STUDENTS and staff at schools across Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire are reportedly being struck down by swine flu.

The Gazette has learned that students at Elm Park School in Winterbourne, Fromebank School in Yate and staff at The Castle School in Thornbury and Alexandra Hosea School in Wickwar have all been diagnosed with the illness this week.

Last week it was reported that a teacher at Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School in Wotton-under-Edge was suffering from the illness.

However, because suspected cases of swine flu are no longer being tested for confirmation it is not known whether people with symptoms really have the illness or if it is just being diagnosed as a precaution.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesman said: "Any absences reported by schools are not necessarily confirmed or diagnosed cases as laboratory testing is no longer being carried out as a matter of course.

"Children may be absent because swine flu is suspected, they may have been sent home from school with symptoms or kept away by parents."

To prevent the spread of swine flu health authorities across the region are continuing to advise people to maintain good personal hygiene and for those who feel unwell the advice is to stay at home and contact their doctors.

Sue Pratt, spokeswoman for South Gloucestershire NHS, said: "The key symptom is a temperature over 38 degrees, as well as two or more of the other symptoms, which include a severe headache, coughing, runny nose, vomiting or diarrhoea.

"We would ask people not to panic and just to remember to follow basic hygiene steps with the catch it, bin it, kill it campaign. People should use a tissue, wash their hands frequently and if they are feeling unwell stay at home."

Dr Shona Arora, director of public health for NHS Gloucestershire, said: "We would ask that people stay at home and do not turn up in person at an Accident and Emergency, a Minor Injury Unit or the GP Out of Hours Primary Care Centres.

"A family member, friend or neighbour, known as a flu friend, who is not displaying flu-like symptoms, should collect prescriptions and antivirals on your behalf.

"By following these simple guidelines we can help reduce the spread of germs in the community and within healthcare settings where there are more vulnerable people."

Anyone feeling unwell should check their symptoms online at www.nhs.uk or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513.

Alternatively people can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or their GP for more advice.