Flu home leave 'no longer needed'

Five suspected cases of swine flu have had negative test results

People who have returned to Guernsey from areas affected by swine flu no longer have to stay off work or school for a week, island health bosses say.

The Health and Social Services Department had issued the advice while tests were carried out on suspected cases. Five cases have been negative.

However, public health director Dr Stephen Bridgman said the change should not be taken as a sign of complacency.

He said anyone who had visited a high-risk area still needed to be vigilant.

The Guernsey samples were sent to the UK after people who had recently returned from Mexico and the US showed symptoms.

Dr Stephen Bridgman said people returning from those areas who developed flu-like symptoms, including fever and a high temperature, should stay at home and contact their GP for advice.

Dr Bridgman also recommended that people remembered good hygiene advice.

He said: "General infection-control practices and good respiratory and hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu."