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Influenza A(H1N1) Information
Advice for Staff
This document provides university staff with general guidance on dealing with Influenza A(H1N1) /Swine Flu. The university has in place a comprehensive plan to respond to this potential threat to the health of students and staff, and the operation of the university.
Key points
- Don’t panic, for the vast majority of people this is a mild illness.
- If you suspect that you have influenza do not come to work or attend your GP; call the freephone Flu Information Line (1800 941100) or ring your GP for further advice. Inform your manager or Head of Department of your status as soon as possible.
- Help prevent the spread of infection by taking basic precautions such as frequently washing your hands and using tissues.
- Keep yourself informed by regularly visiting the websites listed below.
Get Informed
Familiarise yourself with the information from the Department of Health and Children and the HSE (www.dohc.ie, www.hse.ie/eng/swineflu, www.hpsc.ie). As the situation evolves, information on these sources will be regularly updated.
Specific NUIM/SPCM information will be available on the university website.
Symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1)
Having the symptoms listed below does not always mean that you have influenza. Many different illnesses cause similar symptoms. The symptoms of Influenza A(H1N) are very similar to the normal seasonal flu that is seen in Ireland every winter. In most cases these include sudden onset of fever, severe fatigue, a cough, a sore throat, a runny nose, headache and muscle aches. Some persons may also develop vomiting and diarrhoea. In most cases, the symptoms are relatively mild although some people may develop complications such as pneumonia. Most individuals will recover from this virus without antiviral medication or hospitalisation.
Some people may mistake a common cold for influenza/flu. There are however some differences in symptoms. The table below may be useful in distinguishing between the two.
Symptoms of Influenza/Flu and the Common Cold
| Symptom | Cold | Influenza/Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | rare | sudden onset, high; lasts 3-4 days |
| Headache | rare | prominent |
| General aches, pains | slight | usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, weakness | mild | can last up to 2-3 weeks |
| Extreme exhaustion | rare | early and prominent |
| Stuffy nose | common | sometimes |
| Sneezing | usual | sometimes |
| Sore throat | common | sometimes |
| Chest discomfort, cough | mild to moderate; hacking cough | common; can become severe |
If you suspect that you have influenza/flu do not come to college for any reason or attend your GP; call the freephone Flu Information Line (1800 941100) or ring your GP for further advice. Inform your academic departments of your condition as soon as possible.
If you are in a high-risk group (have diabetes, chronic respiratory, heart, liver neurological disease, Immunosuppressed, aged 65 years or older, are on medication for asthma, severely obese or pregnant), you should contact your GP for advice.
Course of Infection
After infection it usually takes 1 to 4 days before you become ill. Infected adults are usually contagious from the day before to 5 days after onset of symptoms. Children are typically contagious for 7 days, and sometimes for longer. Any fever usually declines after 2 to 3 days and normally disappears by the 6th day. A cough, weakness and fatigue can persist for 1 to 2 weeks and up to 6 weeks. Antibiotics do not benefit most people with influenza but are sometimes needed to treat secondary infections.
Treatment
As per current HSE advice it is expected that most persons infected with Influenza A(H1N1) will not require antiviral medications. For most persons treatment of the symptoms alone will suffice. In addition:
- Take plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid smoking
- Stay at home and discourage visitors.
If you have any concerns contact your GP by telephone. If you experience any of the following consult your GP by telephone:
- Shortness of breath at rest or while doing very little physical activity
- Painful or difficult breathing
- Coughing up bloody sputum
- Drowsiness, disorientation or confusion
- Fever for 4-5 days and not starting to get better (or getting worse)
- Starting to feel better then developing high fever and feeling unwell again.
Vaccination
Currently no vaccine against Influenza A(H1N1) is available but this is expected to change in the short-term. Refer regularly to the websites above for updates. All persons in high-risk groups are strongly advised to talk to their GP about receiving the normal seasonal flu vaccine in advance of any Influenza A(H1N1) specific vaccine.
Minimising the Spread of Infection
Influenza A(H1N1) is a contagious virus that can spread from person to person through tiny drops in coughs and sneezes. If you are in close contact with a person with influenza you may inhale these droplets and become infected. Influenza can also be transmitted from surfaces like door handles and hand-rails.
There are a number of basic precautions that can be taken to minimise the spread of infection:
- In so far as is practicable, avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and have a fever and cough
- Always carry tissues
- Always cover your nose and mouth with clean tissues, when coughing or sneezing
- Always dispose of used tissues into a bin immediately
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol based hand cleaners regularly
- Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs
- Do not travel or come to college for any reason if you are exhibiting any influenza like
- Symptoms unless your GP has advised that it is safe to do so.
High-Risk Groups
There are a number of groups that are considered to be at a higher risk from Influenza A(H1N1). High-risk refers to the potentially serious health impact to that person if they contract the illness. These are:
- Pregnant women
- Persons with a BMI >40
- Asthmatics
- Diabetics
- Persons with chronic respiratory, heart, kidney, liver or neurological disease
- Persons who are immunocompromised
- Persons over 65 years of age
- Children under 5 years of age.
If you or a close family member are in one of these groups and you suspect that you have influenza or have been in close contact with someone you suspect has influenza then contact your GP by telephone immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have influenza/flu symptoms, what should I do?
A: If you develop influenza symptoms do not come to college, stay at home and call your GP. He/she will issue further advice, including when you should return to college. Inform your academic departments as soon as possible regarding your condition.
Q: I have come into contact with a person who has influenza, what should I do?
A: Do not panic. Go about your normal activities. If you are a member of a high-risk group and the contact is confirmed as a case of Influenza A(H1N1) after testing, call your GP for advice. If at any stage you develop influenza like symptoms, call your GP for advice.
Q: A colleague has the flu, should I come to work?
A: If a colleague has been diagnosed with Influenza or is suspected to have the it, do not panic. There is no need to avoid work. Come to work as normal. If you are a member of a high-risk group call your GP for advice. If at any stage you develop influenza like symptoms call your GP for advice.
Q: Should I wear a facemask?
A: No. The wearing of masks by healthy individuals (i.e. the general public) who are not involved in caring for people who are ill is not recommended. The available scientific evidence does not suggest that this is an effective preventive measure when used in this way.
Queries
Any queries relating to medical issues should be directed to your GP by telephone or by calling the 24 Hour HSE Flu Information Line Freephone 1800-941100.
If you have non-medical questions concerning operational issues then you should check the University website. If your query is not answered there then email the Health & Safety Office brendan.t.ashe@nuim.ie Note that this service is for non-medical related issues only. All medical queries must be made to your GP by telephone or by calling the 24 Hour HSE Flu Information Line Freephone 1800-941100.