TWO Barnet councillors are recovering this week after contracting swine flu.

Councillor Kate Salinger, who represents Coppetts ward, and councillor Wendy Prentice, who represents High Barnet, have both been treated with either Tamiflu or antibiotics.

Mrs Salinger said: “Like any type of flu the virus was unpleasant but over in a few days.

"Getting this bug wouldn’t have been a huge concern but I had to stay clear of my daughter, who is pregnant."

The first phase of the pandemic is causing quite mild symptoms and the NHS has warned people not to panic if they contract the virus.

Mrs Salinger said: "There is a danger of people over-reacting. One person knocked at the door during my five-day incarceration. I answered with a large hankie over my mouth and explained why.

"The visitor nearly fell over backwards in her attempts to put space between us. She was more in danger of breaking her ankle then contracting anything from me.”