PARENTS have been reminded to be vigilant for the symptoms of swine flu as the numbers suffering from the virus continue to rise.A child was back at Meadow Primary School, in Lowestoft, this week after falling ill with the virus, but the message to parents across the region is to be alert to the symptoms.

PARENTS have been reminded to be vigilant for the symptoms of swine flu as the numbers suffering from the virus continue to rise.

A child was back at Meadow Primary School, in Lowestoft, this week after falling ill with the virus, but the message to parents across the region is to be alert to the symptoms.

Parents with children at the school in Enstone Road were all sent a letter alerting them to the case of the illness, telling them not to panic and reminding them about the importance of hand hygiene, after a pupil was diagnosed with the virus last month.

Headteacher David Clarke said: 'We had a confirmed case during the summer and in the first week of term we had one child in our nursery diagnosed. The child is now happy and well, and back in school.'

Last month health officials warned that swine flu was expected to continue to rise with the arrival of autumn and now Dr Shamsher Diu, a consultant in public health for NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, has re-iterated the need to be prepared.

'It is important to stress that swine flu symptoms have generally been mild for the vast majority of people, and some people may find that they get better by staying in bed, drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter flu medication,' said Dr Diu.

'However numbers are growing, which is in line with national expectations and forecasts regarding swine flu. Therefore we would remind everyone to ensure they have their usual flu remedies at hand and to find a flu friend who would be able to collect any medication should they be diagnosed with swine flu.'

People who think they may have flu are able to contact the National Pandemic Flu Service for assessment of their symptoms and those confirmed as having swine flu symptoms are issued with a unique reference number. This gives them access to anti-virals at an anti-viral collection point.

Ways to prevent spreading the virus includes regularly washing your hands with soap and water, and using tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

If you think you may have swine flu contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513 100 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu to be assessed.