Swine flu

Swine flu advice (April-May 2009)

Page last updated 22 May 2009

Imperial College London is currently operating as normal. The College is monitoring the situation regarding swine flu closely and has prepared the guidance below specifically for staff, students and visitors. The advice will be updated as required.

General information and advice

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by influenza type A which infects pigs. There are many types, and the infection is constantly changing. Until now it has not normally infected humans, but the latest form clearly does, and can be spread from person to person - probably through coughing and sneezing.

What is the current situation?

The College expects to continue operating as normal. Staff and students are advised to check news websites for updates on the swine flu outbreak. Sites you may wish to look at are:

  • BBC news
  • Guardian news
  • BBC world outbreak map

Health and hygiene

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu will be similar to ordinary influenza: sudden onset of cough or fever. Other symptoms include:

  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Aching muscles
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tiredness

What should I do if I develop flu-like symptoms? Where can I seek advice?

Swine flu symptoms are similar to those of ordinary influenza, including sudden onset of cough or fever, sore throat, headache, chills, aching muscles, difficulty breathing and tiredness. At this stage, you are only likely to have caught the virus if you, or someone with whom you’ve had close contact, have recently been to a country where a significant number of cases have been confirmed.

If you think you might have swine flu, you should seek advice from NHS Direct on treatment (0845 4647). Do not go to your GP’s surgery unless you have been advised by NHS Direct to do so.

If you are a student living in a hall of residence or in shared accommodation, alert your warden and stay in your room as much as possible. Avoid using kitchens to prepare food at the same time as other students, and wash your hands before leaving your room.

If you are in private accommodation, you should stay indoors at home until you have recovered, but please let somebody know of your condition.

If you are not currently registered with the College Health Centre or a GP, please do so as soon as possible. All students within the core catchment area are eligible to register with the Imperial College Health Centre

To register with another GP, either seek advice from the Imperial Health Centre or find details on the NHS website

How does the infection spread?

Influenza mainly spreads from person to person through close contact. Coughing and sneezing within a metre or so of another person can expose them to infectious droplets.

Hands can become contaminated through touching someone who is unwell, or through touching door handles or other hard surfaces contaminated with the virus. If you then touch your mouth before washing your hands you can catch the infection.

What hygiene measures should I take to limit the risk of being infected by the flu?

Please follow commonsense and responsible preventative measures:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • Bin your tissue after use.
  • If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze and before eating.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Flu spreads that way.
  • Stay away from others if you develop flu-like symptoms. Tell someone and go home.

Travel

I've just returned to the UK from a country where there has been an outbreak of swine flu. What should I do?

If you develop flu symptoms within seven days of leaving an area where there has been an outbreak, stay at home or return home and contact your doctor or NHS Direct (0845 4647) for advice.

I'm due to travel overseas on College business. Should I go?

There is currently no need to delay or cancel travel to countries where swine flu outbreaks are occurring. However, as the situation may change over the next few months, if you are due to travel anywhere else in the world, check the FCO website regularly for advice.

Please note that the College’s travel insurer, Aon Protect, has advised that travel cancellation or curtailment claims pertaining to the current flu outbreak will not be approved, except where the change to travel plans is in response to a warning from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Visit the Finance website for further information.

Maintain good hygiene practice, as outlined above, wherever you go.

Useful resources

  • NHS Direct - health advice now
  • Directgov guidance
  • NHS pandemic flu advice
  • Health Protection Agency advice
  • World Health Organisation
  • Foreign and Commonwealth Office - travel advice
  • BBC - latest news