Swine flu

Swine flu is a respiratory disease that has some elements of a virus found in pigs. In April 2009 a new type of flu was found which is closely related to one that had previously only infected pigs. This new type of flu spreads easily from person to person and is the cause of the current pandemic.

Swine flu is not thought to be any more serious than normal winter flu, and symptoms only last around a week.

Information about swine flu is available in different languages.

Aston University is operating as normal

All events and teaching are going on as usual. We have detailed plans in place to respond to incidents of swine flu at the University and we are working closely with the local Primary Care Trust and the University Health Centre.

Protection against flu

The swine flu virus is spread through coughing and sneezing and the best way of reducing the risk of infection is by following good, basic hygiene practices. This will greatly reduce the spread of colds and other infections, as well as reducing the risk of spreading swine flu.  

Catch it - germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. 

Bin it - germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of your tissue as soon as possible.

Kill it - hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch. Wash your hands as soon as you can

Remember to:

• wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use a sanitiser
• clean hard surfaces (like remote controls, door handles, communally used computer keyboards or phones) frequently with a normal cleaning product or antiseptic wipes. 

Key questions

I think I have been in contact with an infected person, what should I do?

If you have been in contact with someone who has swine flu ensure you maintain good hygiene standards and if you start to experience symptoms phone your Doctor. To reduce the risk of spreading infection do not go to the Doctor's surgery in person.

I have flu-like symptoms, what should I do?

If you have flu-like symptoms:

• Stay at home. If you need anything, ask a friend to go out and get it for you. Do not go to your Doctor's surgery.

• If you are a student you can contact the University Medical Centre on 0845 072 4632 or halcyonmedical@nhs.net. You can also visit the national swine flu advice website or call 0800 1 513 513 to check your symptoms.

• If you are a member of Staff you should visit the national swine flu advice website or call 0800 1 513 513 to check your symptoms. If you have a serious underlying illness, are pregnant or your condition is still getting worse after seven days, call your Doctor directly. If you are unable to get through to the national swine flu advice website or phoneline you can call the University Medical Centre: 0845 072 4632.

• If you are thought to have swine flu, you will be prescribed anti-viral drugs.

My Doctor suspects I have swine flu, what should I do?

Staff should contact their line manager. If you are unable to contact ASAP or your line manager yourself, please ask a friend to do so for you.

Students should notify their School, the contacts are as follows:

LSS

• Elaena Wells - e.k.r.wells@aston.ac.uk - 0121 204 3779

• Mingqing Jia - m.jia@aston.ac.uk - 0121 204 3758

LHS

• Sarah Jones - s.a.jones@aston.ac.uk - 0121 204 3994

ABS

• UG Support - absugsupport@aston.ac.uk

• ABS MSc Support - absmscsupport@aston.ac.uk (including MBA and PhD students in this instance).

EAS

• Jules Richey - j.e.richey@aston.ac.uk - 0121 204 3656

Interdisciplinary Studies

• Lesley Wood - l.m.wood@aston.ac.uk - 0121 204 4285

 

If you need any help or assistance, contact the Aston Student Advice Point (ASAP) on 0121 204 4711.

 

If you believe your studies have been adversely affected as a result of being unwell you should look at the information on Extenuating Circumstances

For more, see our frequently asked questions.