A PRIMARY school hit with swine flu is to stay open.

Seven youngsters at Elmstead Primary School, in Elmstead Market, have picked up the virus, and many more are being tested for it.

But the Holly Way school is staying open as normal, with parents being given the choice to send their children in or not.

Health bosses are refusing to reveal how many people have the virus in the Colchester area.

Mum Simone Wakelin, 42 of Regent Road, Brightlingsea, said: “My view is unless you live in a bubble, there is not a lot you can do.

“They have already been exposed and if they don’t get it at school, they could get it elsewhere.”

Swine flu, which for most people is a minor illness which requires antiviral medication, is expected to hit hundreds of thousands of people across the country over the next few weeks.

People are being advised to take simple steps, like using tissues, throwing them away when used, and regularly washing their hands.

Headteacher Clive Middleton said he had acted on Government advice when deciding to continue lessons at the school.

He said: “At the moment, we have got a few children who are being treated and a few parents are staying off just in case.

“We’re not closing, we’re staying open throughout because it’s now down to families to contain it.

“We thought we would be sensible about it and let parents know and make the decision themselves.

“Obviously, if anyone exhibits the symptoms, they have to stay at home.

“I think the view is now we’re going to get it at some point.”

Last week, the Government admitted the virus could not be contained and said it had moved on to the “treatment” phase.

Two public authorities have also been affected.

Essex County Council has confirmed “a number of staff” at County Hall have been diagnosed with swine flu.

Spokeswoman Katie Canning said: “Staff who are diagnosed are being treated at home in accordance with Department of Health guidance to minimise any risk of infection to the public.

“Essex County Council is continuing to operate a business as usual approach at this time.”

Braintree Council has also reported one employee at its quarters at Causeway House, Bocking End, and another at Millennium Tower, in Lakes Road, have become unwell.

Council spokeswoman Claire Thwaites said both staff members are being treated with anti-viral medication at home.

By last Thursday, the number of confirmed cases stood at 36 in the Colchester region but it is believed the new total could be far higher.

So far, five people nationwide, all with serious underlying health conditions, have died after contracting the flu virus.