THE head teacher of a Chard secondary school says “it’s business as usual” after a student this week became the first confirmed case of swine flu in the town.

Maurice Hicks, of Holyrood Community School, issued letters to parents on Monday confirming that a Year 9 pupil has tested positive for the virus.

The girl, who has not attended school since June 26 due to a family holiday, is undergoing treatment and is thought to be recovering well.

School officials decided not to shut the premises after liaising with the NHS and the Dorset & Somerset Health Protection Unit.

Mr Hicks said: “Our main concern is causing any unnecessary distress to anxious parents.

“As swine flu is circulating in the community we’re advised that there’s no point closing the school because people could still be exposed to the virus.”

“It’s very much business as usual.”

Government ministers have this week announced plans to vaccinate the population after a man in Essex became the first British patient without underlying health problems to die from the virus.

The national death toll has now reached 17.

Somerset doctors maintain that all confirmed cases in the county have been isolated and the people affected have made a full recovery.

Dr Caroline Gamlin, Director of Public Health for Somerset, said: “We believe the levels of swine flu to be very low in Somerset at this time and those who have been affected have experienced only mild symptoms of flu.”

Students with flu-like symptoms are advised to stay away from school until they are completely well.

Anyone who is worried that they may be infected should call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800-1513513.

For more advice and information follow the link below.