The child was admitted with flu-like symptoms and, in line with national guidelines, was swabbed for swine flu, discharged home and, appropriate with the severity of the child's symptoms is being looked after at home under the care of their GP. Following this a positive result was confirmed yesterday from the laboratory in Manchester.

The symptoms the child is experiencing are being closely monitored and continue to be mild.

The Health Protection Agency was immediately informed and the Trust has identified all the children and staff the child came into contact with. No-one is currently showing any symptoms but this will continue to be closely monitored, with patients isolated and staff taken off duty as necessary.

Rineke Schram, Medical Director and Director of Infection Prevention and Control at the hospital said: "Given the national rise in confirmed cases this was not unexpected. I am confident we were well prepared and the guidance we have received from the Department of Health was followed in full.

"While the public will understandably be concerned East Lancashire has had its first confirmed case, it is important to emphasise that (as in this case) for the vast majority of patients the symptoms are similar to normal winter flu and respond well to treatment. On the whole patients in this category respond well to paracetamol and fluids. For the small number of patients who may present to us in the future with more serious symptoms we have stocks of antiviral drugs and appropriate isolation facilities in place.

"If, as we anticipate, we do experience additional confirmed cases in the coming weeks and months, I would reassure everyone that, along with our colleagues in general practice, we have plans in place to manage this effectively."

Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu. You should always CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT by covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, placing the used tissue in a bin as soon as possible, and washing your hands with soap and water.