Swine flu information

Updated: 14 September 2009

As part of its pandemic flu plan, the University is working closely with the Health Protection Agency. It has already taken steps to avoid the risk of swine flu spreading and will continue to monitor the situation closely. However, it is very much business as usual at Kent for both students and staff.

Frequently asked questions

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza type A virus known as H1N1.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, sore throat, pain in muscles and joints, headache and chills. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

Can I catch it?

Swine flu can be caught through close contact with another infected person. ‘Close contact’ has been defined as ‘within one metre for at least one hour’, and typically means that swine flu can be passed between people sharing the same household.

There is no more chance of catching swine flu on campus than at any other venue in Canterbury, Medway or Kent. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) advises that everyone at the University should continue with their normal business; it is highly likely that this advice will continue for the foreseeable future.

How long does it take to develop symptoms after infection?

It takes between three and four days after exposure and infection for symptoms to appear.

How long are symptoms expected to last?

As with any sort of influenza, the severity and duration of symptoms will vary depending on treatment and individual circumstances. Most cases reported in the UK to date have been relatively mild, with those affected starting to recover within a week.

What can I do to protect against infection?

All University staff and students are advised to take normal hygiene precautions. These include: covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible; disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully; washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.

You can also reduce the risk of getting infected by keeping the amount of time spent with people who show influenza-like symptoms to an absolute minimum (less than 1 hour) and maintaining a distance of about 1 metre from them.

What should I do if I develop flu-like symptoms?

The advice to anyone who is concerned that they may have swine flu is to stay at home and access the Pandemic Flu Service.

If you are not online, the service is available by calling 0800 1 513 100 (minicom 0800 1 513 200).

However, you should phone (not visit) your GP, or the University Medical Centre on 01227 823583 if you are not registered with a local GP, or NHS Direct on 0845 4647 if:

  • you have a serious underlying illness
  • you are pregnant 
  • your condition suddenly gets much worse
  • your condition is still getting worse after seven days.

If advised by your GP/NHS, you should not come into work and inform your line manager that you have been advised to stay at home until you have recovered.

What steps is the University taking to avoid the risk of swine flu spreading?

The University has a pandemic flu plan and is monitoring the situation closely. It is taking advice from the HPA and will keep this information under review.

It is also following HPA advice on general housekeeping practice and procedures.

Download our 'Advice for students' pdf leaflet or see our 'Advice for staff and line managers'.

Should visits to and from schools go ahead?

The HPA has advised us that normal business should continue. Teachers who contact the University and who are worried about swine flu should be directed to our website.

Where can I get more information about swine flu?