Swine Flu Updates

The Federal and State Governments are providing guidance in managing the possible spread of the H1N1 Influenza Virus (Human Swine Flu). The University is monitoring the situation closely and advises that:
(a) staff or students with flu symptoms stay at home until they have sought and received medical advice, or until symptoms have resolved, and;
(b) non-essential travel to countries and areas of concern be postponed. Countries of concern include Mexico, the United States, Canada, Panama and Japan.

See updates from the Vice-Chancellor's statement on Human Swine Flu to University staff and students.

Staff, students and visitors should be alert and heed the travel, health and planning advice available at the following sites and summarised below.

NSW Health has current information and community advice available at:
NSW Health

Travel advice is available from:
Smart Traveller

Our community is experiencing a seasonal increase in the number of cases of common colds and flu during winter in Sydney. The following advice will provide individual protection against H1N1 and seasonal flu transmission:

• Practice hand hygiene (thorough hand washing with soap and water or use of alcohol based hand gels) after coming into contact with sick people, after coughing, sneezing or going to the toilet, before eating and before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice respiratory etiquette (covering mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing and coughing, dispose of tissue into garbage and wash hands immediately afterwards).
• Consult a doctor or the nearest hospital if you develop flu-like symptoms. Telephone beforehand to allow pre-assessment.

Reception and Meeting places

• Provide and use alcohol based hand gel, facial tissues and sanitary surface wipes for tables and counters.
• Display "Virus Protection" posters:

Download Flu Posters.
Download Hand Washing Poster.
Download Cough Etiquette Poster.

University departments should prepare for a possible influenza pandemic by establishing business continuity plans that provide a back-up for critical staff and services in case these are affected by the pandemic and cannot function as normal. A pandemic planning guide is available to assist this process - Download Pandemic Influenza Planning Guide.