H1N1 HUMAN SWINE INFLUENZA - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Human Swine Flu
Q How is human swine flu being spread?
A The virus is usually transmitted from an infected person by droplets when coughing or sneezing (inhaled by others), or transferred onto surfaces such as door handles (touched by others – see precautions).
Q What are the symptoms of Human Swine Flu?
A The symptoms of human swine influenza are similar to normal influenza (fever, cough, tiredness, muscle aches, sore throat, chills, shortness of breath, runny nose, headache) although some cases have been more severe. Symptoms generally appear between two to four days after exposure.
Q If I’ve got the sniffles should I be worried?
A No. Unless you develop symptoms listed above you do not have the flu.
Q Is swine flu fatal?
A There have been several fatalities attributed to swine flu (less than one in 1000), however the disease is usually mild in healthy adults.
Q Who is susceptible to infection with swine flu?
A H1N1 is a novel flu virus so there is no specific immunity within the population, however the elderly, immunocompromised and children are at increased risk of adverse health effects.
Q Should I get vaccinated?
A A vaccine specific to H1N1 influenza is not yet available. “At risk” groups (see previous answer) should seek vaccination for seasonal influenza.
Precautions
Q How can I protect myself from catching the flu?
A Avoid close contact with people exhibiting flu-like symptoms and wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with sick people, after coughing, sneezing or going to the toilet, or before eating.
Practice respiratory etiquette ie. cover mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing and coughing, dispose of tissue into garbage and wash hands thoroughly straight afterwards.
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
Do not share personal items such as lipstick, or eating and drinking utensils unless they have been washed between users.
Q What do you mean by “thorough” hand washing?
A Washing with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Liberal application of an alcohol based hand gel is also effective against flu virus.
Sick Leave
Q If I have flu-like symptoms should I stay away from the University?
A Yes. Avoid direct contact with others via home isolation and seek medical advice.
Q Who should I tell if I am away from the University because of the flu?
A Ring your supervisor or manager asap.
Q What if I get diagnosed as being infected with H1N1 human swine influenza?
A Follow medical advice and ring your supervisor or manager asap to allow prompt assessment of others with whom you have been in close contact at the University.
Q Do I need to submit a leave request if I am away from the University because of the flu?
A Yes. Staff members need to submit a sick leave request form via myHRonline.
Q Will I need a medical certificate?
A A medical certificate is required for sick leave absences of three days or more.
Q What should I do if I receive a report from a University colleague that they have been diagnosed with Human Swine Flu?
A Inform on 14335 asap to allow prompt assessment of others with whom you have been in close contact at the University.
Q What should I do if somebody with obvious flu symptoms comes to the University?
A Avoid close contact with them.
Inform them of the Vice-Chancellor's directive for anyone with Flu symptoms to stay away from the University (see Sick Leave above).
Refer the matter to the persons immediate supervisor for enforcement.
Students
Q What happens if I miss an exam through illness or forced isolation?
A Obtain a medical certificate and submit this with your application to sit a post examination.
Travel
Q Is it OK to travel overseas?
A Refer to the DFAT Smart Traveller website for the latest travel advice. Defer non-essential travel to countries and areas of concern.
Q If it is essential for me to travel to a country or area of concern do I need approval?
A Yes. Consult with you Dean or Director or alternate senior manager for advice and approval.
Q I am expecting visitors who are travelling from a country of concern – what should I do?
A Communicate openly with them asap about the potential risk and our Government requirements that relate to reporting and isolation of H1N1 cases.
Information
Q Who can I talk to about human swine flu?
A The Government has a swine flu hotline: 180 2007
Within the University contact OHS & Injury Management: 14335
Q Where can I find the most up-to-date information?
A NSW Health:
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/swine_flu.asp
Australian Government: http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/home-1
Smart Traveller:
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/index.html
World Health Organisation: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
University of Sydney:
http://www.usyd.edu.au/ohs/news.shtml