New Delhi, Aug 10 - Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Monday said closing down schools was no solution to control the spread of swine flue even as a number of them shut down after some students tested positive for the disease.

This decision, Azad said, should to be based on the situation prevailing in the affected areas and 'therefore, it would be for the state governments to take a decision about closure of schools'.

'However, mere closure of schools would not solve the problem, unless the children restrict themselves to their homes,' Azad told reporters here.

'If they (infected people) continue to move around and socialise, go to parties and the market, closure of schools would not serve any purpose.

'Therefore, it is more important that parents ensure that children who show signs of influenza like illness stay at home and do not socialise. This holds equally good for adults also. Even parents, businessmen, politicians, media persons and others should restrict themselves to their homes if any symptom appears, separate themselves from others and and should go for a clinical examination.