Swine flu - Advice and Guidance
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These pages have been created to provide students, prospective students, parents and visitors access to information on swine flu. You will find useful links to further information on swine flu and current students and staff can also access updates posted on our swine flu intranet pages. (QM login required, via Citrix if you are offsite). You can also download the offical government leaflet (PDF).
Information for visitors - Events, including open days, conferences and teaching are carrying on as usual.
Keep up to date - please bookmark this page and check back regularly to keep up to date with the latest information.
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KEY FAQs
Q:What is QMU doing to prepare for swine flu?
A:The University has established a Pandemic Planning Group to oversee contingency plans and keep our arrangements under review and in line with government, NHS and sector-wide plans. We are taking appropriate precautions to prepare for any escalation of the situation.
Q: What is the incubation period for swine flu?
A: According to the Health Protection Agency, the incubation period for swine flu (time between infection and appearance of symptoms) can be up to seven days, but is most likely to be between two and five days. It is, however, too early to be able to provide details on virus characteristics, including incubation period, with absolute certainty at this time.
Q: When are you most infectious?
A: People are most infectious to others soon after they develop symptoms, although they continue to shed the virus (for example, in coughs and sneezes) for up to five days (seven days in children). People become less infectious as their symptoms subside, and once their symptoms are gone, they are no longer considered infectious to others.
Q: What are the symptoms of swine flu?
A: The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include:
- fever (a high body temperature of over 38C)
- fatigue
- lack of appetite
- coughing
- some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Q: I am a student, what should I do if I think I have swine flu?
A: Students who have these symptoms are advised to stay at home and telephone their own GP or contact NHS 24 directly by phoning 08454 24 24 24. You should not visit your Health Centre as this may spread infection unnecessarily. You should also inform the School Office (tel: 0131 474 0000) of your absence and your return to health. You should only return to university following advice from your GP or NHS 24 or when all your symptoms have gone.
Students in halls who are feeling unwell and exhibiting flu-like symptoms should also contact their GP or NHS 24 directly by phoning 08454 24 24 24 . Stay in your room pending further advice. You should immediately bring this to the attention of the hall manager (by phoning extension 1500, Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm). Outwith these hours, phone Security on extension 2222.
Q: How do I protect myself and others from swine flu?
- If you are feeling sick and are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, stay at home and contact your doctor or NHS 24.
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water.
- Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs.
- Use clean tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze. Bin the tissues after one use. Wash your hands often with soap and hot water or a sanitiser gel.
- Set up a network of “flu friends”. Flu friends are neighbours/friends/relatives who can help you if you get ill. For example, they could collect medicines, food and other supplies for you, so that you don’t have to leave home if you are ill.
- Make sure that you have an adequate amount of cold and cough remedies in your medicine cupboard in case you or your family/friends are affected by swine flu.
- We strongly recommend that all students ensure they are registered with a GP practice . If students are living in halls or in Musselburgh they can register with our NHS partner, the Riverside Medical Practice. Registration forms for the Riverside Practice are available from Student Services or they can register at the Practice. If students live outwith Musselburgh they need to register with their nearest NHS Medical Practice. We do not have registration forms for other practices.
- If you have symptoms of swine flu, you should contact your GP or NHS 24 directly by phoning 08454 24 24 24. You should not visit your GP Practice/Health Centre as this may spread infection unnecessarily.
- Ensure QMU has up-to-date personal details for you including your mobile number. Current students can update their records by logging on to QM:u Student Portal via http://www.qmu.ac.uk/portal/default.htm using their usual network login credentials.
- If you are well, but still worried by the situation, you can talk to the university nurse.
Q: My son or daughter is studying at QMU - is there anything I should do?
A: 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 at QMU change. For legal reasons we may not be able to give out personal information about students without their permission. For general advice and reassurance, parents are most welcome to contact our Student Services team.
Q: I am an international student, planning to come to QMU to study. Is it safe to do so?
A: Yes. The University is working normally and welcoming visitors. The University is taking all appropriate precautions. The University has established a Pandemic Planning Group (PPG) led by a Vice-Principal. This group is overseeing contingency plans and keeping our arrangements under review and in line with UK government, health authorities and university sector-wide plans. We will, of course, contact you, in the case of any changing advice.
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