Britons going on their summer holidays have been warned not to travel if they had swine flu. Skip related content
The Department of Health, which is currently setting up a new pandemic flu service, advised people with the virus to delay journeys until symptoms had gone.
As the Government awaits the arrival of a vaccine for the H1N1 virus, the end of the school year coincides with an outbreak affecting thousands.
Officials warned that visitors to a number of countries would have to face strict screening procedures as the illness spreads.
This was demonstrated in China, where 52 British schoolchildren and teachers were placed in quarantine in a Beijing hotel after four teenagers from London were diagnosed with swine flu.
According to the DoH, holidaymakers should take medication such as paracetamol with them and avoid public places if they fall ill.
People travelling to Europe should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), the advice added.
If they catch swine flu - symptoms of which are a high temperature as well as two or more of a list including headache, sore throat, runny nose and aching muscles - while abroad, they should not travel home until recovered.
Health Secretary Andy Burnham, who is due to give a statement to the Commons, said: "I want families to go on their holidays and have a great time this summer, and mums and dads shouldn't worry unnecessarily about swine flu. But, just as they would anyway, parents should keep a close eye on their children's health. If you're going abroad, as ever, make sure you know where you can get medical advice and if you're holidaying in the UK, remember that from the end of this week alongside GP services, you'll also able to phone the national pandemic flu service hotline for advice."
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