Student Services
Staff FAQs
Click here to view the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre's Leaflet on Influenza (Flu) 2010-11 (pdf , 79 kbs)
January 2011
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 ADVICE FOR STAFF
This document and FAQ’s provide Institute staff with general guidance on dealing with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 commonly referred to as “swine flu” and formerly known as Influenza A (H1N1).
Our goal is to help you and your family members think through some important considerations for managing daily life through an influenza outbreak and highlight where you can obtain updates on the current situation. As the situation evolves, information on these sources will be regularly updated.
Useful contact / numbers to save on your mobile phone:
| HSE 24hr Flu Information Line Free Phone | 1800 94 11 00 |
| Telephone Number for Your GP | Insert Here |
| Telephone Number for DL Doc (Dun Laoghaire Doc) | 01 663 98 69 |
| Telephone Number for your Local Out of Hours GP Service | Insert Here |
Key Points:
- Don’t panic. For the vast majority of people this is a mild illness.
- Understand the symptoms of Pandemic (HINI).
- Know what to do if you suspect that you have influenza.
- Help prevent the spread of infection by applying good hygiene practices.
- Frequently wash your hands, use tissues if sneezing or coughing and bin them immediately. (Catch it – Bin it – Kill it)
- Keep yourself informed by regularly visiting the websites listed below.
Symptoms of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009:
Having the symptoms listed below does not always mean that you have influenza. Many different illnesses cause similar symptoms. The symptoms of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 are very similar to the normal seasonal flu that is seen in Ireland every winter. In most cases these include sudden onset of fever, severe fatigue, a cough, a sore throat, a runny nose, headache and muscle aches. Some people may also develop vomiting and diarrhoea.
If you suspect that you have influenza do not come to work or attend your own GP. Call the HSE free phone Flu Information Line 1800 94 11 00 and / or ring your own GP for further advice. Inform your Manager or Head of School of your absence and status as early as possible so as to allow them manage the impact of your absence.
In most cases, the symptoms are relatively mild. Most individuals will recover from this virus without antiviral medication or hospitalisation. Some people may mistake a common cold for influenza/flu and some may develop complications such as pneumonia. There are however some differences in symptoms between a common cold and influenza/flu. The table below may be useful in distinguishing between the two.
| Symptoms | Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 | Common Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Sudden | Slow |
| Fever | Characteristically High (38oC or Higher / 100oF or higher) | Rare |
| Headache | Prominent | Rare |
| General aches and pains | Usual, often severe | Rare |
| Fatigue, weakness | Can be prolonged for a number of weeks | Quite Mild |
| Extreme exhaustion | Early and prominent | Never |
| Runny nose | Common | Common |
| Sneezing | Common | Usual |
| Sore Throat | Common | Common |
| Cough | Common, can be severe | Mild to moderate hacking cough |
| Diarrhoea, vomiting | Sometimes | Not associated with the common cold in adults |
Course of Infection
After infection it usually takes 1 to 4 days before you become ill. Infected adults are usually contagious from the day before to 5 days after onset of symptoms. Any fever usually declines after 2 to 3 days and normally disappears by the 6th day. A cough, weakness and fatigue can persist for some time. Antibiotics do not benefit most people with influenza but are sometimes needed to treat secondary infections.
Treatment
As per current HSE advice it is expected that most people infected with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 will not require antiviral medications. For most people treatment of the symptoms alone will suffice. In addition:
- Take plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid smoking
- Stay at home and discourage visitors
- If you have any concerns contact your own GP by telephone
If you experience any of the following consult your own GP by telephone:
- Shortness of breath at rest or while doing very little physical activity
- Painful or difficult breathing
- Coughing up bloody sputum
- Drowsiness, disorientation or confusion
- Fever for 4-5 days and not starting to get better (or getting worse)
- Starting to feel better then developing high fever and feeling unwell again.
Vaccination
The HSE and Department of Health have announced details of the Swine Flu Vaccination Programme, which have commenced since 2nd November. As very few people in Ireland have any immunity to Swine Flu, over the coming months, the HSE will offer a Swine Flu vaccine to the entire population. However, as the vaccine is being delivered in phases, the HSE will start with the people who are more at risk from Swine Flu.
