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Swine Flu Advice and Guidance

Image: 3D model of Influenza A(H1N1) virus. Copyright © 2009 Rick Scherle, used with permission.

What are the symptoms of swine influenza?

The symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1) in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza infection and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people with Influenza A(H1N1) have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea. The vast majority of cases present as a comparatively mild illness from which most people make a full recovery.

A wave of swine flu infection affected the United Kingdom over the summer months as part of a continuing global pandemic which has reached many countries. Many medical authorities expect that a second wave of infection may appear during Autumn and Winter 2009.

Advice for staff and students

• Staff and students who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms should not to come to work or class, should seek medical advice and contact the University Flu Helpline Tel 01334 462039.
• Staff or students who are not exhibiting symptoms should come to work as normal, including those who may have been in close contact with likely cases. However, managers/supervisors will be particularly alert to the health of staff and students whose work may lead to an increased risk of spread or other public health considerations (such as kitchen staff) and staff and students who may be particularly vulnerable to infection (such as pregnant women). Such individuals should be advised to go home (and seek medical advice) at the very earliest sign of any symptoms.
• Staff or students who feel that, because of other health conditions, they may be particularly vulnerable to complications arising from swine flu should consult their GPs for advice.
• The University will ensure where possible that staff who intimate that they need to remain at home as carers are treated sympathetically. Flexible working may be a possible compromise and will be facilitated where possible.
• If the spread of an outbreak accelerates, then the vulnerability of people to infection is not likely to be significantly different whether they are at work or away from the workplace. Contacts will not be easily controlled. Nevertheless the Government advice about careful hygiene and minimising the risk of infection will continue to be prominently displayed to all staff and students.
• Staff or students who have been advised by a doctor that they are a possible or probable case of swine flu are asked to inform the University via normal absence reporting systems in their School or Unit. Notification of illness may also be made via the University Flu Helpline tel 01334 462039. 

Student healthcare

Students in St Andrews are automatically registered with local Health Centres at matriculation. You are assigned to a doctor's practice by your surname.

Please do not go to your doctor unless instructed to do so. Please do not contact these local practices about flu unless you or someone you know is sick and requires medical assistance.

What measures can I take to prevent infection?

General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes:

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible. Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
• Avoiding sharing phones.

I'm well but worried - what can I do?

Don't bottle it up! Talk to friends and family or our Student Support Services if you're worried. Keep a check on the news and these web pages for the latest advice and information relevant to St Andrews, Scotland and the UK. Familiarise yourself with the national hygiene and prevention advice being issued by the Scottish and UK Governments. You can download a copy of the new Government leaflet on flu and infection prevention.

Students in St Andrews can help the University enormously by making sure they keep in regular touch with family back home. The University will continue to do as much as possible to reassure parents and families, but for legal reasons we may not be able to give out personal information about students over the telephone.

Does the University have Tamiflu and will it be distributing it to staff and students?

No. Tamiflu and other anti-viral medications will be prescribed to patients directly by the health authorities if required. The University does not have a stock of Tamiflu.

My son or daughter is studying at St Andrews - is there anything I should do?

Please keep in touch with them and encourage them to keep in touch with you. We will update these web pages with new advice and information should the situation in St Andrews change. For legal reasons we may not be able to give out personal information about students over the telephone. For general advice and reassurance, parents are most welcome to contact our Student Support Services team on telephone +44 (0)1334 462720.

I'm planning to visit St Andrews - is it safe?

Yes. The University is working normally and welcoming visitors. We will update these web pages with new advice and information should the situation in St Andrews change.