Swine Flu – General Information and Advice

  • What is swine flu?
  • What are the symptoms of swine flu?
  • Can I catch it?
  • How can we avoid the virus spreading?
  • I think I might be especially vulnerable/at risk. Can’t I go to the doctor?
  • What is the University doing about Swine Flu?

    • UPDATED 26 October 2009

    Swine Flu / Influenza A (H1N1)

    On 11 June 2009 the World Health Organization declared Phase 6 of its pandemic alert system, which means that swine flu is now spreading in communities in several countries.

    The UK Government has provided information in other languages http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Otherlanguages.aspx

    What is swine flu?

    Swine flu is a contagious (close contact) respiratory illness caused by a virus that usually infects pigs.
    The latest outbreaks around the world have been caused by a new version of the swine flu virus called influenza A/H1N1v.

    What are the symptoms of swine flu?

    The symptoms of this flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include:
    • Fever (Temperature of 38º or more);
    • Fatigue;
    • Lack of appetite;
    • Coughing;
    • Sore throat;
    • Pain in muscles and joints;
    • Headache and chills;
    • Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

    Can I catch it?

    The virus is contagious and can spread between people. Transmission of this new flu virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu:
    • From person to person by coughing or sneezing.
    • From touching an object such as a door handle which has virus on it from someone infected with flu.

    How can we avoid the virus spreading?

    General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu virus. This includes:
    • Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
    • Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
    • Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people.
    • Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.

    I think I might be especially vulnerable/at risk. Can’t I go to the doctor?

    Those who are more at risk from becoming seriously ill with swine flu are:
    • people with chronic lung disease, including people who have had drug treatment for their asthma within the past three years,
    • people with chronic heart disease,
    • people with chronic kidney disease,
    • people with chronic liver disease,
    • people with chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis),
    • people with suppressed immune systems (whether caused by disease or treatment - http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/QA.aspx#Immunosuppressants),
    • people with diabetes,
    • pregnant women
    • people aged 65 years and older, and
    • young children under five years old.

    http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/QA.aspx#Specialrisks

    In any of the above cases you should telephone your doctor for individual advice.


    What is the University doing about Swine Flu?

    The University's Business Continuity Operations Group are meeting on a regular basis to monitor the situation and ensure that contingency plans are being put in place to minimise the impact of any pandemic on University staff and students. This group comprises representatives from both academic and professional services departments and is chaired by Dr Chris Sexton.

    We are in close contact with local health authorities (NHS and Health Protection Agency). Our own University Health Service (and Occupational Health for staff) are liaising closely with them and advising the Business Continuity Group.

    The University is attempting to co-ordinate information about students and staff who may have Swine Flu. The Business Continuity Operations Group is keeping Heads of Department informed and advised about how to support students and staff.