DESPITE fears over the potential for the swine flu virus to spread in the Westcountry, health officials say there is no need for people to panic.

Dr Sarah Harrison, infection control lead and consultant in communicable disease control for the local health protection unit, emphasised: "It is important to remember that the student is responding well to treatment and we would urge people not to be unduly concerned at this stage."

She said measures in place, such as closing the school, were designed to minimise the risk to college students and staff.

Speaking from a press conference in Paignton yesterday, she said the flu virus did not survive in the environment for long and there was no reason to disinfect the school buildings. "It was more of a precaution to stop people spreading it to each other. The school building itself is not a risk.

"We are keen to reassure the local community that only those who have had close contact with the student need to be offered anti-viral drugs.

"We are working closely with the school and are in contact with parents as appropriate."

While the advice to the school had been to close for seven days, it was the school which decided not to reopen until Monday, May 11.

"That is as long as we have no other cases," said Dr Harrison. "The situation will be reviewed every day. The greatest risk of infection is for those who have been in greatest contact with the student, within a metre for a period of more than an hour."

Flu symptoms can develop within 48 hours of being contracted, but it could be up to a week.

Dr Harrison said: "Tamiflu is known to be effective; having said that, flu almost always gets better on its own. It probably helps people get better earlier."

She said the Torbay Primary Care Trust and the local health protection unit would hold regular meetings twice daily by telephone, if not more than once a day, to be updated on the situation. It could be up to a week before Amy's family and pupils and any other contacts could be given the all clear, provided no other cases are confirmed.