HEALTH chiefs say they fear a second wave of swine flu as tens of thousands of pupils return to school this week.

The latest figures from NHS Bolton show the number of people prescribed anti-virals for the week ending Sunday fell for the sixth week running, from 172 to 133.

But health officials believe the virus will start to spread again as children and teachers head back to the classroom.

They are urging pupils and staff to remain vigilant and follow key hygiene rules to help limit the impact of any further possible outbreak. Graham Munslow, health protection specialist at NHS Bolton, said: “Viruses spread easily in settings like schools where a lot of people spend time together, but pupils can help protect themselves and their families from swine flu and other common winter bugs by following basic hygiene rules.

“Flu bugs spread through coughs and sneezes, and the virus can live for several hours on hands and on hard surfaces like desks and door handles. Use a paper tissue to catch coughs or sneezes and wash your hands regularly.”

NHS Bolton will work with Bolton Council to keep all schools updated over the coming months and advise them on how to deal with swine flu.

It comes after the town, and the UK as a whole, has seen a steady decrease in suspected swine flu cases since mid July.

In Bolton, they peaked at 2,285 in the week ending July 27.

But it is thought a second wave of the virus may break out over the autumn and winter, coinciding with the return to school and the onset of seasonal flu.

NHS Bolton is reiterating that most people who have contracted swine flu have reported mild to moderate flu like symptoms, with only a small number experiencing complications.

Information for schools is available at teachernet.gov.uk and anyone who thinks they may have the virus can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service online at direct.gov.uk/ pandemicflu or call 0800 1 513 513 for information and 0800 1 513 100 for treatment.

cherry.thomas@ theboltonnews.co.uk