The University has been closely monitoring the H1N1 Influenza A (Swine flu) situation and is following the advice and instructions of the State and Federal Health Departments in response to the Virus.
UQ has a population of 44,000 staff and students, and since the outbreak of H1N1 in April, only two members of the UQ community have identified to have tested positive to the Virus. The University has been taking steps to ensure that it minimises any effects this influenza virus has on staff or students along with the operation of the University.
Currently, action taken by the University includes:
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Regular liaison with the State and Federal Health Departments;
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The review of existing UQ Policy on Occupational Health and Safety in an Influenza Pandemic: http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/?page=104001
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Confirming that the Federal Government has large supplies of anti-viral drugs should the need arise;
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Ensuring University Health Service processes and reporting; and
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Introducing face masks and hand gel, as a preventative measure, available at exams to students who request them
Additionally, students have been advised to look after themselves and others around them by reducing the spread of any respiratory virus by following sensible hygiene routines.
Recommendation to staff and students who have recently returned from travel to Mexico, the US, Canada or New Zealand (or have any concerns following other recent travel) to stay at home if they develop flu-like symptoms and consult a medical practitioner or seek advice from the University Health Service has also been issued.
UQ understands the concerns that students and parents may have regarding H1N1 Influenza A (Swine flu). The University Health Service (UHS) provides the UQ community with high quality health care, with priority given to students. The UHS is easily assessable to UQ students and staff members, operating on our St Lucia, Ipswich and Gatton campuses from 8.15am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
For more information, please see the University Health Service website at: http://www.uq.edu.au/healthservice/.
For students commencing study at UQ in Semester 2, 2009, please be advised that:
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The Australian government strengthened its border surveillance measures to include captains of all planes landing in Australia from the Americas, to report to the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) on the health of all those onboard.
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Onboard announcements will be made by crew on all flights coming into Australia before landing to inform passengers that if they feel unwell with flu symptoms they should seek immediate medical attention.
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If there is any person on the plane who is considered to have flu like symptoms they will be seen by an AQIS officer who will assess if medical attention is required.
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Should a student be identified as being unwell by airport screening measures, and if there are no accommodation options available to the student, they will be quarantined in a hotel until the test results are back.
Students should have prearranged accommodation rather than having to search for accommodation upon arrival in case they become ill en route or soon after arrival into Australia.
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While in Australia, should a student feel unwell, with symptoms of H1N1 (similar to those of seasonal influenza), and are concerned about their symptoms, or become worse, they should seek immediate medical advice by phoning a General Practitioner, the University Health Service (3365 6210), hospital or the H1N1 09 Hotline (180 2007).
It is especially important to get medical advice at the first signs of illness in children, and in people who have certain chronic medical conditions.
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In the unlikely event, should a student miss orientation due to being quarantined, they should contact UQ International to arrange for a meeting to go through important information that was missed, once they are out of quarantine.
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Students should familiarise themselves with information on how to protect themselves and others from influenza by reading the Australian Government Health Emergency advise to individuals: http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/consumers
Further information can be found at
The World Health Organisation at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
The Australian Government at: http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/health-swine_influenza-index.htm
http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/resources/$File/PROTECT%20QUESTION%20AND%20ANSWERS.pdf
The Queensland Government at: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/swineflu/
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