Swine Flu Advice
Last Updated 22 October 2009
The University of Bolton is currently operating as normal.
The University is monitoring the situation regarding swine flu closely and has prepared the guidance below specifically for staff, students and visitors. The advice will be updated as required.
You are advised to check this site regularly – they will be clearly marked if they have been updated.
General information
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by influenza type A which infects pigs. There are many types and the infection is constantly changing. Until now it has not normally infected humans but the latest form clearly does. It can be spread person to person – through coughing and sneezing.
What is the current situation?
The World Health Organisation has now moved to Phase 6, which means that 'swine flu' is now technically a global pandemic.
The international health body's decision to declare a pandemic is based on the global spread of the virus rather than how severe it is. WHO considers the overall severity of the pandemic to be moderate, meaning that most people recover without the need to go to hospital or receive medical care.
The National Pandemic Flu Service was launched in England on 23rd July 2009. The National Flu Service gives those with swine flu access to information and advice and to antiviral medication as soon as possible.
Please click on the link below;
www.directgov.uk/swineflu|
If you would prefer information in other languages or formats go to;
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Otherlanguages.aspx|
There are separate arrangements for Wales,Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The most accurate public information on the current situation can be found here:
I've heard about 'Flu Friends'. What is this about?
Senior health leaders are urging people to find themselves a 'flu friend' as part of plans to prepare for the next few months.
The flu friend could be a member of the family, a neighbour or a friend. They could be contacted to pick up anti-virals or any other medicine or do any essential food shopping.
If you are having problems identifying a flu friend, contact your local primary care trust.
There's a vaccine available but I'd like more details.
The NHS has published a comprehensive Q&A guide on their website which should answer any questions. You can link to it here at http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pandemic-flu/pages/qa.aspx|
Health and hygiene
What are the symptoms?
Swine flu symptoms are very similar to those of seasonal flu and the most significant symptoms are the sudden onset of fever and a cough or shortness of breath. Other symptoms include:
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Headache
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High temperature
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Tiredness
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Chills
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Aching muscles
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Sore throat
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Runny nose
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Sneezing
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Loss of appetite.
What should I do if I have symptoms?
If you have symptons please contact the National Pandemic Flu Service using the link above or look at www.nhs.uk|
If you are a student living in halls of residence or in shared accommodation you are advised to tell the warden and stay in your room as much as possible. Avoid using kitchens to prepare food at the same time as your flat mates. Wash your hands before leaving your room.
If you are not currently registered with a GP, please do so as soon as possible. To register with a GP find details on the NHS website|
Swine flu Q&As on NHS Direct|
How does infection spread?
Flu spreads through close, person to person contact. Coughing and sneezing within a metre or so of another person can expose them to infectious droplets.
Hands become contaminated through touching someone who is unwell, or through touching door handles or other hard surfaces which have been contaminated with the virus. If you then touch your mouth before washing your hands you can catch the infection.
How can I limit my risk of infection?
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Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of the tissue immediately in a waste bin.
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Wash your hands. Wash them regularly with soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing and eating food.
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Wash your hands when you get to University and as soon as you get home after work or classes.
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Avoid touching your mouth or nose, unless you have just washed your hands.
Travel Advice
I've just returned to the UK from a country where there has been a swine flu outbreak. What shall I do?
If you develop symptoms within seven days of leaving an area where there has been an outbreak stay at home or return home and contact your doctor or NHS Direct | for advice.
If you have no symptoms come to work or classes at University, as normal.
I'm due to travel overseas on University business. Should I still go?
If you are travelling on business or study related to the University to an area where there has been more than one outbreak you must contact the University Health and Safety Officer.
Anyone due to travel anywhere in the world is advised to check the FCO website| regularly for advice as this may change.
Maintain good hygiene practice, as outlined above, wherever you go.
I am due to travel but I think I may have swine flu. What should I do?
Anyone with swine flu symptoms is advised not to travel until they are well. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office |has advice we recommend you follow
University events
There are no plans to cancel any University events. At the present time it is business as usual.
Exams and resits
Remote working - students
Q: What if I'm feeling well enough to get on with some work, but I'm not up to a full day at uni?
