PARENTS of students at Launceston College have been told that there is "no cause for panic" after a student was confirmed to have swine flu. Letters were sent to parents and carers of children at the college, informing them of the situation.The letter, signed by principal Jack Jackson, said: "As you may be aware there have been two confirmed cases of swine flu in Launceston, one of which is a current student at Launceston College."

Mr Jackson said the college had taken advice from both the Local Authority and from the NHS, and enclosed a copy of the letter from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Authority with the letter.

This contained clear guidance on how to act if someone has flu like symptoms, and Mr Jackson added: "We would strongly encourage all staff and students at Launceston College to follow this advice."

Launceston College has placed additional advice on swine flu and links to further information on the 'urgent message board' section of the college website.

Mr Jackson concluded: "We believe that there is no cause for panic and the college will run as usual until we finish at 1.30pm on Friday, July 17."

The 'Post' contacted the college regarding the confirmed case, and a spokesman said the college would not be making any comment on the situation.

Letters were also sent out to parents of pupils at St Step­hen's School, Laun­ceston, to let them know there was one suspected case of swine flu at the school, although this was not confirmed.

The school was not closed early, instead it stayed open until the end of term yesterday (Wed­nes­day).

Government policy changed on July 2 and as such, the NHS has ceased swabbing suspected cases of swine flu; instead people with symptoms will be treated straight away.

A Cornwall and Isles of Scilly NHS spokesman said: "We are dealing with a very small number of confirmed cases with the pupils affected experiencing mild symptoms and recovering well. The cases we have so far are not considered a major outbreak of swine flu and in these circumstances there is no health reason to make any changes to normal routines in schools."

Guidelines have been issued by the NHS if anyone develops flu-like symptoms, which are similar to regular seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing:

● Stay at home;

● Check your symptoms if possible via the NHS Direct website at http://www.nhs.uk">www.nhs.uk;

● Call the swine flu information line on 0800 1513513 to hear the latest advice;

● If you are still concerned, call your GP and ask for an assessment over the phone;

● Do not go into your GP surgery, or to a hospital, as you may spread the disease to others. Ask your 'flu friend' (a friend, neighbour or family member who is well) to go out for you.

The NHS has said there are certain high risk groups of people that may be at greater risk of contracting the virus and at risk of complications resulting from the illness.

These are: people with long-term lung disease; long-term kidney disease; long-term neurological disease; long-term liver disease; long-term heart disease; children under 5 years of age; people over 65; people with a suppressed immune system; people with diabetes; patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years; and pregnant women.