Influenza Information

1.Cover nose/mouth when sneezing/coughing 2.Bin used tissues 3.Wash your hands The University of Limerick is working in line with current HSE public health guidelines in combating the spread of Influenza A(H1N1). The University has a comprehensive plan in place to respond to the potential threat from Influenza A(H1N1)v/Swine Flu to students and staff. The UL Influenza Pandemic Working Group, which includes senior staff and experts from across the University, are implementing a strategy to mitigate the impact of Influenza A(H1N1)v.

The following information has been advised to staff and students on the symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1)v and current HSE precautionary 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 are the symptoms of swine flu? The symptoms of swine flu will be similar to ordinary influenza: sudden onset of cough or fever (>38°C). Other symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Chills
• Aching muscles
• Difficulty breathing
• Tiredness
• HSE Medical Advice:

If you think you have the flu, please avoid close contact with others, inform your manager and seek medical advice by phoning your doctor or the 24 Hour HSE Flu Information Line (Freephone 1800 94 11 00). In addition, you should prevent the spread of infection by:

• Always cover your nose and mouth with clean tissues when coughing or sneezing
• Always dispose of used tissues into a bin immediately
• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol based hand cleaners(>60%Alcohol)
• Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs
• Department of Foreign Affairs: Travel Advisory relating to Influenza A(H1N1)v

Frequently Asked Questions:

A list of frequently asked questions are available here: FAQs

Current Situation?

A "pandemic" means that an influenza virus, new to humans, has appeared, is spreading and causing disease in many parts of the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has determined that the current phase of pandemic is Phase 6, Irish Alert Level 3. (Extract from the National Pandemic Influenza Plan).

UL Guidelines for Staff: Influenza A(H1N1) General Guidance for Staff

FOR REGULAR UPDATES please click Influenza Surveillance Information. You can also review Information for Schools, Colleges and Centres of Education on Influenza A(H1N1)v

The following are also links to websites which publish the most up-to-date information on human swine flu in Ireland and Worldwide.

University of Limerick Student Health Centre

European Centre for Disease Control (www.ecdc.europa.eu)

Department of Health and Children (www.dohc.ie)

Health Service Executive (www.hse.ie)

World Health Organisation (www.who.int)

Health Protection Surveillance Centre (www.hpsc.ie)

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)

Influenza Information for Educational Establishments (www.education.ie)