A: Students can access their work remotely. The library can show you how if you want advice. There's plenty of helpful information on their webpages about accessing information remotely.|
The University is open for business as usual and we expect resit examinations to take place as planned. If there is any change in this position, details of alternative arrangements will be published on the University's website under the 'Current Students' portal (available at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/SwineFluAdvice.aspx|).
You should check these pages and your resit examination timetable (available at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/MyDetails/ExamTimetable/Home.aspx|) frequently.
What if I can't attend a resit examination or resubmit coursework because I or one of my direct dependents has (or had) swine flu during relevant periods?
In line with the University's Mitigating Circumstances Regulations and Procedures (available at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/PoliciesProceduresRegulations/StudentsOnTaughtCourses/ExamRegulationsAndProcedures/pdf/MitCircs.pdf|), supporting documentary evidence such as a medical certificate, doctor's letter or other independent, third party evidence should normally be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the 'assessment due date' (i.e. the date of the examination or the coursework submission deadline). However in instances of swine flu, if a medical certificate or GP's letter cannot be obtained, you should submit a printed copy of the prescription or a copy of the unique authorisation number from the National Pandemic Flu Service, as issued to you or to one of your direct dependents, to give access to the appropriate antiviral medicines (oseltamavir - brand name Tamiflu and zanamivir - brand name Relenza).
What should I do with my documentary evidence?
If you have such documentary evidence you should submit it to your School/Centre Office along with your Submission of Mitigating Circumstances Form|, at least 5 working days prior to the 'assessment due date' (i.e. the date of the examination or the coursework submission deadline). Students who are scheduled to take resit examinations and/or resubmit coursework at partner colleges or other partner organisations or centres should submit their claim and evidence to their local college or centre. Since current advice for affected individuals is that they should stay indoors and not travel, if you are ill you should send your submission and accompanying evidence by post, or get someone who is well to deliver it for you. If you are unable to make your submission at least 5 working days prior to the 'assessment due date' you should still submit all relevant information but make it clear as part of your submission why you could not meet the deadline. If you are unsure what to do please contact your School/Centre Office.
What will happen to my submission?
The way in which submissions are considered is described in the Mitigating Procedures Regulations and Procedures (particularly paragraphs 19-25) (available at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/PoliciesProceduresRegulations/StudentsOnTaughtCourses/ExamRegulationsAndProcedures/pdf/MitCircs.pdf|).
Will it be possible for me to take my resit examination or resubmit my coursework at a later date?
If you are deferred in the module because you, or a direct dependent of yours, is or has been ill with swine flu on relevant dates, then you will normally be expected to resit the examination or resubmit the coursework at a later date, as determined by the Assessment Board. Normally, no mark penalty will be applied in such circumstances.
What if I take my resit examination and/or submit my coursework and pass the module but nevertheless believe that my performance has been adversely affected because of swine flu?
You should submit a claim for mitigating circumstances as described above.
What if I don't attend for an examination or resubmit my coursework because I am concerned about swine flu infection?
You can only submit mitigating circumstances if you have acceptable evidence of your own or of any of your direct dependents' illness from swine flu.
Will I be able to progress to the next stage or year of my course?
See paragraphs 23-25 of the Mitigating Circumstances Regulations and Procedures (available at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/PoliciesProceduresRegulations/StudentsOnTaughtCourses/ExamRegulationsAndProcedures/pdf/MitCircs.pdf|). The outcome of your submission will depend on the factors mentioned there and described in more detail in section 4 of the Assessment Regulations (available at: http://www.bolton.ac.uk/Students/PoliciesProceduresRegulations/StudentsOnTaughtCourses/ExamRegulationsAndProcedures/pdf/UndergradAssPartdoc2009.pdf|) (the undergraduate and postgraduate regulations are identical in this respect).
We will always treat students sympathetically where genuine illness is evidenced but we have also to aim to treat all students on equal terms so that no–one is either advantaged or disadvantaged.
What should I do if my child's school or nursery is closed for an extended period?
Parents/guardians/carers will have to make other arrangements for looking after their children. Some might be able to work from home, work flexible hours, or use informal childcare arrangements with a relative or friend. Mitigating circumstances will not normally apply unless you and/or any of your direct dependents are or have been ill through swine flu.