by Jo Sword

GPs in Kent are being put on alert ahead of the predicted rise in swine flu cases this autumn.

With schools returning after the summer break and the cooler weather setting in people congregate closer together, which helps spread the bug from person to person.

The World Health Organisation predicts one in three of the global population will fall ill with the virus.

There are concerns small businesses and health organisations could struggle if too many people take time off.

But Andrew Scott-Clark, the deputy director of public health for NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent, said plans are in place to deal with that.

He said: "We have got plans across Kent for GPs to 'buddy up' under systems so we can meet the normal business demand - i.e. everything that is not flu - but also to meet the demand of people who have flu and all practices across Kent will have those plans in place."

Andrew Scott-Clark explains what you should do if you think you have symptoms

A vaccination has been developed to try and stop many of the most vulnerable falling ill. Medical professionals are to be among the first to get the jab.

Questioned about any safety issues surrounding the vaccine due to its speed of development, Mr Scott-Clark said it is the same development process which happens with the seasonal flu vaccine.

He added: "The World Health Organisation determines what the circulating virus is, a vaccine is made and it is clinically tested, licensed and administered and that process happens every year because the seasonal flu changes every year."

If you think you have the symptoms of swine flu call the NHS hotline on 0800 1513100.