Sixty students hit by flu-like virus at Backwell Junior School

A third of pupils have been struck down with a flu-like illness at a junior school in Bristol.

Sixty pupils at Backwell Junior School have fallen ill with the virus, and Public Health England are now testing to confirm if the illness affecting the children is flu.

It is understood this is the largest number of students which have ever been affected by a bug at one time at the school.

Parents are being urged to keep their children away from class if they start having symptoms.

A deep clean of the school has also taken place since the outbreak.

Dominic Mellon, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health England South West, said: "We are working with the school and have provided information to parents on infection control measures and advice about exclusion."

He added: "Infections, including flu, can be prevented by following good hygiene such as hand washing and following the 'catch it, bin it, kill it' advice."

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FLU?

• Cough

• Heavy cold symptoms

• Sore throat

• Fever

Flu is generally not a serious illness, but it can cause serious illness in those with other health problems.

In order to reduce the spread of infections it's advised children with symptoms are kept away from school until they have recovered, are free of symptoms and have not had a fever for at least 24 hours.