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Swine ‘flu
With the recent news about Swine flu and its arrival in the UK you may feel
worried. RCM is monitoring the situation, and is currently operating as normal.
We have prepared the following information, and this will be updated as
necessary.
What is swine flu?
Swine flu, or influenza A (H1N1), is a respiratory disease that infects pigs and
is caused by a flu virus. There are regular outbreaks of swine flu in pigs,
which become ill but rarely die from the virus. Swine flu does not normally
infect humans although this does occasionally happen when people have had
close contact with pigs.
There is evidence that swine flu is spreading from person to person, which
could lead to what is called a 'pandemic flu outbreak'. Pandemic flu is
different from ordinary flu because it is a new strain of the virus that appears
in humans and spreads quickly from person to person worldwide.
How does it spread?
The ‘flu virus is generally carried in tiny droplets that are released when you
cough or sneeze, and is generally passed from one person to another by
close contact of a metre or less. The droplets can also land on surfaces, such
as keyboards, door handles etc and be passed on by touching. The virus may
also be caught by touching an infected person.
What can I do to prevent catching or spreading the infection?
The best thing to do is observe good hygiene!
 Carry tissues with you at all times
 If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with the tissue
 Bin the tissue after one use
 If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve –
not your hands
 Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before
eating and after sneezing or coughing
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth –the infection can be
passed on this way.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are very similar to ordinary flu:
The typical symptoms are:

sudden fever, and sudden cough.
They may also include:

headache

tiredness

chills

aching muscles

limb or joint pain

diarrhoea or stomach upset

sore throat

runny nose

sneezing and

loss of appetite
What should I do if I develop symptoms?
If you think you have symptoms of swine flu, you should contact NHS Direct
on 0845 4647. Do not go to your GPs surgery unless advised to do so.
If you live at College Hall, you should also let the College Hall Manager or one
of the Residence Assistants know that you are unwell and stay in your room
as much as possible. Try to avoid using the kitchen to prepare food at the
same time as other students, and always wash your hands before leaving the
kitchen..
If you live in privately rented accommodation, you should follow the advice to
call NHS Direct, and stay at home, but let someone know that you are unwell.
Do not come to College if
 you have been diagnosed with swine flu (or other flu)
 you think you may have symptoms
 you have any concerns about yourself or a friend
 you are taking precautionary medication e.g. Tamiflu
 you are taking medication for similar symptoms
All absences should be reported through the usual channels, including
mitigating circumstances for missed exams, leave of absence for
performances etc.
If you have not yet registered with the Imperial College Health Centre or other
GP, you should do so as soon as possible.
See: http://www.imperialcollegehealthcentre.co.uk/
Or to find an NHS Doctor, go to:
http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/serviceSearch.aspx
You can find more information on these websites:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_177814
or
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPo
licyAndGuidance/DH_080839