IT was only a matter of time before East Lancashire had its first case of swine flu.

And it is unlikely that 11-year-old Qaasim Pervaiz will be the last person in the area to be infected.

But thankfully the Hyndburn Park Primary School student is already well on the way to recovery.

There is every reason to believe that anyone else who gets swine flu will also respond well to treatment.

While there have been more than 4,250 cases nationwide, only three people have died so far from the illness.

In most cases people have only experienced mild symptoms, similar to regular flu, and after a few days’ rest have recovered.

Doctors and hospitals across the country are well prepared to tackle the flu.

Health chiefs in East Lancashire say they have large stocks of anti-viral drugs if the outbreak becomes worse.

But it is important that everyone follows simple advice to minimise their chances of getting the illness.

Washing your hands regularly and discarding used tissues is basic hygiene but it could help prevent contracting the flu.

Residents should not panic about the presence of swine flu in East Lancashire.

However, if more people do become infected, everyone should act to lessen its spread.