Education the key to swine flu spread

Be aware and carry out normal basic hygiene practices is the message being given by USQ Safe as the university continues to monitor the ever growing spread of the H1N1 flu virus, more commonly called swine flu.

While the University is well prepared for any possible outbreak, a small team of staff meet each day to consider and review how best USQ can manage and contain the virus should it spread wider in the community.

Headed by Michael Flannery, Manager of USQ Safe, the team are in daily contact with health authorities, travel advisories and other medical agencies to ensure that USQ's response is planned, coordinated and considered to ensure that staff and the everyday business activities of the University are protected.

'What we have seen in recent weeks is a major world-wide response to the flu virus where more people are now becoming conscious of the possible effects of N1H1 and its spread,' Michael said.

'When we were first alerted to the virus, USQ's safety plan was immediately activated to allow us more time to evaluate procedures and put in place alert guidelines to slow or contain the virus should it affect our staff. 

'Already world health authorities are telling us that while N1H1 spreads quickly its effects might not be as dangerous as first thought. With the high standards of medical care we have in this country we are now seeing some of our early alert practices in the USQ safety plan lowered in favour of increased education and improved hygiene management.

'For example last Friday we issued an information update to our Corporate Travel Office that USQ no longer requires staff who have travelled overseas to a country infected with the N1H1 virus to stay away from the University for any length of time.

'Until then we had in place a 72 hour exclusion period but with new information being given to us by the federal government's National Pandemic Emergency Committee (NPEC) the transmission of the virus overseas has shown a quicker spread through children than for adults,' Michael said.

'We are now advising that people who have travelled overseas or indeed to other parts of Australia where the virus is more prevalent to seek normal medical advice from their own doctor should they develop any flu-like symptoms.

'Obviously our alert practices can change over time but for now we're recommending that staff be vigilant and to immediately report any concerns to faculty and administration supervisors.

'Should the situation escalate and our campuses are affected we will then put in place stricter operating measures that ensure priority is given to the welfare of our staff and that the normal daily activities of the University can continue.

'Some of the University's stockpile of handwash and antibacterial wipes already has been distributed across all our campuses and we also have adequate supplies of surgical masks and gloves should the level of risk increase,' Michael said. 

Executive Director Human Services, Mr John Pearson said that HR guidelines and policy are being reviewed to ensure that all staff and students are properly protected should the government raise its own level of preparedness for the virus.

'At this stage we are following all the necessary guidelines and regulations as given to us by the Queensland and Federal Government health agencies and have activated our own procedures to deal with the world-wide alerts for the virus,' he said.

'In line with current HR practices normal sick leave entitlements currently will apply to staff who need to be absent from work. Should the government raise its level of alert and bring in measures under the Health Act we will then reconsider our own plans to meet the operational needs of the university and which also look after the welfare of our staff and students.' John said.

For more information on travel alerts, USQ Safe advisory practices, government fact sheets and HR related issues visit this website.

Media Contact:  Dr Aidan Burke, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2313