HOLIDAYMAKERS from Exmouth who had booked trips to Mexico have expressed concern about travelling to the country as the deadly swine flu outbreak continues to spread.

HOLIDAYMAKERS from Exmouth who had booked trips to Mexico have expressed concern about travelling to the country as the deadly swine flu outbreak continues to spread.

A sales assistant from one of the town's travel stores said people who were due to visit the South American country had been asking questions and gaining advice ahead of their planned trips.

The concern follows news that The Department of Health said it would send leaflets to every UK household as fears grow the virus would become a pandemic.

Responding to the worry of Exmouth people who had booked holidays, a separate travel-industry professional, a spokesperson from First Choice and Thomson, said they had now cancelled some flights.

"In line with Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice on travel to Mexico, we have taken the decision to cancel all outbound flights operating to Cancun and Cozumel, up to and including May 8," she explained.

There are many types of swine flu, and like human flu, the infection constantly changes. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease normally found in pigs.

The spokesperson said that customers who were due to travel to the destinations between April 28 and May 8 would have the option to make a free amendment to their holiday.

This could also mean selecting a different destination or alternative date up to the same value already booked.

She added: "Alternatively, customers will also have the option to cancel their holiday and receive a full refund without incurring any cancellation charge.

"Customers who have made bookings via a travel agent should contact their agent directly to cancel or amend their booking and for further information."

Meanwhile, Devon Primary Care Trust has issued advice about how to prevent the spread of colds following the swine flu outbreak.

Dr Virginia Pearson, director of public health at the trust, said everyone had an important role to play in preventing the spread of germs.

Ms Pearson explained it was also important that people remained at home if they were sick - advice which was as vital now as it had ever been.

"If you have a cough and fever, it is best to rest at home, take medicines to relieve the symptoms and drink plenty of fluids. This will speed you recovery and help prevent the spread of infection," she added.

If you have a holiday booked through First Choice and Thomson and are concerned, customers due to travel between now and May 8 should contact: 0844 871 0701.

For those due to travel between May 9 and May 22 on all-inclusive packages or after May 23 should contact 0844 871 0702 or 0844 800 3131 respectively.