Influenza information for students in UCC

Influenza Information Screencast for University College Cork:

Influenza Information Screencast for University College Cork Dr Michael Byrne Head of Student Health Department UCC January 2011 Click to Start Full Screen Option

Influenza Now Circulating:

Produced by The Student Health Department UCC Influenza Now Circulating Increase in the number of cases of Influenza 90% cases H1N1Influenza A:10% cases Influenza B Increase steadily over past 2 weeks Easily spread through droplets/physical contact University and campus environment a hazard Large numbers of young people from different parts of world Long hours in close physical proximity Many will be immune to H1N1 from last year

How to protect yourself :

Produced by The Student Health Department UCC How to protect yourself Be reassured-Appears to be mild Do not be complacent Register with a General Practitioner Get a “Flu Buddy” Obtain information from reliable sources www.swineflu.ie/ At-Risk Groups should be vaccinated

FLU VACCINE Who should get it?:

Produced by The Student Health Department UCC FLU VACCINE Who should get it? Healthcare Students on clinical placements Pregnant Women – from 14 weeks pregnant to 6 weeks after giving birth Diabetes Long-term Lung Disease (like Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis) Long-term Heart Disease Long-term Kidney Disease Long-term Liver Disease Long-term Neurological Disease (like MS, Cerebral Palsy) Immunosuppressant e.g. cancer treatment (and their household contacts) Haemoglobinopathies Morbid Obesity (check with your Doctor)

How to protect yourself and others:

Produced by The Student Health Department UCC How to protect yourself and others Wash your hands well with soap and warm water and dry properly afterwards Good Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette Cover cough and sneeze with tissue Dispose of the tissue in a bin after use If no tissue available cough into your elbow Wash your hands afterwards If you are in a risk group Get the Vaccine-not the ‘Flu Do not attend University or public gatherings if ill

How do you know you have ‘Flu:

Produced by The Student Health Department UCC How do you know you have ‘Flu Flu Symptoms Include: Sudden Onset of Symptoms High Fever over 38 o C Severe weakness and fatigue Dry Cough Aching muscles and joints Sore Throat Headache Runny nose Vomiting and diarrhoea Cold Symptoms Include: Gradual Onset of Symptoms Mild Fever between 37 o - 38 o C Tiredness Coughing Sneezing Pain when swallowing Headache Runny nose or a blocked nose Mild earache

What to do if you become ill :

Produced by The Student Health Department UCC What to do if you become ill Be reassured-appears to be mild Check www.swineflu.ie for detailed advice on symptoms and how to care for yourself Do not come into the University Arrange to be collected and go home Most people will recover within a few days without needing antiviral medication Take paracetamol and fluids Remain in isolation for 7 days

When should you seek medical advice? :

Produced by The Student Health Department UCC When should you seek medical advice? If you have severe symptoms Coughing up Blood Severe Headache not responding to painkiller Chest Pain or persistent breathlessness Fever persisting for over 4 days If you are Pregnant If you are on medication for Asthma; Heart Disease; Diabetes; or other chronic illness If you are over 65 Contact your Doctor via telephone who will advise you further

Summary :

Produced by The Student Health Department UCC Summary Influenza is now circulating in the community It appears to be mild, vast majority recover fully Keep yourself informed, but do not be alarmed Adopt good hand washing and respiratory habits Be immunised once the vaccine becomes available If ill stay at home, and self manage unless exceptions