Swine flu boy, 8, stable in hospital

A BOY from a Shaw primary school is in hospital with swine flu.

Health bosses today confirmed the eight-year-old, who has an under-lying health condition, is in a stable condition.

Parents of all children who attend East Crompton St George’s have been alerted. The school will remain open.

NHS Oldham said it would “shortly” be starting a swine flu immunisation programme for vulnerable people, and urged anyone eligible for the jab to make sure they get it.

Councillor Kay Knox, Oldham Council Cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “The head teacher acted quickly to reassure the school community. A letter has been sent out to all parents and carers to make sure everyone is aware of the situation.

“In accordance with Government guidance, there are no plans to close the school at this time. All children who are not showing symptoms should continue to attend as normal.”

Alan Higgins, director of public health for Oldham, said swine flu in the majority of cases is a mild to moderate illness, but the public should be vigilant and use their own judgement.

Mr Higgins said good hygiene was crucial to prevent the virus spreading.

He said: “Remember — catch it, kill it, bin it. This means using a disposable tissue when you cough and sneeze, disposing of it in a bin and then washing your hands.”

Swine flu cases across the North-West have risen for the fourth week in a row, as have the number of people in hospital with flu-like symptoms.

Hand-outs of anti-virals are up to 1,501 from 1,306 a week earlier, and hospital admissions up to 62 from 54.

Symptoms include the sudden onset of a high temperature, cough or shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or a loss of appetite.