Two children have now been confirmed to have swine flu, bringing the total number of cases to four in Kent.

The children are being treated with anti-viral drugs at home, NHS West Kent confirmed today.

They join a man who had recently returned home from US who was the first confirmed case in the county, and a case in east Kent.

Dr Jackie Spiby, NHS West Kent's Director of Health Improvement said: "A further two cases have been confirmed in West Kent. This brings the number of confirmed cases in the area to three.

"Two children have been tested and found to have the virus. This is linked to an ongoing investigation into an outbreak in a boarding school in Berkshire.

The children are currently being treated with anti-viral drugs at home."

Mrs Spiby said the trust, with the Health Protection Agency, was working hard to identify any possible cases and to protect individuals who may have come into contact with suspected or confirmed cases.

She added: "Close contacts of the confirmed cases in West Kent have been identified and treated to prevent spread of the disease. We want to reassure the public that spread of swine flu in the UK is currently limited, and symptoms in confirmed cases are generally mild.

"If anyone is worried, we would encourage them to call the swine flu information line on 0800 1513 513. If a person has flu-like symptoms, they should stay at home and contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or phone their GP."

The trust has issued the following advice for anyone who is worried:

• To reduce the risk of catching or spreading swine flu, always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissues prompty and carefully.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus and clean hard surfaces, such as door handles, frequently.