Virus Outbreak Information

Do you know what to do if you develop flu-like symptons?
Please stay in the warm at home and get plenty of rest.  NHS guidelines advise that you should use over-the-counter painkillers to relieve symptoms.  If you are concerned, contact your GP (doctor) or NHS Direct: tel 0845 4647

If you fall into one of the high risk groups (listed on The NHS information website) make contact with your GP to find out whether any other precautions may be necessary.

Recognise the symptoms of Swine Flu (H1N1) 
A high temperature (over 38C or 100.4F) is one of the main symptoms.  It's a good idea to have a thermometer available so you can monitor your temperature.  If you are suffering from two or more of the following symptoms, combined with a high temperature, you may have swine flu:

• unusual tiredness
• headache 
• runny nose
• sore throat
• shortness of breath or dry cough
• loss of appetite 
• aching muscles
• diarrhoea or vomiting

Symptoms are very similar to other types of seasonal flu and most people recover within a week, even without special treatment.

Find out more on how to assess your symptoms on the The NHS information website

To stop the virus spreading - Catch it, bin it, kill it!
Always practise good hygiene.  The most important way to stop flu spreading is to:  

• always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible 
• wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water
• wipe surfaces regularly to kill the virus 

Know who to contact
Make sure you are aware of who you need to contact if you are unable to attend your studies (your Tutor, Faculty Office or Faculty Student Guidance Advisor).
 
Don't forget, if you are in Halls of Residence and tucked up in bed or you decide to stay with family or friends during your illness, let your Accommodation Office know.  

Have you got a few friends you can call on if you are unwell?  They could help you with collecting medicines and other supplies and you can be their flu-friend too.  Make sure you know how to contact each other if you become unwell.

Have your studies been affected?
Ask your GP for a letter confirming your symptoms to cover the period of time you have been ill.  You may want to make a claim for Extenuating Circumstances and if so, you will need a copy of this letter as supporting evidence.

Most importantly, take care of yourself, get better and we look forward to seeing you back in Uni as soon as you are well enough.  If you would like further support or guidance you can contact one of the Student Guidance Team

• Video: Swine Flu Information for Students
  Sees what swine flu is, how the disease is spread and some of the steps you can take to minimise the risk of infection on campus.
• More health advice can be found at NHS Direct.

There has been a recent increase in mumps amongst students. Please read this important advice on how to protect yourself.

Why are you at increased risk?

Over the past four years there has been a large outbreak of mumps in young adults across the UK.
At this present time, mumps is mainly affecting older teenagers and young adults in their early twenties, and is mostly found in those further or higher education establishments. Some in this age group may only have received one dose of MMR.
The number of cases has increased more steeply in recent years because many of the young adults in this cohort (born between 1980 and 1992) are now at university or in further education colleges where the disease tends to spread rapidly from person-to-person because of greater social mixing in further educational establishments.

Students of any age who have no history of MMR vaccination should now seek the protection it affords.

Any young person who has not had two doses of MMR vaccine is at risk of contracting, measles, mumps or rubella.

What is mumps?

Mumps is a highly infectious serious illness caused by a virus.  It usually starts with fever and headache for a day or two. In most cases this is followed by swelling and soreness of the glands between the ear and the jaw.

Mumps virus can also cause other problems. Men can get swollen, painful testicles and women can get swollen, painful ovaries. Ear infections, swelling of the pancreas and meningitis can also result. Mumps is usually more severe in adults than in young children.

The time from becoming infected to becoming unwell is around 14-21 days. People with mumps are most infectious just before they become unwell and for 5-10 days afterwards.

How can you protect yourself?

Students coming to University/ FE colleges should make sure they have had 2 doses of MMR vaccine.  If you have not had 2 doses of MMR, please see your GP as soon as possible.  Please tell the doctor or nurse if you think you may be pregnant or if you are planning a pregnancy as MMR vaccine is not recommended in pregnancy. You should not be charged for this vaccine.

What should you do if you think you might have mumps?

Do not go into university or further education college. Phone your GP or student occupational health service for advice.

Where can I get more information about mumps?

Further information on mumps is available on the following websites:
Health Protection Agency Information Leaflet 
Health Protection Agency General Mumps Information
NHS Immunisation Information
NHS Mumps Information