Kissing caution urged over swine flu

Health Secretary Andy Burnham was last night urged to issue a public health warning on the danger of passing on swine flu by kissing.

Labour's Harry Cohen also said the guidance should cover "a two-cheek greeting".

Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said the risk of spreading flu could be reduced by "routinely adopting high standards of personal and respiratory hygiene" but would not specifically warn of the danger of kisses. And she said people without symptoms should "continue their normal activities".

In a Commons written question, Mr Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead) asked the Secretary of State "if he will issue a public health warning of the risk of transmission of swine flu arising from kissing, including a two-cheek greeting".

Ms Merron told him: "The department will not be issuing a public health warning. We have consistently advised that symptomatic people should stay at home while ill to avoid infecting others.

"People can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of spreading influenza by routinely adopting high standards of personal and respiratory hygiene.