The University is currently in the red 3 pandemic phase - pandemic occurring, with cases in Oxfordshire. The World Health Organisation pandemic phase is phase 6, a pandemic: increased and sustained transmission amongst the global population.

Please see the FAQs for University staff , FAQs for departments and line managers, FAQs for students and FAQs for applicants for answers to common questions and information on what steps you should be taking.

The Registrar has circulated an update on prevention of, and procedures for dealing with, flu (both seasonal and H5N1). This is available on the right.

Swine flu vaccination

The UK's vaccination programme against swine flu was launched today. This vaccination is only available through the NHS and is not available from the University's Occupational Health Service. Individuals in the clinical priority groups will be contacted by their GPs within the next two weeks. The earliest possible delivery date for the first supplies of vaccine to general practices is Monday 26 October 2009. For more information on clinical priority groups and the programme please see the NHS leaflet 'Swine flu vaccination: what you need to know'.

Planning for the potential impact of swine flu on educational activity

The Academic Registrar recently circulated information about the potential impact of swine flu on educational activity at the University, with an update on central planning relating to this. The letter is available as a pdf on the right.

If you develop flu-like symptoms, which includes a feverish illness accompanied by one or more of cough, sore throat, headache and muscle aches, you should:

(i) go home immediately, stay at home, or remain in your room;

(ii) phone the National Flu Pandemic Service (              0800 1 513 100         0800 1 513 100 or               0800 1 513 200         0800 1 513 200 (textphone)), who should be able to tell you over the phone if you have swine flu and, if necessary, give you a unique number which will give you access to antivirals. The diagnosis will be based on your symptoms; laboratory testing is no longer being carried out.

Do not go into your GP surgery or to a hospital, as you may spread the disease to others.

The NHS provides useful FAQs about swine flu at www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_177831

Note: you should contact your GP or college doctor by phone directly, rather than using the National Pandemic Flu Service, if:
-you have a serious underlying illness,
-you are pregnant,
-you have a sick child under one year old,
-your condition suddenly gets much worse, or
-your condition is still getting worse after 7 days (5 for a child).

Please note that antivirals are no longer being issued by the NHS to everyone with H1N1 symptoms. They are only dispensed where there is judged to be a clinical need.

If you are well, the University expects staff and students to carry on as normal, as far as practicable, in line with government advice.

University members are encouraged to monitor media updates (for example from the BBC) and to follow advice from the Health Protection Agency.

University members are urged to be vigilant about minimising infection. .....