DadTalk

Surge in swine flu cases predicted

The return to school this week following the Christmas holidays is likely to spur a fresh surge in the number of flu cases, parents are being warned.

The return to school this week following the Christmas holidays is likely to spur a fresh surge in the number of flu cases, parents are being warned.

Professor John Oxford, a leading virologist at St Bartholomew's and the Royal London Hospital, said the return of children to school had in the past prompted a rise in the number of flu cases. "You tend to get a surge," the professor said. "I would anticipate a surge, but how long that will last is difficult to say."

Children in high-risk groups should be vaccinated as soon as possible, Oxford added: "This virus is not going to go away next week. Even if it's already peaked, it's still going to be around for the next couple of weeks and it's still worthwhile being vaccinated at this stage."

At least 39 people are believed to have died since the season began in October, the majority from the H1N1 swine flu strain of the infection against which younger people have less resistance.

Parents should keep children at home if they showed signs of flu, Oxford said. While closing schools had not proved effective, he said parents could aid the fight against the virus by ensuring good hand hygiene and keeping children away from others with the illness where possible.

Read more at the Guardian Website