THE first person in Essex to be infected with swine flu is believed to be responding well to treatment.

The man, from Clacton, who has not been identified, is believed to be receiving treatment in his own home.

Yesterday the second case of swine flu was confirmed in the county.

It is believed the latest confirmed case, in North Weald, relates to a recent holiday the person had in America.

In north Essex, health bosses say they are well prepared to deal with any outbreak of the virus.

The Government is sending information leaflets to every home in the country and has set up a swine flu hotline.

It is also advising people with suspected cases to contact their GP by phone. But despite the confirmed case, surgeries have not been deluged with calls.

Andy Leonard, practice manager at Mill Road Surgery in Mile End, Colchester, said: “We haven’t had any calls about swine flu, but I think that’s because the publicity campaign by the NHS has been so good.

“There haven’t been any cases in Colchester so we haven’t had people calling for advice.

“That might change if we get cases here, but we have everything we need in place and we are ready should the worst happen.”

Advice on NHS North East Essex’s website urges residents not to panic, explaining there is still a low risk of catching swine flu.

Mike Gogarty, director of public health for NHS North East Essex, said: “We haven’t been updated on the man’s condition, but we believe he is doing well.”

Advice for combating the flu includes washing hands regularly and using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes and then disposing of it in a bin.

The total number of swine flu cases in the UK has risen to 34 and a further 464 suspected cases.