Griffith Shukan News

Thursday, 30^th July 2009

CONTENTS:

University Update On Swine Flu

It is important at this time to remind everyone that Aikido involves close contact and as such it is imperative that everyone be aware of the following as issued by Griffith University:

The Australian Government has now moved to a "Protect" phase for Human Swine Influenza. The PROTECT phase recognises that most infected people are
making a rapid and full recovery. The new phase focuses on protecting those people who are most at risk of developing severe illness from Human Swine
Influenza, for example pregnant women or people with chronic medical conditions.

In line with this phase, should a student or staff member have confirmed swine flu, they will be isolated in accordance with medical advice, but
staff or students who may have had contact with the individual will not be required to be isolated, unless they have flu-like symptoms.

As many staff and students will have travelled over the break, it is timely to issue a reminder of precautions to prevent the spread of infection
during the influenza season.

stay home when you are sick;
wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel;
when coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues which should be disposed of immediately;
don't share items such as cigarettes, glasses or cups, lipstick, toys or anything which could be contaminated with   respiratory secretions;
maintain at least one metre distance from people who have flu-like symptoms such as coughing or sneezing;
consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed;
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.


If any of the following symptoms are experienced, students and staff are advised not to attend the University and to telephone one of the numbers
below for medical advice.

Fever PLUS one or more of the following:

runny nose, OR
sore throat, OR
cough, OR
muscle aches

Appropriate medical advice can de obtained through:

Griffith University Nathan campus Health Service on (07) 3735 7299 OR
Your local doctor OR
By calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)

Further information
Swine Influenza questions and answers may be found on the following World
Health Organisation page
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
Information from Queensland Health may be found at
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/swineflu/default.asp
A Commonwealth Health Hotline has been set up for Swine Flu on 1802 007.

Shirin Mohebbi

Griffith Aikido Newsletter Editor

Email: shirin(AT)internode.on.net