Swine flu help for county parents

Mary Webb Sports Centre was closed after a member of staff became ill

As the swine flu pandemic continues, all parents with children in Shropshire schools are to receive a letter.

It is in response to the government's admission that the virus cannot be contained.

Laura Rowley is Shropshire Council's Director of Resources. She said people should seek advice immediately if they had flu-like symptoms.

She said the letter contained simple advice about preventing the spread of the virus.

Parents in Telford and Wrekin have already had the letter which will be sent to Shropshire parents over the next few days.

It says that schools will no longer be closed where cases of swine flu have been confirmed because the virus is already widespread in the community.

Prevention advice

• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Use a tissue when possible and dispose of promptly
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Clean hard surfaces frequently
• Make sure children follow the advice

Seek advice

Ms Rowley said she understood that people were worried about swine flu: "I think the thing that reassured me was that some of the children in our own schools in Shropshire that have had swine flu are now perfectly well and back at school."

It's part of our normal arrangements to be prepared for this sort of thing Laura Rowley

People who are greater risk, such as pregnant women and those with underlying medical problems should ask advice from their doctor or call NHS Direct.

School closures and the distribution of anti viral medicines are not longer being recommended because of the spread of the virus among communities.

In Shropshire the Mary Webb Sports Centre at Pontesbury was closed at the end of June after a member of staff was diagnosed with swine flu. It was re-opened after being deep cleaned.

Unlike other parts of the country, there have been no fatalities in the county and incidences of the virus are still low.

Ms Rowley said Shropshire was well prepared for the current outbreak: "Originally we made plans for bird flu 18 months ago, so it's part of our normal arrangements to be prepared for this sort of thing."