“Paper tissues should preferably be used to cover the mouth and nose and these should be disposed of in a bin immediately afterwards.

“It’s important to wash hands thoroughly as soon as possible after sneezing and handling a tissue.” Meanwhile, holiday companies Thomson and First Choice said yesterday they were cancelling all outbound flights to the Mexican resorts of Cancun and Cozumel up to and including May 18.

Customers due to travel can amend their holiday free of charge and select a different destination or alternative date up to the same value already booked.

Alternatively, they can cancel their holiday and receive a full refund.

Customers due to travel between May 19 and May 22 have the option of making a free amendment to their holiday and selecting a different destination or alternative date up to the same value already booked.

TRAVELLERS returning from Mexico or other countries where there have been outbreaks of swine flu do not need to take any special precautions.

However, they should monitor their health for seven days after returning and if they experience symptoms, should phone their family doctor or NHS Direct on 0845-4647.