To learn more about the vaccination programme visit http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/swineflu/vaccine/
High-Risk Groups
There are a number of groups that are considered to be at a higher risk from Pandemic (H1N1) 2009. High-risk refers to the potentially serious health impact to that person if they contract the illness. These are:
- Pregnant women
- People with a BMI >40
- Asthmatics
- Diabetics
- People with chronic respiratory, heart, kidney, liver or neurological diseasePeople who are immune compromised
- People over 65 years of age
- Children under 5 years of age
If you or a close family member is in one of these groups and you suspect that you have influenza or have been in close contact with someone you suspect has influenza then contact your own GP by telephone immediately.
Minimising the Spread of Infection
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is a contagious virus that can spread from person to person through tiny drops in coughs and sneezes. If you are in close contact with a person with influenza you may inhale these droplets and become infected. Influenza can also be transmitted from surfaces like door handles and hand-rails. There are a number of basic precautions that can be taken to minimise the spread of infection:
- In so far as is practicable, avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and have a fever and cough
- Always carry tissues
- Always cover your nose and mouth with clean tissues, when coughing or sneezing
- Always dispose of used tissues into a bin immediately
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol based hand cleaners regularly
- Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germsIf you are exhibiting any influenza like symptoms, consult your own GP and do not travel or come to work unless your GP has advised that it is safe to do so.
Travel
There is currently (December 2009) no restrictions on national or international travel. However, any person who suspects that they have influenza should not travel if they feel unwell or until they have become non-infectious. Always refer to the websites referred to below for further information. If you are travelling abroad ensure that you are aware of the local influenza response protocols and in particular what to do if you develop symptoms.
Get Informed
Keep yourself informed by regularly visiting the websites listed below and familiarising yourself with the information from:
Department of Health & Children http://www.dohc.ie
The Health Services Executive http://www.hse.ie/eng/swineflu
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre http://www.hpsc.ie
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) http://www.cmo.gov.ie/
The Office Civil Service Occupational Health Department (CSOHD) http://www.cmo.gov.ie/
These will help you and your family members think through some important considerations for managing daily life through an influenza outbreak and highlight where you can obtain updates on the current situation. As the situation evolves, information on these sources will be regularly updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q(SF1): Should I attend work as normal?
A: Yes, except if you have any influenza symptoms. The Institute remains open and work is continuing as normal. The institute will continue to monitor the situation and will follow public health and HSE guidelines as appropriate.
Q(SF2): I have come into contact with a person who has influenza, what should I do?
A: Do not panic. Go about your normal activities. If you are a member of a high-risk group and the contact is confirmed as a case of Influenza A (H1N1) after testing, call your own GP for advice. If at any stage you develop influenza like symptoms, call your own GP for advice.
Q(SF3): A colleague has influenza, should I come to work?
A: If a colleague has been diagnosed with Influenza or is suspected to have it, do not panic. Come to work as normal. If you are a member of a high-risk group call your own GP for advice. If at any stage you develop influenza like symptoms call your own GP for advice.
Q(SF4): A close contact has influenza, should I come to work?
A: If a close contact (e.g. family member) has been diagnosed with Influenza or is suspected to have it, do not panic. Come to work as normal. If you are member of a high risk group call your own GP for advice. If at any stage you develop influenza like symptoms call your own GP for advice.
Q(SF5): Can I come to work earlier or later than normal, for example to avoid busy public transport?
A: Staff are expected to turn up for work as normal at this point in time.
Q(SF6): Can I work at home during the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 outbreak?
A: Staff are expected to turn up for work as normal at this point in time. Home working must have specific authorisation in advance from your Manager.
Applications for home working will only be considered where your Manager considers that this will not negatively impact on the discharge of your role and responsibilities.
Careful consideration will be given to evaluating those duties which are site / time specific. Home working may form part of the contingency planning undertaken by your Manager if the situation necessitates it and the context allows for such flexibility.
