THE man who became the first person in the region to be infected with swine flu has made a full recovery.

The man from Clacton received treatment and returned to work, health bosses said yesterday.

No details on the man were ever released.

He tested positive for the virus after returning home from Mexico.

He was given antivirals and took the treatment in his own home.

NHS North East Essex would not confirm whether the case was linked to another in Basildon, where a woman is said to have caught the virus from someone else in the county.

Other cases of swine flu have been confirmed in North Weald and Canvey Island.

The Government this week sent swine flu information leaflets to homes across the country, urging people to take precautions but not to panic.

North Essex director of public health, Mike Gogarty, said: “There are simple steps that everyone can take to help prevent catching colds and flu, based on good respiratory and hand hygiene.

“Always use a tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues where germs can linger, and regularly wash your hands.

“If people are concerned because they have been to Mexico or other affected areas, and are developing influenza-like symptoms, they shouldn’t visit a GP.”

He said people who thought they had swine flu should phone their doctor or NHS Direct.