DOCTORS from Somerset NHS have issued further advice for pregnant women who are concerned about the risk of swine flu.

Dr Caroline Gamlin, Director of Public Health for Somerset, said: “While most pregnant women with swine flu will only have mild symptoms, there is a higher risk of developing complications.

“If you are pregnant and think you might have swine flu, call your GP.

“Pregnant women with swine flu may be given an antiviral drug called Relenza, taken through an inhaler rather than a tablet.

“This means it should not affect your baby and it is also safe to take Relenza while breastfeeding your baby.

“It is also safe for pregnant women to maintain normal activities such as going to work, travelling on public transport and attending events and family gatherings.

“The single most important health advice we are stressing is good personal hygiene.

“Failing to cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing risks spreading infection to those around you.

“By the end of this week we expect a new national Swine Flu Centre will have been set up, in the mean time people can telephone the Swine Flu Information line on 0800-1513513.”

Meanwhile, there are reports that some scientists are asking ministers to consider closing schools in the autumn.

According to the BBC, Professor Neil Ferguson and Dr Simon Cauchemez of Imperial College London have published an article in the medical journal The Lancet.

They said: “The [swine flu] pandemic could become more severe, and so the current cautious approach of not necessarily recommending school closure in Europe and North America might need reappraisal in the autumn.”