Swine flu (Update 11) – For Staff and Students

Following the  ‘standing down’  by the  National Public Health Service, the Local Health Board, the Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, and the Welsh Assembly Government senior response teams, in relation to the pandemic swine flu threat, Cardiff University, in its ongoing assessments, has also reviewed its position.

As the risk from this infection is now considered small, the risk rating for the University community is now a ‘watching brief’. Consequently in line with its Escalation Plan the University’s Major Incident Strategy Team is also standing down. The swine flu advice posters distributed throughout the University will be removed shortly.

The considerable planning work which has been undertaken by the University in response to this pandemic will provide a basis for the University’s preparedness for other similar hazards.

Should you have any queries please contact Carole Evans in Governance and Compliance via Governance@Cardiff.ac.uk.

Swine Flu (Update 10) - For Staff and Students

The incidence of swine flu is quite small and its impact is much less than has been thought. While the World Health Organisation (WHO) still continues to place the pandemic at its rating of "phase 6", the National Public Health Service (NPHS) has reduced its rating of the disease and its associated risks. The University while remaining vigilant is also looking to reduce its risk rating regarding the flu pandemic, and will continue to monitor the situation.

Further advice and guidance can be found on the University’s pandemic flu website: www.cardiff.ac.uk/flu

Update 9 General guidance for staff

The swine flu pandemic is expected to become more widespread this autumn and may cause significant absence among employees. Current estimates predict infection rates may reach up to 30%. The University could therefore expect a similar rate of absence at the height of the pandemic wave, which itself lasts for two to four weeks. Each complete wave is of approximately fifteen weeks duration.

Further procedures and guidance for staff are now available on the website to support schools and directorates in managing a pandemic. These will be implemented as part of the Univerity plan to support staff in the event of an outbreak and to ensure business continuity and management of absences due to a pandemic flu outbreak. It will also facilitate the maintainence of accurate monitoring and recording of employee absence through such a difficult period.

Please refer to the following document for more information: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/flu/info/2009-14-09-hr-pandemic-flu-guidance-final.pdf 

Swine Flu (Update 8) High Risk Groups / Pregnancy

The pandemic has not affected Wales as severely as in other parts of the UK. However this should not cause complacency. It is anticipated that the swine flu pandemic will become more widespread in the autumn affecting many more people and causing complications in some.

As we approach the new term and the authorities predict the resurgence of this virus, it is important that all staff and students review if they are in an at risk group here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/flu/info/highriskgroupsinfo.pdf.  The individuals in these groups are more at risk of complications.

These individuals need to ensure they pay particular attention to:
• the hygiene guidance here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/flu/info/Swine_Flu_hygiene.pdf
• any changes to their health particularly to any underlying chronic illness they may have and seek medical advice as soon as possible know and be vigilant in the look out for the symptoms of the swine flu.

Those with line management responsibilities for those in high risk groups should review the information/guidance on the Cardiff University pandemic website here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/flu/info/guidanceforlinemanagers.pdf and supporting information websites.

Pregnancy and swine flu

Those who are pregnant are a high risk group for possible complications from the pandemic flu. While it is important to note pregnant women are a high risk group, most of those who contract the flu recover without complications.

However, it is important that staff who believe they are pregnant review the pandemic website guidance for pregnancy here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/flu/info/pregnancyandswineflu.pdf, and line managers who are responsible for pregnant staff should also review the university pandemic flu website and follow the guidance here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/flu/info/guidanceforlinemanagers.pdf. 

Visit the University’s Pandemic website here: www.cardiff.ac.uk/flu

Swine Flu (Update 7)

With the start of the new term staff and students may have concerns about the developing situation following the outbreak of Swine Flu across the world.

In the majority of cases, swine flu is a relatively mild illness that resolves itself without the need for medical intervention.

The University’s pandemic flu planning group has taken steps to identify risks, seek ways of reducing the spread and prepare for the effects of a potential pandemic flu outbreak.

This has included preparing for the arrival of students this term by ensuring up-to-date information and advice is available via the University’s pandemic flu website, Twitter, the University’s electronic notice board and email systems.

One of the most important steps all students can take is to register with a GP, which applies to new students and existing students. Students who are fit and well may tend to think they do not need to register with a GP, but those who do not register with a doctor are leaving themselves at significant risk. Do not wait until you are ill to register with a GP, it will be more difficult to register with a GP the longer you wait to registering. To register:

1. Contacting the GP and request registration. Click here for a list of GP practices in Cardiff.
2. If the GP is unable to register you, they should provide you with alternative advice as to where to register.
3. If you are unable to register contact the NHS Wales Business Service Centre on 01495 332000, where you will be allocated a GP.

