As you will be aware the summer months saw a significant number of swine flu (H1N1 virus) cases in the UK. Though this may now have peaked, we expect the autumn to bring a wave of new cases. For the vast majority of individuals, the H1N1 virus has produced symptoms that are comparatively mild and brief, if unpleasant.
The College and the University have comprehensive plans in place consistent with National Health Service and Health Protection Agency advice. These will enable any students who are taken ill, including those with pre-existing medical conditions and others considered particularly vulnerable, to receive the care they need while they are unwell in Cambridge. The University will keep its information updated.
What you should do now
Make sure you are registered with a Local Doctor / General Practitioner (GP)
If you are not already registered with a GP in Cambridge, do so immediately. The college health centre webpage has details of nearby GP surgeries. The College Nurse can provide a list of GPs and give further advice if necessary. NHS treatment is free to everybody provided they are in the UK for six months or longer. Make sure that your Tutorial Secretary knows where you are registered.
Make sure that the College has your mobile phone number
You will be asked to confirm your mobile phone number. Make sure that we can contact you and that you can contact others in the event that you require assistance.
Find a ‘Flu Friend’
You are encouraged to find a fellow student who can be your Flu Friend, - someone who you can keep in touch with and who can help if you are ill by collecting medicines and getting food and other essential items for you. If you have just arrived in Cambridge and you are an undergraduate, you can always ask your College parent. If you are a new graduate student, ask one of your new neighbours. You will be asked to let us know the names of your flu friends.
Take steps to avoid catching or spreading the virus
You can reduce the risk of infection significantly by ensuring good standards of hygiene.
•Wash hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people
•Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
•Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
•Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
Be aware of the symptoms of Swine Flu
The typical symptoms of Swine Flu are very similar to seasonal (regular) flu. You may have swine flu if you have a sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38°C/100.4°F or above), and two or more of the following symptoms:
•Shortness of breath and/or a cough
•Unusual tiredness and/or a headache
•Runny nose and/or a sore throat
•Aching muscles
• Loss of appetite
•Diarrhoea or vomiting
What to do if you think you may have swine flu
•Stay in your room while symptoms persist
•Contact the Porters on 01223 338400
Contact your doctor directly if:
•You have a serious underlying illness
•You are pregnant
•You have a sick child under one year old
•Your condition suddenly gets much worse
•Your condition is still getting worse after 7 days
What to do if you’re a Flu Friend
•Keep in touch with your friend by phone
•Liaise with the College Nurse and your friend’s Tutor
•Collect medicines, food and other essential items
As a Flu Friend, you are NOT in a position of medical responsibility, nor expected to make medical judgements. Being a Flu Friend is a practical, limited, liaison role.Where appropriate, the Porters’ Lodge and College Nurse will issue you with a Flu Friend Pack.
If your friend has been advised to take antiviral tablets, he or she will be given a personal unique identifier that you will have to present at one of the registered Antiviral Collection Points along with a copy of documentation confirming both your friend's and your own identity, e.g. your student card. The nearest Antiviral Collection Point is currently Lloyds Pharmacy on Trumpington Steet. The Porters will be kept updated and will be able to advise.
Other useful contacts
•Your own GP
•CamDOC (Cambridge GPs out of hours service): 01223 464242
•NHS Direct (24 hr medical advice and assistance): 0845 4647
