Information about the new influenza A(H1N1)
A preparedness team has been formed at Umeå University to deal with issues that arise around the new influenza pandemic, formerly known as the swine influenza (swine flu). Further information and updates about the situation will be published here.
It's not too late to be vaccinated!
For those who have yet to receive the vaccine, Student Health Service will be offering drop-in visits for students and employees:
Thursdays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, until the 25th of March
Vaccinations will be distributed at Student Health Service, located in east wing of the Administration Building (D on the Campus Map). The entrance is facing the campus area by the pond. It will be a drop-in reception (no appointments needed) and the vaccinations will be given as long as doses are available.
Those belonging to a high- risk group, are pregnant, or have children between 3 and 5 years have first priority for the vaccine. If you are among these priority groups, you should contact your specialist clinic or your local health clinic.
Students can always - as all residents of Sweden - contact their local health clinic and receive the vaccination according to the availability of vaccines.
Vaccination schedule from Västerbotten County Council
Additional information about times and immunization locations on campus will be updated in the student portal and homepage www.umu.se/english as the vaccination date approaches.
Influenza vaccination information for students on placements and Campus Umeå
Students on placements within health care and who have contact with patients can receive the vaccine against the new flu AH1N1 at their placement site. The distribution of vaccinations is continuous and subject to the availability of vaccine.
For more information about the vaccination of students, please contact:
Karina L Sandström
Student Health Centre Director, Umeå University
Phone: 090-786 90 52
E-mail: karina.l.sandstrom@adm.umu.se
What are the symptoms of people who have become sick from this influenza?
Most have had symptoms similar to those from the annual seasonal flu, which are sudden fever and respiratory problems. There have also been reports of diarrhoea and vomiting.
Four simple tips if you get sick with the new influenza:
• Stay at home if you become ill!
• Stay at home and stay away from others for 7 days after the symptoms began to avoid spreading the virus to others
• Follow the hygiene advice by the National Board of Health and Welfare on how to avoid infection and infecting others
• Visit krisinformation.se – the national agency for emergency information
Only those who become seriously ill or belonging to risk groups (see below) need to contact the health care service for testing and treatment. If so, call the Medical Care Hotline at 090-785 11 77 or your health clinic before the visit.
The new influenza is not more severe than the annual ordinary flu but because of the new variant of this influenza virus, fewer people have a natural protection and more are likely to become ill during the coming season. This is likely to cause social disruption because of high absenteeism in childcare, schools and workplaces.
High-risk groups include:
• people with chronic lung disease
• people with chronic heart disease
• people with severe form of diabetes
• people with weakened immune defence system (genetic immune disorders, ongoing treatment, leukaemia, etc.)
• people with hiv
• pregnant women
• children with certain chronic diseases and developmental disorders
Information from the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control
What are the symptoms of the new influenza in persons that have become ill?
A significant number have had symptoms similar to the typical seasonal flu, such as sudden high fever and respiratory problems. There have also been reports of diarrhea.
How does the new influenza spread?
Today, it is thought to spread in the same way as a seasonal flu, which is close contact from person to person.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick from the new influenza?
All influenza viruses, including the new influenza A(H1N1), spread via drops from saliva, sneezes, coughing, etc. The virus can also be contracted by contact with surfaces. The spread of the influenza is mainly though close contact with someone who already has the influenza. If you want to protect yourself from getting sick or infecting others, your should follow these everday tips:
• Avoid close contact with people you know who are sick .
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, keep away from others as much as possible to avoid making others sick.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school and avoid doing other errands.
• Cough or sneeze in the bend of your arm or cover your mouth with a tissue. Throw the tissue immediately in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after you coaugh and sneeze.
• It is recommended to use alcohol-based hand cleaners in addition to washing your hands, which can be effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. This is a common way that influenza viruses spread.
When can I get the vaccination?
The vaccination will be available to all residents of Sweden, including international students. It will also be free of charge. All students at Umeå University will be offered vaccination at campus Umeå. Current prognosis for vaccination start is mid-January, 2010. Further information will be updated as soon as it becomes available.
If you have any questions about the new influenza A(H1N1):
http://www.krisinformation.se/web/Pages/Page____31311.aspx
Information from the World Health Organization (WHO):
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
