Print PageInformation for Staff & Students
At ITB we are following guidelines currently set out by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC)and the Health Services Executive (HSE) with regard to the outbreak of Pandemic H1N1 virus.
We are focusing on information and prevention and are adopting a rational approach to the threat within our existing policies and procedures. All college activities are continuing as normal. While the national incidence of infection may increase further in the autumn, at present it is the Institute’s intention to continue with all normal activities subject to current Public Health advice.
We have collected the following information to address any queries staff & Students may have with regard to the Influenza virus and how it may impact on college life.
Pandemic H1N1 is a new virus that first appeared in the early spring of 2009.
- It is spread from person to person by droplet transmission.
- Touching or shaking hands with an infected person and then touching your mouth or nose without first washing your hands.
- Touching surfaces or objects that have become contaminated and then touching your mouth or nose without first washing your hands.
This influenza is classed as a mild to moderate condition. Most people will make a full recovery as they would from the normal annual influenza. However, occasionally further intervention will be needed as also happens with normal influenza.
Good hygiene practices help to prevent the spread.
(Click for more information)
Click on the links below for detailed information
Please read ITB's Contingency plan for significant outbreak of disease.
- How to protect yourself
- General guidance on dealing with Pandemic H1N1
- *High Risk Groups
- What Do I do if I suspect I have contacted swine flu?
- When should a person get emergency medical care?
- Caring for family with H1N1
- Frequently Asked Questions for Staff
- Frequently Asked Questions Students
Further information is available on www.hpsc.ie or www.swineflu.ie or www.hse.ie
24 hour information is available on the HSE Freephone line 1800 941 100
- Avoid unnecessary close contact with people who have influenza or have symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever or shivering. Nominate one person as a carer or if living alone arrange a flu buddy in advance.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Wash hands often with soap and water, and especially after coughing and sneezing.
- Cover nose and mouth with disposable tissues when sneezing, coughing, wiping and blowing your nose. Dispose of used tissues in the nearest waste bin. Only use a tissue once and then dispose of it. Wash hands after disposal of tissue.
- If you have no tissues immediately available, coughing or sneezing into your elbow/arm or sleeve (not into your hand) is recommended.
- Alcohol gel hand sanitizers are located inside each building. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective cleaning gels and are effective against Pandemic (H1N1) virus. They are a useful method of hand cleaning in the absence of hand washing facilities. An alcohol based product should only be used on visibly clean hands and should not be used in the presence of physical dirt. Hands that are visibly dirty should always be washed with soap and water.
- There is no need to use masks except when caring for someone who may have flu.
- Further information available on the following links
General guidance on dealing with Pandemic H1N1
Key points:
- Don’t panic, for the vast majority of people this is a mild illness and full recovery will occur as with a normal flu.
- Take basic precautions such as regular hand washing using soap and water, using and disposing of tissues after use and using the anti bacterial gels provided at the entrance to ITB buildings.
- If you suspect that you have this flu do not come to work or attend your own GP; call the HSE free phone Flu Information Line – 1800 941100
- Stay at home for 7 days after you first develop symptoms
- Call your own GP for further advice, especially if you are in a high risk group*
- Do not attend the surgery without ringing your GP first
- Inform your Line Manager or School administrator of your status as soon as possible.
- Students inform the student health centre.
*High Risk Groups
There are a number of groups that are considered to be at a higher risk from Pandemic H1N1. At present people with pre-existing medical conditions appear to be more vulnerable to complications and they may require further monitoring or treatment. These are:
- People with chronic diseases like heart failure, lung disease, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease and neurological diseases.
- Diabetes.
- Impaired immune system either due to a medical condition or medication.
- Pregnancy
- People over 65yrs
- Children under 5years
- Obesity
- Chronic Asthma
If you fall into any of these groups and become unwell with flu like symptoms, please contact your GP for further advice
For further information click here.
What Do I do if I suspect I have contacted swine flu?
If a staff member or student starts to develop influenza like symptoms they should be advised to:
- Leave the college and/or stay at home to avoid spreading infection to others.
- Staff are requested to contact HR. Students are requested to contact the Student Health Centre
- If unable to drive, arrange for a friend or family member to transport them home. If necessary, the college will arrange transport.
- Avoid contact with other college staff or students. The chaplain’s office may be used as a rest area if there is a delay while waiting for transport.
- If necessary advise to contact their GP by phone or phone the HSE information helpline - freephone 1800 941 100. Do not attend the doctor surgery.
- Staff or students who have a chronic illness or are pregnant or suspect they may be pregnant are strongly advised to contact their GP for further advice. See below.
- The sick employee or student will be advised to remain off campus for a period of seven days.
- Discourage visitors. If possible nominate one person as a carer.
- If a staff member or student becomes unwell and develops influenza like symptoms while in the college, other staff and students do not need to take special precautions other than what is already advised – hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and self monitor.
When should a person get emergency medical care?
