairns Base Hospital, another 25 patients and staff caught the virus over three days last week.

But a spokesman said the hospital continued to operate normally and only four patients remained isolated.

RBWH's Infectious Diseases director, Dr Tony Allworth, said the hospital had diverted admissions away from contagious areas to shield patients, visitors and staff from the virus.

"Norovirus is common in the community during winter months," Dr Allworth said.

"This virus is being spread around in the general community at the moment, so it is not unique to the Royal (RBWH).

"We have additional measures in place, such as restricting admissions to affected areas and reducing unnecessary access to the wards, to reduce the chances of it spreading."

"We apologise for any inconvenience."

Queensland Health Director of Infection Services, Dr Michael Whitby, said outbreaks usually emerged where a concentrated number of people existed, such as at childcare centres, schools and aged-care facilities.

It is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person, through inhaling droplets in the air, touching contaminated surfaces, or by eating or drinking something contaminated.

"A person with norovirus is infectious while they have symptoms and for at least 72 hours after the symptoms have gone," Dr Whitby said.

"Unfortunately, there is no antiviral medication or preventative vaccine that works against norovirus."

He urged people to thoroughly wash their hands after using the toilet or changing nappies and before handling or eating food to avert the chance of infection.

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