Swine Flu A (H1N1) - Advice for MDI Students

Wash your hands often with soap and water, and especially after coughing and sneezing. Wash your hands often with MDI alcohol-based hand cleaners. Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissues when sneezing, coughing, wiping and blowing your nose. Dispose of used tissues in the nearest waste bin.
Model: Molly F. - BAISRS 2

What is influenza A (H1N1)?

Influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus which has been circulating worldwide since April 2009. The World Health Organisation has declared this to be pandemic - a flu epidemic that spreads around the world.

Symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1)

HPSC Guidelines (FAQ)
Some people may mistake a common cold for influenza/flu. There are however some differences in symptoms. The table below may be useful in distinguishing between the two.

Symptoms of Influenza/Flu and the Common Cold

Symptom Cold Influenza/Flu
Fever rare sudden onset, high; lasts 3-4 days
Headache rare prominent
General aches, pains slight usual; often severe
Fatigue, weakness mild can last up to 2-3 weeks
Extreme exhaustion rare early and prominent
Stuffy nose common sometimes
Sneezing usual sometimes
Sore throat common sometimes
Chest discomfort, cough mild to moderate; hacking cough common; can become severe

What should I do if I get sick?

  1. For the vast majority of people this is a mild illness.
  2. If you suspect that you have influenza do not come to MDI for any reason or attend your GP; call the free phone Flu Information Line (1800 941100) available 24 hrs a day. Listen to the symptoms of flu and the advice on home care. Most people with flu will be able to recover at home within a few days without needing anti-viral medicine or medical care.
  3. If you have severe symptoms, or are in a high risk group(have diabetes, chronic respiratory, heart, liver neurological disease, immunosuppressed, aged 65 years or older, are on medication for asthma, severely obese or pregnant), contact your GP/family doctor by telephone. They will decide if you need testing or treatment or ring your GP for further advice.
  4. Please ensure that MDI is informed of your condition as soon as possible. Please contact Brid Leahy at 8086503.
  5. If you are living away from home identify a group of "flu buddies" for yourself and your friends. If one of you should fall ill these "flu buddies" should be able to coordinate your care and look after your welfare if necessary. Information on caring for a sick person can be obtained by calling the 24 Hour HSE Flu Information Line Freephone 1800-941100.

Stay Healthy: Stop the spread of infection by:

HPSC Guidelines (document)

  1. Avoiding close contact with people who appear unwell and have fever and cough.
  2. Always carrying tissues.
  3. Always covering your nose and mouth with clean tissues, when coughing or sneezing.
  4. Always disposing of used tissues into a bin immediately.
  5. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol based hand cleaners regularly.
  6. Cleaning surfaces regularly to get rid of germs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have influenza/flu symptoms, what should I do?
A: If you develop influenza symptoms do not come to college, stay at home and call your GP. He/she will issue further advice, including when you should return to college. Inform your academic departments as soon as possible regarding your condition.

Q: I have come into contact with a person who has influenza, what should I do?
A: Do not panic. Go about your normal activities. If you are a member of a high-risk group and the contact is confirmed as a case of Influenza A (H1N1) after testing, call your GP for advice. If at any stage you develop influenza like symptoms, call your GP for advice.

Q: Another Student has influenza, should I come to college?
A: If another student has been diagnosed with influenza or is suspected to have it, do not panic. There is no need to avoid college. Come to college as normal. If you are a member of a high-risk group call your GP for advice. If at any stage you develop influenza like symptoms call your GP for advice.

Q: Should I wear a facemask?
A: No. The wearing of masks by healthy individuals (i.e. the general public) 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 preventive measure when used in this way.

Get Informed

Familiarise yourself with the information from the Department of Health and Children and the HSE (www.dohc.ie, www.hse.ie/eng/swineflu/, www.hpsc.ie). As the situation evolves, information on these sources will be regularly updated.