Message from the University – 29 May 2009
The University wrote to all staff and students today to provide information about H1N1 (Human-Swine) Influenza virus currently causing concern in Victoria.
The University of Melbourne has been monitoring the situation carefully and is acting to minimise any effects of this influenza virus on staff and students and the operation of the University.
The University has received advice from a number of expert areas including our own School of Population Health, the Victorian Department of Human Services and the Federal Government. This advice indicates that the majority of Human-Swine Influenza cases outside Mexico are still being reported as mild illness.
In line with Federal Government guidelines, the University is adopting a preventative approach to avoiding an outbreak of Human-Swine Influenza in the University community. We have commenced the display of promotional materials to encourage behaviours that will limit the spread of infection on campus.
We would also appreciate your co-operation in adopting the following precautionary measures:
- If you exhibit flu symptoms, please stay at home until you recover and seek medical advice. Symptoms of Human-Swine Influenza include high temperature, cough, sore throat, body aches, running nose, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhoea and vomiting.
- Staff and students who feel unwell on returning from travel in countries of concern (currently USA, Canada, Japan, Mexico and Panama) are required to remain at home and not return to the University until recovered.
The University has posted quite detailed information about Human-Swine Influenza and information for staff and students of the University at http://www.unimelb.edu.au/community/swineflu-response/.
We are monitoring local, national and international developments and this site will be regularly updated with relevant information. The site also includes contact details if you have any questions that are not answered by the information provided.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Gillian Luck, Academic Registrar
Elizabeth Baré, Vice-Principal and Head of University Services