Unless you've spent your summer under a rock you've most likely heard of Swine Flu. If you haven't, please read below where we have complied a definition, list of symptoms, and tips to prevent spreading the virus.
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is the common name given to a new strain of influenza (flu). It is called swine flu because it is thought to have originated in pigs, but this is not certain.
NHS expects a more severe second wave of the pandemic in the winter. The history of previous flu pandemics suggests that the current viral strain will spread more widely in the autumn or winter, causing more illness and death. It is possible that the virus will mutate (change) into a stronger strain.
Infection rates amongst students may be greater than those experienced at national level generally. This is because of their highly social nature and/or because they may be living in close proximity to each other. In previous pandemics infection rates of up to 90% were experienced in boarding schools.
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.
High-risk groups
Some people are more at risk of complications if they catch swine flu, and need to start taking antivirals as soon as it is confirmed that they have the illness. Doctors may advise some high-risk patients to take antivirals before they have symptoms, if someone close to them has swine flu.
Please contact your GP if you feel ill and have any of the following as it is already known that people are particularly vulnerable if they have:
- chronic (long-term) lung disease,
- chronic heart disease,
- chronic kidney disease,
- chronic liver disease,
- chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease),
- immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment), or
- diabetes mellitus.
Also at risk are:
- patients who have had drug treatment for asthma in the past three years,
- pregnant women,
- people aged 65 and over, and
- children under five.
All students should report by phone immediately if they believe they are suffering symptoms associated with swine flu. Click here for more information
The National Pandemic Flu helpline is now available: 0800 1 513 100 or 0800 1 513 200. If you think you have symptoms of swine flu ring this helpline number or access the website: https://www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk for information.
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.
Student in Residences
If Students living in hall of residents begin to feel ill and where able to, they should be encouraged to return home (if family are in UK). Students remaining in residences, private or shared accommodation should be advised to ‘buddy up’ in order to look out for each other and be ‘good neighbours’ i.e. those who have suffered flu and recovered are expected to be more immune to the virus and could therefore be available to assist colleagues. This may simply be ensuring sufficient water or drinks are available, purchasing over the counter medicines and generally keeping an eye on their buddies. If the condition of a sick student deteriorates, they should seek professional medical assistance through their GP.
International Students
Advice will be sought from the Foreign Office regarding whether international students should be sent home or remain in the UK. Careful consideration should be given before advising student to return home to parts of the world where flu may be particularly virulent. Welfare Advisers in Advice and Counselling are the only staff at QM authorised by the OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) to provide immigration advice and services to QM students. Students should be referred to Advice and Counselling for any immigration related matters. You can contact them on 020 7882 8717.