Pregnant women told to stay at home as airlines vow to ban swine

Pregnant women are being urged to avoid crowds and unnecessary travel on public transport in an attempt to limit the spread of swine flu among the most vulnerable.

Parents are also being advised to keep babies away from crowds and limit the movement of their young children to stop them bringing the virus home.

The government guidance will be published on the NHS website today based on recommendations by the Royal College of Midwives and other health experts because it 'made sense to clarify existing advice and put it in one place'.

It urges pregnant women, where possible, to stay indoors, and if travel on public transport is necessary, they should leave later or earlier to avoid the rush hour.