SUFFOLK health bosses are today preparing themselves for any outbreak of swine flu.

SUFFOLK health bosses are today preparing themselves for any outbreak of swine flu.

Although no cases of the 'Mexican' flu have been reported in Suffolk, the Government's chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, has said the country will inevitably be hit by cases at some point.

He added plans were in place to prevent the spread of the disease if it reached the UK.

Dr Brian Keeble, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Suffolk said they were working closely with the Health Protection Agency in the East of England to asses the situation.

He said: “At this point we would like to emphasise that general infection control practices and good hand hygiene can help to stop the spread of all viruses, including the human strain of swine influenza.

“This includes covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible, disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully, maintaining good basic hygiene for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people. Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product and finally, making sure your children follow this advice.”