Swine flu

Information and guidance for new and returning students

Swine flu

For further support and advice contact Student Services, first floor, Student Centre on 01642 342277 or E: studentwellbeing@tees.ac.uk.

Risks of catching swine flu and symptoms of the virus

swine flu is now widespread in the community, so there is a risk of catching the virus in all social and work situations
symptoms include fever greater or equal to 38°C and two or more of the following symptoms: cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea (runny nose), limb/joint pain, headache, diarrhoea or vomiting
in the vast majority of cases, symptoms are very mild and you will recover quickly
further information on symptoms can be found on the NHS website
the symptoms of swine flu can be similar to those of meningitis. If in doubt seek medical advice immediately. Further information on meningitis at www.meningitisuk.org.

those who have a serious underlying illness, in particular if you have a problem with your immune system
pregnant women
sick children under one year old.

call your GP or out of hours service immediately, if you are in one of the ‘high risk’ groups, or if your condition suddenly gets much worse or is still getting worse after seven days (five for a child)
ensure you have registered with a GP on arrival in Middlesbrough.
do NOT go to a hospital, walk-in health centre or your GP's surgery if you suspect you have swine flu, unless you are advised to do so by a healthcare professional, as you could infect others
stay at home and check your symptoms at www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk
for those who do not have internet access, the same service can be accessed by telephone on 0800 1 513 100 or minicom: 0800 1 513 200
this service will assess your symptoms and, if required, provide an authorisation number for antiviral medication
ask a healthy friend or relative to pick up your antiviral medication from one of the designated local collection points www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk/CollectionPoints - when searching, select Cleveland or County Durham.
in the meantime take paracetamol-based cold remedies to reduce fever and other symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest
if your condition suddenly gets much worse call your GP or out of hours service immediately.

find someone to be your 'flu friend' and volunteer to be someone’s 'flu friend'
your flu friend collecting the antivirals must be healthy and bring proof of both their own and the patient's identity with them to the Antiviral Collection Point.
More information on the NHS website
if your flu friend is also ill, ensure you have someone else who can collect your antiviral medication
look out for your fellow students and be prepared to help them, even if you don’t know them well
remember international students will be unfamiliar with the UK health system and help guide them through it.

if you become more ill once treatment has started, or are not better after seven days (five days for a child) call your GP
you should not return to classes until you have completed the course of treatment or until seven days from the first symptoms
avoid social gatherings and keep apart from other students and friends as much as possible.

if you are diagnosed with swine flu, notify your school office immediately, by telephone, or by asking your flu friend to notify them
sick notes from your GP are not available for the first seven days of the illness
you should retain information about your authorisation number for antivirals in case we need evidence as to why you have missed lectures.

it is essential that you register with a doctor in Middlesbrough - you can find information about local GP surgeries on the NHS website or pick up a booklet at Student Services, first floor, Student Centre
stock up on essentials such as paracetamol-based cold remedies, tissues, toilet rolls, tinned soup and refreshing (non alcoholic!) drinks
help reduce the spread of infection and protect others by following basic hygiene rules: cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, dispose of the tissue immediately and then wash your hands thoroughly (catch it, bin it, kill it)
have a thermometer available so you can check your temperature if needed
learn to recognise the symptoms of swine flu.