If you are an adult contact your GP urgently if you notice:
- Increased shortness of breath at rest or while doing very little
- Painful or difficult breathing
- Coughing up bloody sputum
- Drowsiness, disorientation or confusion
- Fever for 4-5 days and not starting to get better (or getting worse)
- Starting to feel better then developing high fever and begin to feel unwell again.
If you are caring for a child contact your GP urgently if you notice:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin colour
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or poorly responsive
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
- Fever with a rash.
Please read ‘Guidance on caring for persons at home with Influenza A (H1N1)v’.
Frequently Asked Questions for Staff
How do I avoid spreading a cold or flu?
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with paper tissue if possible – viruses spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Use a tissue only once and dispose of it quickly and carefully.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol based hand wash.
- Tell your children and others to follow this advice.
What are the symptoms of Pandemic H1N1?
See http://www.cmo.gov.ie/employee_advice.aspx
Should I attend work as normal?
Yes, unless you have flu symptoms, you should attend work as normal.
The Institute remains open and work is continuing as normal.
What should I do if I come in contact with someone who has diagnosed or suspected Pandemic H1N1?
- Go about your normal activities. If a colleague has been diagnosed with H1N1 or is suspected to have it, you should come to work as normal.
- If you are a member of a high risk group, call your GP for advice.
- If at any stage you develop flu like symptoms, call your GP for advice
I work in an open plan office. If one of my colleagues is sick, what should I do?
If one of your colleagues becomes ill and develops Pandemic H1N1, you should continue to come to work, remain vigilant and self-monitor for any flu-like symptoms. If you are in the high risk group (as listed above) you should contact your GP by phone for advice.
Should I wear a facemask?
No. The wearing of masks by healthy individuals who are not involved in caring for people who are ill is not recommended. The available scientific evidence does not suggest that this is an effective preventative measure when used in this way.
What should I do if I develop flu-like symptoms while at work?
- Leave the college and stay at home to avoid spreading infection to others.
- If you are unable to drive, arrange for a friend or family member to take you home. If necessary, the Institute will arrange transport for you.
- Avoid contact with other college staff or students. The chaplain’s office may be used as a rest area if there is a delay while waiting for transport.
- If necessary contact your GP by phone or phone the HSE information helpline - freephone 1800 941 100. Do not attend the doctor surgery.
- You will be advised to remain off campus for a period of seven days.
- You should discourage visitors. If possible nominate one person as a carer.
- If a staff member becomes unwell and develops influenza like symptoms while in the college, other staff and students do not need to take special precautions other than what is already advised – hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and self monitor.
What should I do if a member of my family develops Pandemic H1N1?
You should come to work as normal except if you have any of the above flu symptoms. If you or members of your family are in the high risk group (as listed above) you should contact your GP by phone for advice.
What will happen if members of my family/dependents are ill and need me to take care of them?
You should contact your Head of Department / School or Line Manager and arrange to take leave, as you would if this situation arose with any other illness.
What procedures will apply (such as sickness absence)?
In line with current advice from the Chief Medical Officer, normal sick leave arrangements will apply, as outlined in the ITB Sick Leave policy 3HR15. If you are unwell, you should call the School Administrator or Line Manager and advise them of your condition as soon as possible. You should follow the guidelines in www.hpsc.ie or www.hse.ie or www.cmo.gov.ie for further information on what to do should you get this flu.
What are the sick pay arrangements?
The normal sick pay arrangements will apply, as outlined in the Sick Leave policy 3HR15. A medical certificate is required beyond the third day of illness and although you should not visit the GP’s surgery yourself, you should make arrangements for a third party to collect it for you. You should then furnish the HR Department with the medical certificate at your earliest convenience.
Can I come to work earlier or later than normal to avoid busy public transport, for example?
No. All staff is expected to attend work as normal at this point in time.
I live alone, how can I best prepare for Pandemic H1N1 in the event that I contract it?
If you live alone, you should follow the advice given on www.hpsc.ie / www.hse.ie It is recommended that you nominate a ‘flu buddy’ i.e. someone who will call on you and get provisions or medication for you so that you don’t have to leave the house while ill.
Will annual leave arrangements be affected?
If a member of staff is diagnosed with Pandemic H1N1 while on annual leave, they will be classed as being on sick leave and the normal sick leave arrangements will apply.
As a Manager / Supervisor, what are my responsibilities if a staff member contacts me about a potential infection?
If you are contacted by telephone you will need to ascertain if the staff member has contacted their GP. You will need to record the staff member’s details - Name and Dept, date of absence and date of possible return to work. You should then inform the HR Department. Heads of School / Heads of Department should advise the school administrator who will in turn advise HR.
What are my responsibilities as a staff member?
- Follow the guidelines outlined on the ITB website, as laid down by the HSE, Department of Health and Children and the Chief Medical Officer.
- While at work you should follow hygiene guidelines as laid down by the HSE to avoid spreading germs and stay healthy: e.g. use a tissue only once and dispose of it carefully by binning or bagging it, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, use the alcohol gel dispensers placed throughout the Institute, avoid large crowds whenever possible etc.
