The possible closure of schools has been discussed by academics as a means of controlling swine flu.

Closing schools could help cut the number of swine flu cases, however a mass national closure of schools is “highly unlikely” according to the UK’s Chief Medical Officer.

A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases magazine concluded that closing schools for several weeks after the summer holidays, before swine flu has taken hold, could help to cut the number of cases, although it also noted the high economic social and ethical costs and disruption to key services that this would potentially create.

The UK’s Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, commented on the potential closure of schools when speaking to ITN News: “Whilst we wouldn’t rule it out completely, I think it’s highly unlikely that a mass national closure of schools would be warranted.

“We saw one that happened in the West Midlands for a very large outbreak there – schools were closed initially but ultimately the virus was spreading more rapidly in the community outside the remit of the schools. So I don’t think it [a national closure of schools] is very likely, but we won’t rule it out completely.”

The end of this week will see the launch of England’s National Pandemic Flu Service, a dedicated helpline and online service that will help diagnose people with swine flu and facilitate their treatment. The system is designed to help ease the burden on GPs and the NHS, who have been overwhelmed by the volume of enquiries they have received.

The news comes at the same time the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) reports that more than a third of people are “not at all” worried about swine flu. A research poll on the ICM website has recorded mixed results, however the majority surveyed showed little concern for the pandemic.

So far, 31 people in the UK have died from the virus and there are an estimated 55,000 new cases diagnosed every week. The symptoms of swine flu include: a sudden fever (with a body temperature of 38 degrees or above); a sudden cough; aching muscles and joints; diarrhoea or upset stomach; sore throat; and loss of appetite.

For further information about swine flu, visit: http://www.nhs.uk or ring the swine flu helpline on 0800 1 513 513.