Information about the New Flu Buddy system and good common sense hygiene practices is also available on the website.

It is important to emphasise that the University continues to operate as usual. The University continues to monitor the situation and will be keeping students and staff informed of any changes in the situation as and when necessary.

Please review the guidance on the university pandemic flu website regularly at the
University's Briefing Centre: Preparing for Pandemic Flu.

Swine Flu Update (Update 6)

As has been expected, given the size of the University, there are members of the University community that have been diagnosed with swine flu. As has been reported generally the symptoms appear to be mild with many people recovering unaided. The University continues to monitor the situation and is responding according to the latest guidance from the authorities.

Please note the following:
•    If you feel unwell remain at home, or if in work, inform your line manager and go home.
•    Contact NHS direct or your GP. Do not attend the GP practice or attend the University Health centre.
•    If you are working alongside a colleague who has become unwell with swine flu or suspected swine flu, there is no longer any specific action to be taken with the national public health service. Unless you become unwell you can continue to attend work.
•    Please review the guidance on the university pandemic flu website regularly at the
University's Briefing Centre: Preparing for Pandemic Flu.  

Swine Flu Update (Update 5)

The World Health Organisation has raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6.

The University is monitoring the present situation and will provide further information for our staff and students in line with further developments as appropriate.

Please do take the time to visit the University's Briefing Centre: Preparing for Pandemic Flu at where you will find the latest information and guidance, and more regarding the flu outbreak.

Information for staff and students returning from Mexico or other affected areas (Update 4)

There have been several queries about staff and students who are returning from Mexico and the appropriateness of them returning to the university community.

Following current health guidance there is no reason why any member of staff or student, returning from Mexico or other affected areas, without any signs and symptoms of Flu cannot return to the University. If the individual returning has any symptoms they should stay at home and follow the current health guidance.

For general advice and information, check the Advice & Information section of our Briefing Centre website regularly.

Information for all overseas Erasmus and exchange students (Update 3)

The University is closely monitoring the present outbreak of swine flu, which originated in Mexico, and is dealing with the risks in accordance with advice provided by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

It is advisable that you monitor the British Commonwealth website. There you will find advice on travel and medical matters. If you have any concerns over your own health, you should seek medical advice following the guidance that is published in your current locality.

We will update you as the situation develops and the University will be regularly updating its Flu Briefing Centre website. The web address for which is http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/flu. In the meantime, it is also advisable that you familiarise yourself with the information leaflet from the Department of Health, which is being sent to every household in the UK.

The Department of Health website gives further and accurate information on what the UK is doing in response to the outbreak. The Health Protection Agency has provided advice on measures which can be taken 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.

Your link tutors and employers will also be able to help you. You may wish to speak to them about plans they have in place.

Should you become unwell, take precautions in accordance with local guidelines, or phone your local health centre. You may also like to enquire from your employers or link tutors information on how to access treatments and whether there are any charges to you in obtaining the appropriate medication.

The British Embassy may be able to provide advice on the availability of local medicines or healthcare, but they cannot provide medical treatment (including anti-viral medication).

If you have any further queries please contact the University’s Medical Centre (http://www.cf.ac.uk/osheu/healthcentre/index.html).
For other general information, advice and support, please contact the International Office on international@cf.ac.uk or +44 (0) 2920 874432.

Action for all Students to register with GPs (Update 2)

As you may be aware the World Health Organisation (WHO) has now raised the alert over swine flu to level five - indicating human-to-human transmission in at least two countries.

This Flu can affect anyone and the first two confirmed cases in the UK are in their early twenties. It is therefore important that all students take precautionary action and register with a GP to ensure appropriate care and ease of access to antiviral medication is available should it be required.

If you are not registered with a GP we strongly advise you to register as soon as possible by:

1. Contacting the GP and request registration. Click here for a list of GP practices in Cardiff.
2. If the GP is unable to register you, they should provide you with alternative advice as to where to register.
3. If you are unable to register contact the NHS Wales Business Service Centre on 01495 332000, where you will be allocated a GP

If you find difficulties in registering with a GP in Cardiff, please come to the University’s Health Centre at 47 Park Place and we will assist you in registration.
Further background and information on the disease can be found on the National Public Health Service for Wales website.

Please also visit our Advice & Information area for complete advice for staff and students.