SCHOOLS in Warrington have suffered a higher than usual outbreak of flu already this winter.

Twelve schools reported a high number of absences due to influenza-like illness before Christmas,

This is higher than in previous years.

And figures also show that as of January 3, there had been five confirmed outbreaks of the illness in care homes in Warrington.

The figures are due to be discussed by councillors at a meeting on the Town Hall on Thursday.

A report says support and infection control advice has been provided.

It added: "This year, for the first time in Warrington, Point Of Care Testing (POCT) has been used within care homes. POCT enables trained staff to take and analyse swabs within 20 minutes to confirm flu.

"This enables prompt treatment for the individual affected, and also helps ensure that outbreak plans, and further infection control measures can be put into place as quickly as possible to minimise the spread of flu."

The report also says the uptake of the flu jab has dropped this year.

Health chiefs are putting this down to a delay in the vaccines being available.

Figures were down - all below the national targets - among over 65s, people with long term conditions, pregnant women and pre-school children.

But they were up among primary school children - and well ahead of national targets.