Swine flu
Information and advice for students
The University is open as normal, in line with the guidance provided by relevant Government Departments. The University will be promoting The Catch it, Bin it, Kill it campaign to encourage good hygiene and to help mitigate the risk to staff and students.
Symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may be more severe and cause more serious complications. The typical symptoms are:
- sudden fever (a high body temperature of over 38C or 100.4F); and
- sudden cough.
Other symptoms may include:
- headache
- tiredness
- chills
- aching muscles
- limb or joint pain
- diarrhoea or stomach upset
- sore throat
- runny nose
- sneezing
- loss of appetite
If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned, you should have consideration for your own health and for fellow students and staff and stay at home. You should also check your symptoms by calling the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. If you have taken these steps and are still concerned, call your GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47. Do not travel out to your GP or hospital.
Current public health advice suggests that people who are symptom free, who have been in contact with those with swine flu, should carry on as normal, whilst monitoring themselves for symptoms.
Sources of information
www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ukresilience.aspx
The above links will provide the ‘current thinking’ and ‘guidance’ and should be checked by all students on a regular basis.
Information leaflets will be made available on arrival at the University and this web page will provide regular updates. Please ensure you check the website on a regular basis.
Contact details
We would remind students to keep contact details up to date so that contact can be made in an emergency.
The advice issued by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills about Swine Flu emphasises the importance of ensuring that the University has up to date contact information for all students to ensure that it is possible to communicate effectively and efficiently in the event of a pandemic being confirmed.
Each School/Programme may develop an independent means of communicating with individual cohorts of students so please check with your Programme Leader to see if other routes of communication are developed. Please make sure that you check your University email account which will be allocated to new students at enrolment.
It is in your interest that we should be able to contact you or your emergency contacts in the event of an emergency.
Frequently asked Questions and Answers
I am starting University for the first time this September. Should I still arrive at the University on 21 September?
Yes, the University is operating as normal so, unless you are feeling ill and have flu-like symptoms, we look forward to seeing you in September.
If you are ill and are unable to attend on 21 September, please contact your School Office (and Accommodation Services, if you will be staying in a hall of residence) and notify them that you will be late arriving and give your estimated date of arrival. You should not come to the University until you have finished the course of treatment and are symptom-free. You will be provided with essential information and induction material and any coursework you’ve missed when you arrive.
When you arrive in Wrexham, you are strongly advised to register with a local doctor (GP) as soon as possible. This can be done at the Glyndwr Heath Centre on the University campus during the enrolment week. There are two practices that hold surgeries on campus.
How can I protect against swine flu?
The most valuable protection against pandemic flu is to follow NHS hygiene precautions and in particular to wash your hands more regularly than you would normally.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
- Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
- Clean hard surfaces, such as door handles, frequently using a normal cleaning product.
What should I do if a member of my household develops swine flu?
You should continue to attend University as normal but please alert your Programme Leader via the School Office and follow advice issued by the Health Protection Agency.
What should I do if I have to care at home for a dependant with swine flu?
You should contact your Programme Leader (or if absent, another appropriate member of the department) via the School Office and inform them of the reason for your absence and how long it is expected to last. It is essential that any absence is appropriately recorded in order to mitigate against any adverse impact on your progress of study.
What should I do if a close family member is admitted to hospital with swine flu?
You should contact your Programme Leader (or if absent, another appropriate member of the department) via the School Office and inform them of the reason for your absence and how long it is expected to last. It is essential that any absence is appropriately recorded in order to mitigate against any adverse impact on your progress of study.
What should I do if I develop symptoms of swine flu?
If you have flu-like symptoms, you should stay at home.
You can check your symptoms at the NHS Wales website or by calling the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.
If you are still concerned, contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 or your GP by telephone. Do not go to your GP surgery or Accident and Emergency department unless you are advised to do so.
You should also follow the normal sickness reporting procedure by advising your Programme Leader via the School Office of any absence from your programme of study.
It is essential that any absence is appropriately recorded in order to mitigate against any adverse impact on your progress of study.
