KENT's health chiefs say that about 2,200 pupils are now affected by a flu-like virus that has hit schools across the county.

Kent and Medway NHS officials have confirmed that 47 schools have the influenza B bug which causes high temperatures, gastric upset and headaches.

Schools in the north of the county appear to have had the lion’s share of the outbreak.

Several schools have also been affected by the winter vomiting bug, norovirus.

Kent's health protection agency has issued information leaflets about how to deal with flu bugs and gastro-enteritis infections.

The highest rates of viral flu infections are often in school age children, health protection advice states.

Most people recover completely from influenza in days or a week, while serious illness from influenza is usually due to secondary infections.

Children and fit adults under the age of 65 years not in a group that is likely to be more seriously affected by flu are not recommended to receive the flu vaccine, according to NHS advice.

The Kent Health Protection Unit, headed by its director Dr Mathi Chandrakumar, has issued letters warning of the outbreak to parents and staff at all Kent schools.

The letter includes leaflets telling parents of the symptoms of each illness and to keep their children away from school if they have them.

In a statement Dr Chandrakumar said: "The figure of 2,200 children affected is high. We would normally expect it to be a few hundred for this time of year.

"Originally we had found there was a high number of schools affected so we put out a letter asking schools to report cases. From the responses we found that 46 schools had been affected.

"Most cases were of influenza B, a milder form of the common A virus, and there were some cases of gastroenteritis.

"Most illnesses have lasted just three to four days and we hope the number of incidences will come down."