Influenza

The University is working closely with ACT health authorities to ensure we respond appropriately to seasonal influenza and swine flu.

The key to containing influenza is to reduce staff and student exposure to the virus and we would urge all staff and students to use their common sense, follow coughing and sneezing etiquette and follow the advice of the public health authorities.

FIVE SIMPLE WAYS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INFLUENZA

  • Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
  • Wash your hands:
    - After you have been to the toilet,
    - After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose,
    - After being in contact with someone who has a cold or flu,
    - Before touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and
    - Before preparing food and eating.
  • Don't share personal items
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces
  • Avoid close contact with others.

IF YOU GET SICK

The symptoms of H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) are similar to those of seasonal influenza.

These include:

  • a fever (temperature over 38C) that often appears suddenly and may be associated with feeling chilled and shivering
  • headache
  • muscle aches and pains
  • sore throat
  • dry cough
  • trouble breathing
  • sneezing
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • tiredness
  • loss of appetite.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, or they become worse, you should immediately seek medical advice by phoning your General Practitioner, the University Health and Counselling Centre (02 6201 2351), healthdirect (1800 022 222), the hospital or the H1N1 Influenza 09 Hotline (180 2007). It is especially important to get medical advice at the first signs of illness in children, and in people who have certain chronic medical conditions. Your doctor will be able to advise if you have a chronic condition which may put you at particular risk of the complications of influenza.

If you have flu like symptoms, or are concerned that you have been in contact with someone who may have Swine Flu, please call the University Health and Counselling Centre on 02 6201 2351, and follow the advice of UC Health Centre staff who will organise for you to be medically assessed.  This protocol for dealing with potential cases of influenza has been implemented to minimise the spread of illness in our community.

The ACT has a new Influenza Assessment Centre at Calvary Hospital. The centre is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. For more information, call healthdirect: 1800 022 222

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit these websites:

 Or call the 24-hour Human Swine Influenza Hotline: 1802007