Frequently asked questions
Following are answers to a number of frequently asked questions regarding H1N1 Influenza (human – swine influenza) and the University of Southern Queensland. Further information is available by contacting USQSafe, Human Resources.
Responsibilities for staff and students
Information for staff
Information for students
Responsibilities for staff and students
How can I reduce the risk of contracting Human-Swine Influenza?
H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) is spread from person to person in the same way seasonal influenza and other common respiratory infections spread. The best way to protect yourself from this flu is to take the following proactive seasonal flu measures:
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stay home when you are sick;
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wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel;
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wash your hands prior to touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
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when coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues which should be disposed of immediately;
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don't share items such as cigarettes, glasses or cups, lipstick or anything which could be contaminated with respiratory secretions;
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maintain at least one metre distance from people who have flu-like symptoms such as coughing or sneezing;
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consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed;
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if attending a medical practice or hospital Emergency Department, telephone beforehand so that they can arrange for you to be seen away from other people.
I've been overseas recently to a country of concern. Do I need to stay away from the University?
Generally the answer is no. You only need to stay away from work if:
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directed by a health professional or relevant authority,
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you have flu like symptoms, or
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you have been in direct contact with someone suspected or confirmed as having Human-Swine Influenza.
What do I do if I think I have Human-Swine Influenza?
The symptoms of H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) are similar to those of seasonal influenza, including:
- cough,
- sore throat,
- runny nose, or
- nasal congestion.
Some people have also reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with Human Swine Influenza.
If you think you have this Influenza, you should avoid public places and close contact with others, especially children.
You should not attend University until you have recovered.
You should seek medical advice as soon as practicable.
I have been diagnosed with Human-Swine Influenza. What should I do?
If you are diagnosed with Human-Swine Influenza then you should:
- Follow the medical advice provided to you by your treating Medical Practitioner
- Follow any quarantine restrictions advised by Queensland Health or other relevant authority
- For staff, advise the University by email usqsafe@usq.edu.au to assist with monitoring by the University. Also contact your supervisor.
- For students, advise the University by email usqsafe@usq.edu.au to assist with monitoring by the University.
What happens if my children and relatives are placed in quarantine?
If a school is closed as a precautionary measure, students are being asked to restrict their movements in the community (eg avoiding movie cinemas, parties). This restriction should also include not attending the University.
The National Pandemic Emergency Committee (NPEC) recommends a seven day period of exclusion from school, child care centre or kindergarten for children (including adolescents) when returning from international travel from a country of concern.
It is important that staff and students do not bring children to the University if they are excluded from school, a child care centre or kindergarten.
Information for staff
What do I do if I have influenza like symptoms?
If you have influenza like symptoms, please refer to Responsibilities for Staff and Students. Do not attend the University.
What type of leave will I be on?
If you have influenza like symptoms, you should stay home on sick leave. Please ensure that you advise your supervisor.
What happens if I am diagnosed with Human-Swine Influenza?
Where quarantine and treatment measures have been put in place for staff members suffering or exposed to Human-Swine Influenza, the staff member should stay home on sick leave. Where you do not have sick leave available, you may be granted special leave with pay, without deduction from your sick leave credits for the period the law requires that you be absent from duty.
Please ensure that you advise your supervisor. Supervisors need to ensure that the staff member has the relevant medical evidence to grant the leave.
Can I stay at home to care for a family member?
Where a staff member is unable to attend for duty due to the requirement to care for a member of the employee's immediate family or household, the staff member may use their carer's leave entitlement detailed in the HR Policy and Procedures manual.
Please ensure that you advise your supervisor. Supervisors need to ensure that the staff member has the relevant medical evidence to grant the leave.
I am a casual staff member. What are my entitlements?
Casual staff are not eligible for paid leave. Casual staff are entitled to unpaid leave for the period of their illness.
Can I work from home?
Normal working from home arrangements may apply. Please Refer to the HR Policy and Procedures Manual and the WHS Procedures Manual. The working from home checklist is also available and includes an authorisation form.
Information for students
Are classes and exams still going ahead?
The University is continuing to operate as normal and classes and examinations are expected to proceed as planned.
Mid-year exams should proceed as normal but there may be some minor changes relating to access and egress to the exam venues. These will be communicated to students and staff closer to the exam period.
In accordance with normal practice, if students are unwell and unable to sit an examination they should seek medical advice and appropriate medical certificates, and apply for special consideration/ supplementary examinations, through the normal procedures.
I'm not feeling well and think I may have the flu. What should I do?
If you are exhibiting signs or symptoms of influenza you should avoid public places and close contact with others, especially children.
You should seek medical advice as soon as practicable. You should not attend University until you have recovered.
Are there any special precautions or plans for Residential colleges?
Students in Residential Colleges are asked to notify their college through their Resident Fellows or Senior Resident Fellows if they are unwell and believe they have, or may have, contracted Human-Swine Influenza. The Residential Colleges have measures in place to assist them during a period of illness.