New Delhi, July 29 - The Indian health ministry Wednesday asked educational institutes not to shut but take preventive measures to control the swine flu spread and advised students to avoid study tours to the infected countries.

An official circular said: 'Given the current magnitude of the spread of A(H1N1) infection and the fact that the virus is fairly mild, closure of educational institutions on account of any student/staff member falling ill with flu like symptoms is not recommended.'

The guideline, however, said educational institutes are encouraged to report the flu cases to local health officers for further monitoring.

'In the first place, the schools should discourage the excursions of the students to the affected countries.

'In case students have already proceeded to affected countries on unavoidable tours, then on their return, if some students show flu like symptoms of fever, sore-throat, cough, bodyache, running nose, difficulty in breathing, they should be advised to abstain from attending school and be allowed to stay at home for a period of 7 to 10 days,' the ministry said.