They are being taught the importance of using hot and cold water, applying soap and ensuring hand driers are accessible, it is claimed. In a speech on Thursday, Richard Cairns, head of fee-paying Brighton College, says the training session underlines the extent to which "the health and safety Mafia" is destroying education.

TORONTO -- Images of Mexicans donning surgical masks in a bid to prevent swine flu infection may make Canadians wonder if they should follow suit. But except in certain health-care settings, experts say such a step isn't warranted - at least not yet.