by Graham Tutthill

Parents in Dover, Deal and Sandwich are being urged to remain vigilant for swine flu as their children return to school.

NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent reported that school holidays had slowed down the spread of infection and the illness continues to be mild in the majority of cases.

However, it is widely anticipated that a rise in swine flu cases among the school age group is likely after the new school term starts.

A fact sheet and advice have already been sent by the government to head teachers of east Kent schools in preparation for the new school year.

As well as clarifying swine flu facts and symptoms, it reiterates good hygiene procedures and outlines procedures for staff and children who begin to show symptoms while at school.

NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent’s deputy director of public health, Andrew Scott-Clark, is urging parents and schools to follow simple measures to reduce the transmission of swine flu in the school community.

He said: “The start of a new school year is an exciting time and we know that parents, teachers and students will already have a lot to be thinking about.

"But it’s important that children go back to school, not back to bugs, and there are very simple ways we can all help to reduce the transmission of swine flu.

“Practise good hygiene, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw it away as soon as possible afterwards.

“Wash your hands regularly, particularly after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.”