PARENTS are being urged to stay vigilant and maintain good hygiene practices following reports of flu in schools.

Bolton’s Community Infection Prevention and Control Team are working with a number of schools following reports of flu-like symptoms among pupils and staff. While there are only a small number of confirmed cases, around 150 children in the borough have complained of flu-like symptoms.

Director of public health, David Hearne, said: “Symptoms include sudden onset of high temperature, cough, blocked or runny nose, as well as sore throat, aching muscles and joints.

“For those parents with pre-school aged children or those who are eligible for the free nasal flu vaccine, we would urge them to make sure they take up the offer to protect their children.

“Test results have confirmed Flu A as the strain in Bolton schools and the flu vaccination is the best protection against this. It is also very important that children wash their hands regularly with soap and water, and carry tissues if they have a runny nose or are coughing to try to limit the spread of infection. Remember ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ ”

Advice for parents is available from nhs.uk