Hospitals and pharmacies are braced for swine flu in Merton while the borough’s schools are prepared to close if the pandemic worsens.

The borough’s health bosses said a network of collection points is distributing the Tamiflu medication, while a council director said if large numbers of teachers and staff were struck down by the illness then schools could close.

The location of the collection points is being kept secret to discourage those who do not need the drug from trying to claim it.

One pharmacist said he had given out just five Tamiflu prescriptions when Government’s national pandemic service was launched on Thursday, but said the total had risen sharply over the weekend.

He said: “You shouldn’t panic - just stay calm and do your hygiene measures. That minimises the risk.”

A spokesman for Sutton and Merton PCT said: “There are 16 collection points for anti-viral medication across Sutton and Merton. However, the collection points are only for people who are prescribed Tamiflu from the national flu line.”

He said anyone who thinks they may have the virus should not visit their GP or hospital but call 0800 1513 100 or visit direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu instead.

Yvette Stanley, the council’s director for children, schools and families, said: "We will continue to work in partnership with schools to keep them open, unless otherwise advised by the Health Protection Agency.

"We would only expect schools to take the decision to close if, for example, there was insufficient staff to maintain a safe environment for children.

“In the event that schools have to close, they will do what they can to ensure pupils have access to work and can continue there studies at home.

"This could include sending work home as well as using school websites and links.”

• See our swine flu section for the latest updates