A DAGENHAM primary school was forced to close on Tuesday (July 14) after the number of teachers absent due to swine flu increased. William Ford School in Ford Road shut its gates to pupils and parents on the advice of the NHS. Health chiefs have said th

A DAGENHAM primary school was forced to close on Tuesday (July 14) after the number of teachers absent due to swine flu increased.

William Ford School in Ford Road shut its gates to pupils and parents on the advice of the NHS.

Health chiefs have said that if staffing levels drop below a certain point schools should close.

Children at two other Dagenham primary schools tested positive for swine flu, according to parents.

Concerned mums and dads called the POST this week to say several pupils were absent with what they were told is a "flu like illness".

Roding Primary in Hewett Road and Richard Alibon Primary in Alibon Road were the two schools named.

Swine flu is no longer being contained by the government since it started to spread too widely and schools remain open as a result.

Sufferers are being warned to stay away from hospitals as they risk infecting other seriously ill people.

The NHS recommend calling the helpline or your GP, staying at home, taking pain killers and drinking plenty of water.

For more information call 0800 1513 513 or visit www.nhsdirect.uk.

Follow the hygiene rule: Catch it, bin it, kill it.