The University

This page includes important information about the swine flu pandemic for staff and students, including NHS leaflets, how to update your contact details and how to report your absence due to swine flu to the University. We will update this page to keep you informed about any new developments.

Reporting your absence due to Swine Flu

The University wishes to monitor the incidence of swine flu (H1N1 virus) in our student population. If you cannot attend University as you are experiencing the symptoms of swine flu and have been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus, or cannot attend as you are looking after a dependent who has been diagnosed with the virus ,you must call or email our swine flu reporting line.  You should also contact us again when you are well enough to return to University.

Telephone: 0141 331 8999
Email: swineflu@gcal.ac.uk

You must tell us:

• Full name
• Student ID number
• Course and year
• Date you were first absent(or date you will attend again, if reporting your return to University
• Contact number/email

Current position in Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced that Scotland, along with the rest of the UK, has moved from the ‘containment’ phase to the ‘treatment’ phase for dealing with pandemic flu.

Moving to the ‘treatment’ phase does not mean the virus is becoming more severe, but it does mean there has been a rise in the number of cases and the health service is adapting its approach to best deal with these. As such, the health service will no longer trace people who have been in contact with confirmed cases or use antivirals to reduce spread.  However antivirals will continue to be available to treat those who contract the H1N1 virus.

Current position at Glasgow Caledonian University

The move from the containment phase means the NHS will no longer contact the university to confirm cases.  As a result, it is not possible to report definite numbers of staff or students who have the virus, although there is no evidence to suggest the university is particularly affected.

Useful information

The latest advice and information on H1N1 (swine flu) is available from the Scottish Government at:

www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/AvianInfluenza/mexicanswiuneflu

Swine flu information line: 0800 1 513 513

If you do have flu-like symptoms you should contact your GP or NHS24 (0845 424 2424) and stay at home.

• NHS swine flu leaflet (pdf)
• NHS hand wash poster (pdf)
• NHS 'catch it' leaflet
• NHS handwash leaflet

Preventative measures

The following recommendations should help you to reduce your risk of infection and help you to stay healthy:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel where soap and water are unavailable
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of tissue promptly and considerately
• Ensure that you wash your hands after coughing or sneezing
• Make sure your friends and family follow this advice.

Update your details

Staff and students should keep their contact details up to date in case the university has to contact you in an emergency.

Staff

Please remember that if you do have to stay at home because you are unwell, you should stay in touch with the university and report your symptoms through the normal absence reporting processes. It is important that the university is able to contact you at this time and if you have recently changed any of your personal details (including home address, telephone number and mobile number) please email your new details to the HR department at HR@gcal.ac.uk.

We have also produced a Q&A for staff: Pandemic Flu: Q&A for University Employees

Students

If you have moved recently, update your address and phone number by informing Student Records: http://www.gcal.ac.uk/student/academicregistry/changepd.html