REDBRIDGE schools have been told that the swabbing of pupils has been abandoned, as swine flu is said to be "circulating at large in the community."
News of a suspected case of the potentially fatal virus at Wanstead High School came on Friday, after six infections were confirmed at Snaresbrook Primary in Wanstead and Wells Primary and Woodbridge High in Woodford Green last week.
But after spending the week rushing to get thier students swabbed for signs of further infection, headteachers have received a letter from NHS Redbridge informing them that advice on the management of the virus has now changed.
The letter said: "Cases of swine flu are determined by clinical diagnosis as opposed to swabbing and laboratory testing.
"Swabbing was only agreed in a relatively small number of cases so health experts could initially study its make-up and transmission as a new virus.
"This is no longer necessary as swine flu is now at circulating at large among the community."
Anyone feeling ill has been asked to stay at home and call one of the helplines rather than attending their doctor's surgery where the infection could be spread more easily.
Those experiencing swine flu symptoms, which are similar to those of seasonal flu, such as aching muscles, sudden fever and headaches, will be prescribed the antiviral drug tamiflu.
Tamiflu does not prevent swine flu and will not be dispensed to those without symptoms, but it does lessen its effects of the illness and aid recovery.
After two adults were taken ill in the Ilford area in May, the total of confirmed cases in the borough now stands at ten, though it is thought that many more will now go unrecorded.
Schools are being told to follow basic hygiene procedures, such as regularly wiping down communal surfaces, disposing of tissues in lidded bins and encouraging hand washing before meals and after using the toilet.
Anyone taken ill should inform the school of their condition and remain at home until they have recovered, and if possible, get a friend or family member to collect prescriptions on their behalf.
Download basic hygiene advice by going to: redbridge.nhs.uk or call the Swine Flu helpline on: 0800 1 513 513, NHS Direct on: 0845 4647 or your GP.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here