Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the ANU response to the H1N1 Influenza 09 virus are below, divided into three categories:
What is swine flu?
Federal Health authorities in Australia were notified by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 24 April 2009 of outbreaks in Mexico, Canada, the USA and Europe of a novel Human Swine Influenza strain. Since that time the new flu has spread to many countries around the world. Australia has confirmed cases. This new strain is now known as H1N1 Influenza 09. More information about the virus and Australia’s response is available on the Department of Health and Ageing website: http://www.healthemergency.gov.au
Who coordinates the response in Australia?
The overall management of any infections in Australia will be undertaken by the relevant health authorities at the national, state and territory levels. ANU is liaising with these authorities and following their directions as appropriate.
What is the new Protect phase?
On 17 June 2009 the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon announced that Australia would enter a new response phase for H1N1 Influenza 09, called ‘Protect’. The new phase recognises that the infection with H1N1 Influenza 09 is not as severe as originally envisaged, and that this new disease is mild in most cases, severe in some and moderate overall.
What does the Protect phase mean?
Under the Protect phases of response, the greatest emphasis is placed on identifying and treating early infection in groups deemed to be at a higher risk from H1N1 Influenza 09 because infection could result in severe complications. These groups are: pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those with respiratory disease, heart disease, diabetes, renal disease, morbid obesity or who have a compromised immune system. If you are in one of these groups, you are strongly encouraged to seek advice from your GP.
What is ANU doing about stopping the spread of the virus to staff and students?
Under the Protect phase, University operations will largely continue as normal. ANU has also developed a Pandemic Influenza Response Plan which establishes a progressive approach to reducing our activities, if the risk level to our campus community and operations increases.
I think I have flu symptoms - what should I do?
All health enquiries should be directed to your medical practitioner or to Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222. ACT Health is also operating flu clinics at the Canberra Hospital and Calvary Hospital. Check the ACT Health website for more information on these facilities. You can also read the specific advice for students and staff below. Please note that health authorities say that some groups of people are at a higher risk of developing complications if they contract H1N1 flu. Those groups are: pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those with respiratory disease (asthma, COPD), heart disease, diabetes, renal disease, morbid obesity or who have a compromised immune system.
I think I’ve been in contact with someone who has H1N1 Influenza 09 - what should I do?
Under the Protect phase, suspected contacts of H1N1 cases are no longer required to enter home quarantine unless they also develop flu symptoms.
How can I protect myself and others from infection?
Check out the General Health Advice page on this web site, or visit the ACT Health website for fact sheets. In general:
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Throw dirty tissues in the bin.
- Wash your hands with soap regularly.
- If you feel unwell and think you have the 'flu, don't go to work, or send the children to school or child care.
- While it is not expected that the influenza vaccine will provide protection against this new strain of flu, it provides effective immunisation against routine, seasonal influenza.
- Above all, if you are unwell see your doctor.
I have flu symptoms or have been advised by my GP that I have the flu. What should I do about work?
As with any seasonal flu, you should follow the advice of your medical practitioner and stay at home until you feel better and are no longer infectious. If you are unwell, contact your supervisor to arrange personal leave.
I am in one of the high risk groups. What should I do?
Health authorities are advising that some groups of people are at a higher risk of severe complication from H1N1 flu. Those groups are: pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those with respiratory disease (asthma, COPD), heart disease, diabetes, renal disease, morbid obesity or who have a compromised immune system. If you are in one of these groups, please get advice from your GP. You should then talk to your supervisor about any concerns raised and possible solutions to reduce the risk.
I have been in contact with someone who has been confirmed as having H1N1 flu. Should I be in home quarantine?
No. Under the new Protect phase, only people who develop flu symptoms should seek medical advice and remain at home until they are better and no longer infectious.
I am planning to visit an area affected by H1N1 flu on official ANU business or holiday – what should I do?
You can get the latest advice for Australians travelling overseas from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au. Special ANU approval for travel to H1N1 affected countries is no longer required, though you are still encouraged to register with Smartraveller. There are no limitations on travel within Australia, but authorities are encouraging people to practice good flu hygiene.
I am returning from an area affected by H1N1 flu – what should I do?
Under the Protect phase there are no restrictions on staff returning to work following travel to an H1N1 affected area unless they show flu symptoms, in which case they should see medical advice.
I have flu symptoms or have been advised by my GP that I have the flu. What should I do about lectures, tutorials, assessments, exams and graduations?
Under the Protect phase, students sick with the flu are encouraged to seek medical advice and remain at home until they are better and no longer infectious.
Contact your ANU college student administration for advice on lectures, tutorials and assessments. Also visit the Examinations and Graduations website for information about what you should do about exams.
The contact details for college student administration areas are:
- ANU College of Business and Economics – info.cbe@anu.edu.au or 61253807
- ANU College of Asia and the Pacific –studentadmin.cap@anu.edu.au or 61253207
- ANU College of Law – enquiries.law@anu.edu.au or 61253483
- ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science – student.services@cecs.anu.edu.au or 61250677
- ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences – enquiries.arts@anu.edu.au or 61252898
- ANU Colleges of Science – science.enquiries@anu.edu.au or 61252809
I am in one of the high risk groups. What should I do?
Health authorities are advising that some groups of people are at a higher risk of severe complication from H1N1 flu. Those groups are: pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those with respiratory disease (asthma, COPD), heart disease, diabetes, renal disease, morbid obesity or who have a compromised immune system. If you are in one of these groups, you are encouraged to seek medical advice around H1N1 flu.
I live in a University residence. What should I do about the flu?
All residential students are asked to alert the head of their residence if they develop flu symptoms. If you are in one of the high risk groups (see previous answer) then you are encouraged to let the head of your residence know this, regardless of whether you have flu symptoms or not.
I have flu symptoms – should I come to campus?
As with any seasonal flu or communicable diseases you should try to limit your contact with others to contain the spread. It’s best if you can seek medical advice and then remain at home until you are better and no longer infectious. If you live in a University residence, you are encouraged to alert the head of your residence and then remain in your room as much as possible until you are better. If you have any concerns about your health contact your medical practitioner or Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.
I have been in contact with someone who has been confirmed as having H1N1 flu. Should I be in home quarantine?
No. Under the new Protect phase, only people who develop flu symptoms should seek medical advice and remain at home until they are better and no longer infectious.
I am planning to visit an area affected by H1N1 flu on ANU-related activity or holiday – what should I do?
You can get the latest advice for Australians travelling overseas from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au Special ANU approval for travel to H1N1 affected countries is no longer required. There are no limitations on travel within Australia, but authorities are encouraging people to practice good flu hygiene.
I am returning from an area affected by H1N1 flu – what should I do?
Under the Protect phase there are no restrictions on students returning to campus following travel to an H1N1 affected area unless they show flu symptoms, in which case they should see medical advice and are encouraged to remain at home until they are better and no longer infectious.
I am an international student coming to Australia. Considering H1N1 flu, should I still come?
Yes. Not everyone will get H1N1 flu, and those who do are most likely to only experience mild symptoms. You are also encouraged to read the advice for all students above and follow it where appropriate.
