Swine flu surges as schools open
SWINE flu is making a comeback as the start of the school term triggers a surge in new cases.
Up to 5,000 people have been diagnosed with swine flu in the past week, according to the latest figures, up from an estimated 3,000 last week.
Although well below the peak experienced in the summer, Sir Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer for England, said an upturn was likely.
The total number of deaths linked to the virus has risen by one in the past week to 67 in England.
Suspected outbreaks of swine flu were reported in six schools – two in South Yorkshire, one in Carlisle, one in the North-east and two in London.
The Government is now waiting for European backing for a new GlaxoSmithKline vaccine before giving it to health workers and at-risk groups.