SCHOOLS are being asked to lead the way in spreading messages on hygiene to combat a new rise in swine flu cases.

The number of people being prescribed anti-virals yesterday rose for the first time in two months.

The rise coincided with the reopening of schools following the summer break.

The latest information from NHS Bolton shows that anti-virals were prescribed to 151 people for the week ending on Sunday, compared to medication being issued to 116 people the week before, a decrease for the seventh successive week.

The Health Protection Agency said flu-like illnesses are on the increase, mainly in schoolchildren.

The agency estimates there were 5,000 new cases in England the week before last, up from 3,000 the week before.

Now every school in Bolton has been sent information about how they can teach pupils good habits and it is hoped the message will be spread at home and in communities.

Key tactics include getting youngsters to wash their hands while humming or singing Happy Birthday twice — to make sure they are washing for long enough — and using ultra-violet lightboxes to show pupils the germs on their hands.

Yesterday, two schools were visited by NHS Bolton and Bolton Council to highlight the new methods.

Youngsters at The Oaks Primary School, in Sharples Hall Drive, Sharples, used a UV lightbox and pupils at Sharples High School tried the Happy Birthday technique.

At The Oaks, Omar-Faruq Ali, aged seven, said: “My hands were really dirty when I looked in the machine. When I washed them well they were really clean.”

At Sharples High, Abby Edmonds, aged 11, said: “Singing Happy Birthday was fun — better then washing your hands normally.

“I think it got rid of more germs because it makes you do them properly.”

School nurse Emily Gallacher said: “There are so many children in schools, they pick things up and are affectionate, so they pass germs on quickly. Hygiene is important, particularly with swine flu. We want to try to prevent illnesses spreading and send the messages home.”

cherry.thomas@theboltonnews.co.uk