Swine flu now at seven Plymouth schools

Swine flu continues to spread in Plymouth as seven city schools report suspected cases of the virus.

Plymouth City Council announced about 15 pupils, staff and parents have been isolated with symptoms.

A spokeswoman said it is business as usual for the schools, which remain open in line with updated national guidance.

Doctors have said the vast majority of people with swine flu experience mild symptoms and recover within a few days.

The schools which have reported cases are Hyde Park Junior, Victoria Road Primary, Hele's School, Manadon Vale Primary, Devonport High School for Girls, Mount Wise Community Primary School and Stuart Road Primary.

Other schools in the area to have suspected cases include Ivybridge Community College and Kelly College near Tavistock.

The council spokeswoman said: "The message is very much business as usual for schools.

"Schools must report any suspected cases of swine flu to us as soon as they are made aware of them.

"However, they are free to contact us at anytime if they would like general support and advice.

"We have been sign-posting headteachers to the extremely useful and practical information being given by the Devon and Cornwall Team of the Health Protection Agency, NHS Plymouth and Teachernet website.

"However the last day of term is July 22 and then the summer holidays begin."

She said that schools are informing families and carers by letter or by posting information on their websites.

National guidance recommends that preventative antiviral drugs are no longer routinely offered to large groups of school pupils.

The spokeswoman added: "It is very important to stress that these are not confirmed cases. It is likely that some of those who are ill have other respiratory viruses and not swine flu."

People with swine flu symptoms are advised to call the helplines first and only visit their GP surgery if told to do so by a health professional.

This is to avoid contact with high-risk groups such as children under the age of five, pregnant women and those with long-term diseases.

Fourteen people in the UK, none from the Plymouth area, are thought to have died after contracting the virus. All had other health problems.

Swine flu symptoms are very similar to other flu strains and include sudden high fever, extreme tiredness, aching muscles, limb or joint pain, diarrhoea or stomach upset, sore throat, runny nose and loss of appetite.

Local figures of confirmed cases are unavailable, but there are over 9,700 in the UK.

It is not known how many people truly have the virus as many are treating themselves at home rather than contacting their GP.

Call the swine flu information line 08001 513513 for general information or visit www.nhs.uk where there is a symptom checker.

People should only call NHS Direct 0845 4647 or their GP if they still have concerns.

· There are also reports of swine flu on a foreign ship docked at Devonport.

A Portuguese navy frigate with a crew of close to 200 is said to be under quarantine in Plymouth after a case of swine flu was confirmed aboard ship.

The decision to quarantine the Botolomeu Dias was taken by the Portuguese authorities.

Those aboard are being treated with anti-virals while the infected crewman is being treated in the sickbay at Devonport dockyard.