All three Leicestershire universities are drawing up plans to deliver lectures online or by podcast if the swine flu outbreak gets worse.

Contingency plans also include the possibility of students being quarantined in halls of residence to prevent the spread of infection.

Thousands of students will return to Leicestershire's universities in September and October and the universities are already working on plans.

Scientists are predicting the pandemic will reach a new peak in the autumn, just as term starts.

Course leaders at the University of Leicester are considering ideas for alternatives to lectures and seminars, including the possibility of recording lectures for podcasts.

De Montfort and Loughborough universities are also investigating putting some lectures online so students can work from home.

A spokesman for the University of Leicester said its plans were at "an advanced stage", with action guided by the Health Protection Agency.

"The university also has national experts conducting research on pandemic flu," he added.

The university has a "quarantining in residences plan" in place and is organising a flu buddy system for halls of residences so friends of sufferers will be able to get medicine for them.

A spokesman for Loughborough University said: "As part of our contingency plans we are looking at various options, including maximisation of the university's virtual learning environment which allows lectures to be delivered online."

Loughborough Students Union president David Goss said: "Swine flu is something we and the vice chancellor (Shirley Pearce) are really concerned about and we have started putting contingencies in place for the start of next term.

"It's one of those things where you have to be realistic though. We could take every step possible to minimise contact between students but they could still come down with it."

A spokeswoman for De Montfort University said a task group was meeting weekly to discuss what action could be taken if swine flu escalated.

It included the possible provision of online lectures, she said.

Schools are also monitoring changes on swine flu guidance.

At the moment, the Government's advice is that containment is not possible and schools where pupils have swine flu will not have to close.

A Leicestershire County Council spokesman said: "We will continue to work with head teachers and our key partners.

"The council and the schools have well-rehearsed plans in place."

INFORMATION

Symptoms of the illness - and what to do

For most people, swine flu is a mild illness and people will be able to care for themselves.

Symptoms are similar to ordinary flu – a sudden fever, usually a temperature of over 38C and coughing.

Others may include headache, tiredness, chills, aching muscles, diarrhoea or stomach upset, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and loss of appetite.

The National Pandemic Flu Service is open from 8am to midnight.

People should not go to their GP surgery, A&E or a walk-in centre. Instead, they can call 0800 15 13 100 or go to:

www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk