(H1N1) Swine Flu
Senior College Dun Laoghaire will continue to operate as normal unless advised by the local Department of Public Health in the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Prevention
Preventing the spread of germs is the most effective way to slow the spread of the flu.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water and especially after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom and before eating. Alternatively use a hand sanitizer (alcohol based hand rub).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands – germs spread this way.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in a waste bin. Wash your hands after.
- Always carry tissues. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve (not into your hand). Wash your hands after. Use a tissue only once and dispose of it quickly and carefully (a dustbin is fine). This is called respiratory etiquette.
- Waste, including used tissues, may be disposed of in the normal way. There is no need to take special precautions in the handling of such waste at this time.
- Avoid unnecessary close contact with people who have influenza or have symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever or shivering.
- There is no need to wear masks except when caring for someone who may have the flu.
Hand hygiene and cough etiquette are key measures that should be used at all times to prevent the transmission of the flu virus.
Symptoms of Swine Flu
Symptoms are similar to the symptoms of normal human, seasonal influenza and include:
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S
udden onset of fever, (38 degrees celcius/100 degrees F or more)
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Cough
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Sneezing
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Sore throat
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R
unny nose
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Headache
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Muscle ache
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Pains in the limbs or the joints
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Fatigue
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Weakness
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Some people have vomiting and diarrhoea
Most cases, however, are mild and people recover without hospitalisation.
The main difference between the common cold and swine flu is the symptoms of swine flu come on rapidly and are typically accompanied by muscle aches and a fever. The common cold has a more gradual onset and is associated with a runny nose and sneezing.
What Should You Do If You Develop These Symptoms?
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Stay at home. Do not come into College.
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Phone the Flu Information Line on Free phone 1800 94 11 00, available 24 hrs a day for advice. Most people with flu will be able to recover at home within a few days without needing anti-viral medicine or medical care.
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If you have severe symptoms, contact your GP/family doctor by telephone. They will decide if you need testing or treatment.
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If you do need to be tested or treated the GP may arrange for you to be seen at their surgery or may arrange a home visit.
Further Information is Available at: