Swine flu hits school

Almost 50 children at Seddon School have been struck with swine flu in the top of the south's first outbreak of H1N1 influenza this winter.

Nelson Marlborough medical officer of health Dr Ed Kiddle said swab tests taken on Wednesday confirmed the outbreak.

Most of the children had upper respiratory tract infections, cough, sore throat and a fever.

Dr Kiddle said the illness started more than a week ago but was now waning. At its peak, nearly half the children were off school, with 46 ill out of a roll of 107.

He said there were likely to be other cases in the community.

The virus can be easily passed to other people through coughing and sneezing. Dr Kiddle said people should stay at home if they were unwell, cover coughs and wash their hands regularly.

"If you are concerned or are getting worse or if you have an underlying medical condition such as asthma, you should contact your GP, as anti-viral medicines will help but need to be started early."

Pregnant women were also at higher risk of complications from influenza.

"Vaccination provides the best protection and is very important for people who have other medical conditions," Dr Kiddle said.

For more information, phone Healthline on 0800611116.

- © Fairfax NZ News