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Swine Flu (H1N1) Information From Bath Spa University

What is BSU Doing About Swine Flu?

• BSU has plans in place and a working group to monitor and respond to any developments in regard to the pandemic.
• BSU will continue to follow the advice of the public health authorities in taking any action that may be required.
• The University is aware that some students due to begin or return to their studies at BSU may have concerns about the H1N1 'swine' flu pandemic. However, on 10th August 2010, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that the H1N1 flu pandemic was officially over. The UK is well prepared for a pandemic, a National Pandemic Flu Service has been established to provide advice, diagnosis and free anti-viral medicine.
• This service is available within the UK to everybody in the country, including all UK residents, international students studying at UK universities and anybody else who is visiting the UK for a short or long-term visit.
• The pandemic flu illness was showing itself to be very much like the normal winter flu which many people in the UK experience every year. Most people with pandemic flu were experiencing a mild illness with 1-2 days of discomfort followed by 3-4 days recovery, and no need for medical attention.

Advice For New and Returning Students

• The start of term is a busy period when you will meet and mingle with lots of people. We recommend that all staff and students pay careful attention to basic good hygiene and follow these steps at all times:
  1. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
  2. Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully in the general rubbish bins outside all major buildings
  3. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from the hands to face or to other people.
  4. Around all campuses there are a number of specialist hand rub dispensers, with instructions on how to make best use of them.
• The NHS also recommends cleaning hard surfaces, such as door handles, frequently, using a normal cleaning product.
• If you fall ill with swine flu before you arrive, let us know studentsupport@bathspa.ac.uk. Delay your arrival until you are well and do not have flu-like symptoms (except a mild cough).
• If you arrive at BSU and fall ill with swine flu, let us know studentsupport@bathspa.ac.uk, stay at home and do not attend any events or activities including registration or induction until you are well. Don't worry, if you have to miss something because of swine flu we will help you catch up!
• Consider bringing a 'flu pack' with you just in case. This could contain a thermometer, Paracetamol*, a week's supply of tissues, and perhaps a week's worth of (non-perishable) food and drink.
• Agree with your friends, flatmates, etc. to be each others' 'flu buddy'. If one of you gets ill, the other can help you out so you can stay in bed and concentrate on getting well. Exchange phone numbers so you can call your flu buddy without getting up.
• Make sure that the University has your latest contact details and that you are registered with a GP

* or an appropriate alternative if you can't take Paracetamol. Remember many flu remedies also contain Paracetamol – don't exceed the stated dose.

If you get swine flu, please stay at home and let the university know you are unwell studentsupport@bathspa.ac.uk. Someone from the university will be in touch with you to make sure you have what you need and to offer assistance if required.

Advice for Staff

Staff who have flu, or have symptoms, should inform HR on:

Telephone: (01225) 875519.