swine flu cases across Sussex have rocketed by almost 300% in four weeks.

A total of 5,548 antiviral prescriptions were sent out across the county in the month up to October 15 compared to 1,403 the month before.

Eight people with the virus are currently being treated in the county’s hospitals.

The actual number of cases is believed to be higher as the figures are based on the number of people from the county contacting the National Pandemic Flu Service for help.

Others will have gone to their GP or decided not to have antiviral treatment.

Schools have reported high sickness levels in recent weeks, with staff and students going down with swine flu or experiencing similar flu-type symptoms.

Health bosses yesterday said the spike was “expected”.

West Sussex flu director Peter Hayward said: “We are seeing a significant increase in the number of people contacting the national pandemic flu service with flu-like symptoms compared to this time last month.

“However, this is in line with what is happening nationally and matches the current situation in the community with schools especially affected by student sickness at the moment.

“The rise in people becoming unwell is to be expected and no one should be concerned.

“Everyone can be assured we are working closely with our NHS colleagues to make sure help, advice and treatment is available for anyone who may become ill, and we are doing all we can to monitor the spread of the virus and try to control it.”

The swine flu vaccination campaign was launched earlier this week with frontline health staff offered the jab. Supplies of the vaccine will be heading out to GP surgeries over the next three weeks.

Hove GP Nigel Higson has urged everyone to make sure they had the vaccine when offered.

Writing in his online blog for The Argus, he said: “For some reason most elderly people seem to think they don’t need it. I am afraid they are wrong.

“Old people die as a result of flu every winter and more people will die if they refuse the safe swine flu vaccine.”

● The results of tests on a nineyear- old girl from Crawley whose death may be linked to swine flu are not expected for several weeks.

The youngster, a Year 5 pupil at Three Bridges Junior School, died in hospital last weekend.