Pandemic Flu: Current Situation

Last academic year we had a number of students and staff with flu-like symptoms. All the individuals concerned were advised to stay at home.

We took advice from the Regional Health Protection Agency and the Strategic Health Authority and will continue to liaise closely with these agencies.

A (H1N1) (commonly known as Swine Flu) continues to spread in the UK. Prepare now by:

  • Learning to recognise the symptoms of Swine Flu
  • Establishing 'Flu Friends' - friends and relatives who can help you if you fall ill by:
    • Collecting your medication
    • Doing your food shopping
    • Notifying the Faculty Office / your line manager on your behalf
  • Keeping cold remedies in your room / the house
  • Having a thermometer available so you can check your temperature if needed

Note: If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours please check on them. They may need your help but be reluctant to ask for it.

What are the symtoms of Swine Flu?

The typical symptoms are:
  • Fever (a high body temperature of 38°C/100.4°F or over)
  • A sudden cough
  • Fatigue
Other symptoms may include: headache, chills, aching muscles, limb or joint pain, diarrhoea or upset stomach, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

What can I do to reduce the risk of catching flu?

You can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading flu during a pandemic by:

  • maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face, or to other people.
  • covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
  • disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully - bag and bin them.
  • cleaning hard surfaces (eg kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product.

NHS Swine Flu Questions and Answers

What you should do if you think you've got flu?

If you feel unwell with flu-like symptoms, you should:

  1. Stay in your bedroom as much as possible, avoid contact with other people if at all possible, follow the instructions below and then go to bed and rest.
  2. Contact the National Pandemic Flu Service
  3. You should call your GP directly if:
    • you have a serious underlying illness
    • you are pregnant
    • your condition suddenly gets much worse
    • condition is still getting worse after 7 days

If you are diagnosed with A (H1N1) (commonly known as Swine Flu):

  1. If you are a student - Tell your Faculty Office (who will notify the relevant members of staff and let the Accommodation Office know). Please dial 0845 196 and then the relevant extension number below:
    • Ashcroft International Business School - ext 2112 Cambridge and ext 3600 Chelmsford
    • Faculty of Arts, Law & Social Sciences - ext 2024 Cambridge and Chelmsford
    • Faculty of Education - ext 3528 Cambridge and Chelmsford
    • Faculty of Health & Social Care - ext 4605 Chelmsford and East Road and ext 5305 Fulbourn and Peterborough
    • Faculty of Science & Technology - ext 2874 Cambridge and ext 3920 Chelmsford
    If you are a member of staff - Nofity your line manager
  2. Contact your 'Flu Friend' and ask them to collect your medication and any essential food supplies
  3. Take care of yourself - take your medication, drink plenty of fluids and eat well

Swine Flu: where to find more information

Please go to www.nhs.uk or call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100
Further frequently-updated information is available from:
For the latest updates on swine flu visit:
Bookmark this page with: