The University of Western Australia

Swine influenza A (H1N1) virus

There is a UWA working group monitoring the Swine Influenza (Flu) situation and developing University response plans.

Measures will be taken in accordance with any Federal and State Health Department directives.

Western Australia has moved to response phase,” PROTECT”, to manage the outbreak of human swine influenza. This phase recognises that human swine influenza is a mild illness in most people.

People with a mild flu-like illness do not need to go to the doctor or hospital to be tested for human swine flu but should stay at home and rest until they are better. Mild flu-like illness often consists of a combination of feeling feverish combined with a cough and or sore throat, fatigue, headache, runny or congested nose, muscle or joint aches and pains, and chills. Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea have also been reported.

Persons at high risk of complications from influenza include those with chronic underlying disease such as chronic asthma, heart disease; pregnant; elderly; immunosuppressed; Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander background; or morbidly obese may benefit from a check up with their regular GP and discussion about specific preventative or management issues.

People with moderate or severe illness, or whose underlying conditions could make them vulnerable to the virus should seek medical advice.

General information on Influenza is available online. Everyone should maintain good personal hygiene including covering your nose and mouth if sneezing and coughing, frequent hand washing and staying home if you are sick to help manage the spread of viruses in the community.

Human swine flu vaccine

A vaccine against human swine flu is now available to all Western Australians aged 10 years and over. Vaccination is voluntary, but everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families from human swine flu. People at increased risk of severe illness from influenza and people who care for the sick are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Information on Human swine flu vaccine.

Vaccination is available through your GP or the University Medical Centre - telephone (08) 6488 2118. The vaccine is free; however you may be charged a consultation fee by your general practitioner. For Medicare card holders some GPs may provide bulk billing or you will be able to claim most of the consultation fee through Medicare.

The University Medical Centre will bulk bill Medicare card holders for these vaccinations. 

Students using the University Medical Centre are required to book their own appointment by completing an appointment sheet which is located outside the entrance door to the Medical Centre, 2nd Floor Guild Village.

International students (covered by insurers other than Worldcare) will be required to pay for their consultation at the time of their visit and should be able to claim most of the fee back from their private health insurance company.

For those students, and their families, who are covered by Worldcare a $5.00 fee is charged at the time of their consultation.  The rest of the fee is claimed directly from Worldcare by the University Medical Centre. A valid membership card MUST be presented prior to the consultation.

Staff and students are requested to:

• Monitor updates. For general information on Human Swine Influenza call 180 2007 and see links.
• Reduce their risk of contracting or spreading influenza at all times through good personal hygiene and cough etiquette.
• Consider being vaccinated for pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
• Staying at hime if you have influenza symptoms stay until you are well. Recovery time will vary with individuals and according to treatment. Staff should inform their supervisor using normal sick leave protocols. Students should inform their course co-coordinators or supervisors in the normal way.
• Telephone their doctor (GP) or healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222 for further advice if they have a fever plus cough and/or sore throat and, are concerned about their illness.
  
  

Travel

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has updated travel advice to Australians leaving the country. As Australian travellers in some countries are seen as a potential source of infection, there have been flu screening and quarantine protocols introduced internationally, specifically for incoming flights from Australia. Some travellers may be prevented from further travel and quarantined. Please check Smartraveller for current advice. For further information refer to the UWA Travel Policy and UWA Travel Insurance Policy Update.