Please refer to the University procedure on Reporting of illness by students http://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/Studentsupportservices/en/Registry/Policiesandprocedures/
Normally, you are able to self-certificate for up to five days. Unless you miss an examination, class test or an assignment deadline (in which case you should contact your School Office for advice), self-certification will be acceptable for cases of swine flu as the symptoms usually only last for seven days. You are advised however to keep records/copies of anything issued to you that indicate that you’ve suffered from swine flu (eg if based in England, a copy of your authorisation number for antiviral medication).
What should I do if there is a disruption to my normal travel arrangements?
You should contact your Programme Leader via the School Office as soon as you can to mitigate against any adverse impact on your progress of study.
Where can I get further information on swine flu?
A comprehensive list of questions and answers about swine flu can be found on the NHS website
What should I do if the delivery of a programme is affected by swine flu?
If the programme is affected by an academic being off sick with swine flu then it is expected that all course material will be on-line for you to access in their absence.
Note: it is anticipated that those affected by swine flu will be off for one week unless complications occur.
Is international travel affected?
International travel plans should be subject to Foreign Office website guidance.
What if I am particularly vulnerable to infection?
If you are suffering from respiratory conditions or are otherwise medically vulnerable you are advised to consult your GP to ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date.
I am not a citizen of the United Kingdom, what should I do?
Overseas students will receive free treatment for swine flu but must be registered with a doctor. The Department of Health has published information for overseas visitors.
What should I do if I am unable to attend an examination because of swine flu?
You should refer to the University procedure on Reporting of illness by students http://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/Studentsupportservices/en/Registry/Policiesandprocedures/ contact your School Office, and ask for further advice.
What if I have further queries?
Please contact the sources referred to above for medical advice. Queries about how the University is managing swine flu internally should be referred to Student Support Services.
I am a student living in Halls of Residence, how can I best manage the situation?
Regardless of whether you have any flu-like symptoms:
- Get registered with a doctor
- Agree amongst your friends/fellow students to keep in contact with each other via phone or text if unwell
- Ensure that you stock up with plenty of water and soft drinks
If you develop a flu-like illness or suspect you have swine flu:
- Check your symptoms online at www.nhsdirect.wales.nnhs.uk or call the swine flu information line 0800 1 513 513
- If you are still concerned, contact NHS Direct 0845 46 47 or your doctor by telephone. To help to contain the virus please do not go to your surgery or the University Health Centre.
If diagnosed with, or advised you may have swine flu:
- Contact the School Office by phone to inform them you will not be attending classes.
- Contact your friends/fellow students by phone or text to let them know.
- Please stay in you room as much as possible to contain the virus.
- Let the Accommodation staff know by phone that you are unwell.
During your illness:
- Stay in your room.
- Try to use any shared facilities at quiet times to minimise contact with others. Whilst showering put your clothes in a plastic bag rather than leaving them lying around.
- Wash your hands before leaving your room.
- Keep your window open as much as possible to ensure adequate ventilation.
- Keep in touch with your friends/fellow students by phone or text.
- Keep in touch with close family.
- If you wish to return home, collection by your family is recommended to minimise contact with others. You would not be permitted to fly.
Managing the illness:
- Take medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol every 4-6 hours to relieve the symptoms of flu, however you should always read the label and seek medical advice if you are unsure.
- Drink plenty of fluids: 2-3 litres a day is recommended.
- Rest as much as possible.
Reduce the risk of spreading illness:
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue.
- Dispose of used tissues promptly and carefully into a plastic bag. Keep the bag in your room until you are recovered then arrange disposal with Accommodation staff.
- Maintain good basic hygiene by washing your hands frequently to reduce the spread of the virus to other people.
- Clean hard surfaces/door handles frequently using a normal cleaning product.
- Discourage visitors, but keep in touch with others by means of phone, text or e-mail.
- Wash used items of crockery / cutlery in your sink using your usual washing up liquid, then leave outside your door for your friends/fellow students to return to the kitchen.