Swine Flu Leaflets Distributed Nationwide

Leaflets providing information about swine flu and advice how to prevent its spread are to be delivered to all households in the UK today.

The Department of Health last week announced the distribution of the leaflets, which suggests ways in which people can reduce their chances of catching the H1N1 virus to prevent it spreading further.

The leaflets also advise people to set up networks of neighbours, friends or relatives who would collect medicine and other supplies in the event of someone having to stay at home as a result of flu.

Twenty-seven people in the UK have been confirmed as having the virus, with 23 of those in England and the remaining four in Scotland.

Five of the cases diagnosed were year seven pupils at Alleyn’s School in Dulwich, London. It announced it would close for at least seven days and all 1,200 pupils as well as staff are receiving Tamiflu anti-viral drugs.

Meanwhile, governors at another London school - Dolphin School in Battersea - also decided to close as a precaution after it emerged two pupils who are siblings of pupils at Alleyn's have been confirmed with the virus.

A spokesman for the Health Protection Agency said: "Those who are still unwell are receiving anti-viral treatment and are recovering at home."

Earlier, five year-seven pupils at Alleyn's school in Dulwich, south-east London, tested positive for the virus.

The new cases had come into contact with a pupil who had recently returned from the US and was diagnosed with swine flu at the weekend.

Our advice is, please don't panic," Antony Faccinello, the senior deputy head at the school, said. "Parents should keep reading our website for advice, and stick to that advice. We want them to come in to the school to collect their child's preventative dose of Tamiflu."

Members of the public can call 0800 1513513 for recorded information about swine flu. The number for NHS 24 in Scotland is 08454 24 24 24.

(JM/BMcc)