NHS Redbridge have warned that swine flu is spreading across the community after two confirmed cases at different primary schools in Wanstead and Woodford.

The first pupil was reported ill at Wells Primary School in Barclay Oval, Woodford Green more than a week ago and the second case was reported today at Snaresbrook Primary School in Meadow Walk, Wanstead.

One parent however, who also works at Snaresbrook Primary, said she and her daughter are both ill, along with many other children at the school.

She added: "I knew a lot of kids were getting ill last week but we thought it was just a sickness bug going around.

"Apparently most of year six were out with it last week.

"The doctor has told us to stay in but I'm the sole carer for my child so I had to go out this morning.

"I've had all the aches and a few chest pains and my daughter's had back ache and a cough."

Dr Pratibha Datta, Director of Public Health for NHS Redbridge, said the virus is now circulating in the community but that schools should not close as this would fail to contain the spread.

She added: "Children who do fall ill should be kept at home until they have recovered.

"Parents should keep schools informed of the nature of the child’s illness.

“The borough already has a good supply of antiviral drugs and these are readily available to patients diagnosed with swine flu.

“People should not book an appointment with their GP as effective diagnosis can be made over the phone.

“NHS Redbridge is reinforcing the importance of personal hygiene to restrict the spread of any infection including disposing of used tissues in a lidded bin, wiping down communally used surfaces such as door handles and table tops and washing hands before eating food and after using the toilet.

“It is important to remember that all but one case involving people contracting swine flu have recovered quickly.”

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of human seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat.

Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting, diarrhoea and aches and pains in their limbs.

Close contact with an infected person increases the risk of catching swine flu.

Close contact is defined as being exposed to a probable or confirmed case within the previous seven days for longer than an hour, and within a distance of one metre or less.

Like any other type of flu, people can die from swine flu if they develop complications, like pneumonia.

Anyone feeling ill should ring their GP or ring the national helpline on 0800 1513 513.