Children given flu fight advice

Scotland's chief medical officer Harry Burns has urged parents to encourage children to follow basic hygiene steps to help protect against seasonal flu as pupils return to school.

Dr Burns is asking parents to make sure their children understand the importance of covering their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, putting the tissue in the bin and then thoroughly washing their hands.

He is also reminding parents to have any children in high-risk groups vaccinated as a priority. Dr Burns said: "As parents prepare for their children returning to school after the festive break, I want to encourage them to be alert, not alarmed about flu this winter.

"We are currently experiencing the normal seasonal flu outbreak."

A city council spokeswoman said: "In the run-up to the end of the Christmas holidays, the council will be liaising closely with NHS Lothian and will follow any advice provided by them to local authorities."