The World Health Organisation pandemic phase is phase 6, a pandemic: increased and sustained transmission amongst the global population.
Our staff and students are advised to follow the recommendations that have been issued on how to avoid and limit the spread of the swine flu infection.
A new self-care service - National Pandemic Flu Service has recently been launched. This line is to be used by individuals presenting swine flu symptoms. Advice and, when necessary antivirals, are given by trained professionals.
The government advises that people should contact their doctor directly rather than using the National Pandemic Flu Service if:
Update 18/12/09 : Please note, we have been made aware of some on-line misdiagnosis of swine flu. Therefore, we advise you to consult your GP or the National Pandemic Flu Service if you do not experience any improvement to your health within the advised time period.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease that originated in pigs but which is capable of causing illness in humans and spreading from person to person. It is similar to the seasonal flu viruses that circulate every fall season although, as this virus is new, no one will have immunity to it and therefore can spread quickly and cause illness at a higher rate.
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to ordinary flu: sudden onset of fever (38°C or more) and malaise. Other symptoms include:
The incubation period - the time between being infected and falling ill - is 2-5 days but it can be as long as 7 days.
Individuals can infect others with the swine flu virus from up to 12 hours before falling unwell and for 5-7 days from the start of their illness. They are most infectious during the time they present symptoms.
It mainly spreads from person to person via breathing in infectious droplets coughed or sneezed out by someone with the infection. These droplets can easily travel a metre and remain suspended in the air for a short time.
The virus can survive for some hours on hard surfaces. Hands can be contaminated through touching door handles or other hard surfaces contaminated with the virus. If you then touch your mouth before washing your hands you can catch the infection.
Swine flu symptoms are similar to those of ordinary flu. This includes sudden onset of fever cough, sore throat, aching muscles, headaches, chills, difficulty breathing and tiredness. If you have some of these symptoms, but no fever, it is unlikely you have swine flu.
If you are a member of staff and you develop swine flu symptoms at work, you should let your manager know you are unwell and stay at home.
If you are a student living in the halls of residence, alert Residential Services and try to stay in your room as much as possible. Please avoid the use of kitchens to prepare food at the same time as other fellow students, and wash your hands before leaving your room.
If you live in private accommodation, stay indoors until you have recovered, but let somebody know of your condition.
Follow these preventative measures:
Pregnant women may be at higher risk of developing complications from this flu as their immune system is reduced due to pregnancy. If a pregnant woman develops symptoms of flu, it is important they contact their doctor as soon as possible for assessment.
At present, there is no need for someone who is pregnant to stay off work or to avoid contact with others.
UEL aims to reassure you that the situation is being closely monitored and we are prepared to take the necessary action in response to any such cases being reported at UEL.
For the latest national information go to the National Pandemic Flu Service
UEL is required to make reasonable adjustments for staff with a disability. Managers will consider any concerns from staff on a case-by-case basis.
(see our Flexible Employment Policy on Human Resources website)
Managers should consider any requests for such special leave on a case-by-case basis and will need to take into account operational requirements before agreeing to any such time off. However, each case will need to be considered on its merits and sympathetically.
If you are not displaying any similar symptoms, you will be expected to attend work as normal.
Any child displaying flu like symptoms must not be brought onto UEL campuses until fully recovered.
No, managers will take into account the requirements of the Working Time Regulations when requiring staff to cover for absent colleagues. In any such cases staff will be provided with appropriate training to enable them to cover the role in an effective and safe manner.
All sickness absence will be recorded in the normal manner, including that resulting from swine flu. The sickness absence will be managed on a case-by-case basis.
Managers will consider any concerns from staff on a case-by-case basis.
Managers will take into account any concerns about swine flu when developing their risk assessments for travel. Managers may also seek advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
If you need to extend your visa due to ill-health, please check International Student Advice website for detailed information regarding extending your visa.
If after reading the information there is a need for further guidance, Staff should email the Occupational Health & Safety Unit, or phone 0208 223 2296. Students should email the Student Health and Wellbeing Team, or phone 0208 223 6231.
Last Updated: 09/10/09
© 2009
National Pandemic Flu Service Health Protection Agency
Department of HealthNHS Direct Swine Flu Q&A's
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