- As this is a public health issue, you are requested to advise your Line Manager / School Administrator if you have flu like symptoms. This will assist the college in monitoring the extent of Pandemic H1N1 at ITB.
- Staff who have influenza like symptoms must comply with a management request to leave the workplace in order to avoid spreading the infection.
- If you have flu like symptoms do not come to work – call and advise your manager or school administrator of your condition by phone as soon as possible.
- If you have been in contact with someone who has the H1N1 symptoms, continue to attend at work unless you yourself develop symptoms. Contact your GP by phone if you develop symptoms.
- Supply a medical certificate to the HR dept as appropriate, as soon as possible.
- If you have been diagnosed as having contracted the virus, do not return to work for 7 days from the onset of the symptoms.
Further information is available on www.hpsc.ie or www.swineflu.ie or www.hse.ie
Frequently Asked Questions Students
How do I avoid spreading a cold or flu?
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with paper tissue if possible – viruses spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Use a tissue only once and dispose of it quickly and carefully. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol based hand wash.
- Tell your children and others to follow this advice
What are the symptoms of Pandemic H1N1?
See http://www.cmo.gov.ie/employee_advice.aspx
Should I attend the Institute as normal?
Yes, unless you have flu symptoms, you should attend as normal.
Will classes and examinations take place as normal?
Yes, classes and examinations shall take place as currently scheduled.
What should I do if I come in contact with someone who has diagnosed or suspected Pandemic H1N1?
- Go about your normal activities. If a fellow student has been diagnosed with H1N1 or is suspected to have it, you should come to the Institute as normal.
- You should remain vigilant, adhere to hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette advice and self-monitor for any call your GP for advice.
http://www.ndsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Gastroenteric/Handwashing/
Should I wear a facemask?
- No. The wearing of masks by healthy individuals is not recommended.
- If you are caring for someone who has H1N1 you should wear a face mask when in contact with the ill person
What should I do if I develop flu-like symptoms while on campus?
- Leave the Institute and stay at home to avoid spreading infection to others.
- If unable to drive, arrange for a fellow student, friend or family member to transport you home. If this is not possible contact the student health centre and transport will be arranged for you.
- Avoid contact with other staff or students on campus. The chaplain’s office may be used as a rest area if necessary while you wait for transport.
- If necessary contact your GP by phone or phone the HSE information helpline - freephone 1800 941 100. Do not attend the GP surgery.
- You should remain off campus for a period of seven days.
- You should inform the student health centre if your absence is due to suspected H1N1
What should I do if someone I am sharing accommodation with develops H1N1?
You should come to the Institute as normal except if you have any of the above flu symptoms; where possible try to minimize contact with the infected person e.g. prepare and eat meals separately and avoid sharing bedrooms during the 7 day period.
What should I do if a dependent or fellow student falls ill and needs me to take care of them?
You should contact your School Office to report your absence as you would if this situation arose with any other illness.
I live alone, how can I best prepare for Pandemic H1N1 in the event that I contract it?
If you live alone, it is recommended that you nominate a ‘flu buddy’ i.e. someone that you can call on if you suddenly become ill or who will call on you and get provisions or medication for you so that you do no have to leave the house while ill. The student health centre can be contacted Monday – Friday 09.15am- 5pm. The HSE helpline is available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. Freephone 1800 941 100
If I have recently returned from travel abroad, should I come to the Institute?
Yes. As long as you are well and not suffering from flu-like symptoms, there is no reason for you to stay away from the Institute and you can carry on with your normal routine. You should, however, be vigilant for the symptoms of this flu and, at the first signs of these, should stay at home and call the HSE Flu Information Line Freephone 1800 94 11 00. If concerned, or you are in a high risk group you should contact your GP by phone.
Can I travel on trips?
There is no reason why you cannot continue to go on trips both in this country and abroad. If the trip is abroad we recommend you look at the latest available travel information and advice on the Department of Foreign Affairs website www.dfa.ie the Department of Health and Children website http://www.dohc.ie
Can I continue to take part in extracurricular activities including sporting activities?
Yes, the Institute shall continue to run extracurricular and sporting activities as normal, unless advised otherwise by the local Public Health Office.
Can I go on placement?
Yes, placements will continue as arranged. If you are on placement and develop flu-like symptoms please follow the guidelines as outlined and ensure that you contact both your placement provider and your School Office.
| Contact numbers | |
|---|---|
| School of Business & Humanities | |
| Olive McGivern | (01) 8851061 |
| Una Smyth | (01) 8851543 |
| School of Informatics & Engineering | |
| Naomi Dixon | (01) 8851081 |
| John Durkin | (01) 8851549 |
| Student Health Centre | |
| Marie Smyth | (01) 8851105 |
Further information is available on www.hpsc.ie or www.swineflu.ie or www.hse.ie
