A Bristol family has spoken about being “prisoners in their own home” while health authorities tested them for swine flu.

Mandy Morgan and fiance Matthew Archard returned from a holiday in Riviera Maya, Mexico, on Sunday morning, but did not start to feel unwell until two days later.

The 33-year-old Bristol City Council employee followed the Government’s advice and stayed inside her parents’ house in Woollard Lane, Whitchurch, along with her dad Frank, mum Marilyn, and sisters Lisa and Kerry, while the Health Protection Agency carried out tests.

Yesterday, the family were told in a phone call from health authorities that they were clear of the virus. They had been inside their home for three days while they waited for the test results to come through.

Outside the family home yesterday Frank, 58, said: “It’s been like being in prison. I’m feeling a lot better now, and Mandy is feeling a bit better too.”

Marilyn, 57, also ventured outside the front door yesterday in her dressing gown, but still looked unwell.

Mandy and Matthew, who plan to get married next year, were looking forward to sea and sun in Mexico.

Mandy swam with dolphins, which she described as “an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience”.

While in Mexico, the couple had no idea about the outbreak, and it wasn't until they were back on British soil that they realised that they were at risk.

Mandy, who was still suffering with a cough yesterday when she spoke to the Bristol Evening Post.

She said she was “still recovering from an illness”, didn’t have any symptoms of swine flu until Tuesday evening - two days after she flew back to Gatwick from her two-week holiday - and immediately contacted NHS Direct.

It is believed she had symptoms similar to swine flu, which include a cough, sore throat, body aches, a headache, chills, and fatigue.

It is unclear whether Mandy, who is asupport service manager in the council’s youth and play service team, went into work on Monday.

The former South Bristol College student said: “I followed the advice and stayed at home.

“I called NHS Direct and a nurse phoned me back for a consultation. They then sent a GP around on Wednesday morning who asked me some questions and took a swab.

“We weren't given any information about swine flu in the resort or on the plane. The first we knew of it was when we arrived back in England and spoke to my family. I was aware of reports that some airports around the world were screening people, but I wasn't and we weren't given any advice.

“I was quite relieved to find out I was clear.”

A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “A Bristol City Council employee was tested for swine flu after feeling unwell following a trip to Mexico.

“This employee has now been cleared of infection.”

They refused to say if Mandy had been into work on Monday, and whether any other employees had been testing for swine flu.

The Health Protection Agency said they don’t discuss individual cases.

Meanwhile, residents across North Somerset and Somerset are being assured measures are in place should swine flu hit the area.

At present Weston General Hospital says it has not received any patients presenting with symptoms.