The need for GPs to issue stamped certificates to exempt sick students from school had helped cut down on absenteeism but also aided the spread of the flu, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo told Parliament last night.

He was answering questions by opposition MP Michael Gonzi on the system’s effects with seasonal flu as a background. Mr Bartolo said that either through pure enthusiasm or in a bid to avoid punitive measures, parents had still sent their children to school when they were not at their best. But absenteeism was drastically down when compared to previous years.

There was no effective research on proliferation but only anecdotal observations by certain heads of school.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne agreed with Dr Gonzi that talks about the flu for parents would be a consideration in the future.