Q(SF7): Can I self certify that I have Pandemic (H1N1) 2009?
A: No. Only your GP has the capacity to certify that you have Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and then only following a consultation and testing.
Q(SF8): I have influenza/flu symptoms, what should I do?
A: If you develop influenza symptoms do not come to work, stay at home and call your own GP. He/she will issue further advice, including when you should return to work – usually after 7 days. Inform your Manager/Head of School as soon as possible regarding your absence and condition.
Q(SF9): What HR procedures (such as sickness absence) will apply?
A: Normal absence reporting arrangements continue to apply. Staff must continue to manage absences by reason of uncertified and certified illnesses as required by the relevant sick pay scheme / contract, as appropriate.
For whole-time and pro-rata part-time staff Doctors and Social Welfare Certificates (except those with PRSI Class D) should be submitted to HR within two working days of their being issued to you by your GP. If further guidance is required contact the HR Office at 01 239 4913.
Q(SF10): What are the sick pay arrangements?
A: Sick pay arrangements vary depending on the contractual nature of employment with IADT. Sick pay schemes apply to whole-time and pro-rata part-time staff subject to certain conditions.
Hourly paid employees may be eligible for illness benefit from the Department of Social and Family Affairs on foot of Employee and Employer PRSI contributions during their employment history. Further details can be obtained from www.welfare.ie
Q(SF11): Will annual leave arrangements be affected?
A: If while on annual leave a member of staff is diagnosed and certified with Pandemic (H1N1) they are then on sick leave.
Q(SF12): As a Manager, what are my responsibilities when a staff member contacts me about potential Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection?
A: Check whether:
- the staff member has consulted their own GP?
- If not, the staff member should be directed to phone their own GP;
- the staff member has been diagnosed as an actual or probable case by their own GP?
- If the staff member is diagnosed with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 then normal sick leave arrangements apply and the Doctors Certificate must be submitted to HR.
Q(SF13): As a Manager, what are my responsibilities if a staff member attends work with flu like symptoms, or develops symptoms while at work.
A: As a Manager you have a responsibility under Health and Safety legislation for all your staff and students and you have an additional responsibility to limit the spread of the infection. Therefore, you should request the staff member to return home and to contact their GP for advice. Please also advise HR of this action.
Q(SF14): What should I do if a member of my household develops Pandemic (H1N1) 2009?
A: You should come to work as normal, except if you have any influenza symptoms. Please refer to table above. If you are in certain high risk groups (see above) you should contact your own GP for advice.
Q(SF15): What will happen if members of my family/dependants are ill and need me to take time off to care for them?
A: If such a situation arises you should immediately contact your Manager and specify the context and the leave / flexibility being applied for. All applications will be considered on a case by case basis. Leave / flexibility may or may not be possible in the particular circumstances then arising in the Institute.
Planned leave arrangements include Parental, Carer’s and Annual Leave. Special leave without pay may be possible in exceptional circumstances. In some cases force majeure leave may arise subject to the normal conditions outlined in the legislation. Further details on the various schemes available can be obtained from the HR Office at 01 239 4913.
Q(SF16): Should I wear a facemask?
A: No. The wearing of masks by healthy individuals (i.e. the general public) who are not involved in caring for people who are ill is not recommended. The available scientific evidence does not suggest that this is an effective preventive measure when used in this way.
Queries Any queries relating to medical issues should be directed to your own GP by telephone or by calling the 24 Hour HSE Flu Information Line Free phone 1800 94 11 00
Additional Information
Telephone
Further Information is available from the HSE 24 hr Flu Information Line Freephone 1800 94 11 00. The Flu Information Line is available 24 hours a day and is your primary source of information on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
Websites
The HSE’s Website will be kept updated every day with latest information and advice. Check it often.
Health Service Executive http://www.hse.ie
Department of Health and Children http://www.dohc.ie
Information for Health Professionals http://www.hpsc.ie
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) http://www.cmo.gov.ie/
The Office Civil Service Occupational Health Department (CSOHD) http://www.cmo.gov.ie/
