H1N1 Virus (or Swine Flu) Update and East Gippsland TAFE’s response

31 July 2009

As the H1N1 flu virus (Swine Flu) has progressed into the Australian community it has turned out to be much less dangerous than first thought, but nevertheless it remains highly contagious and a specific threat to vulnerable persons. And no-one, whether a vulnerable person or not, wants to catch this flu if they can avoid doing so.

A vaccine is being developed and may be available later in the year, but in the meantime the best protection each of us can take is to observe sensible hygiene measures, both to protect ourselves from catching the virus, and to protect others from ourselves should we develop the flu.

These measures are being widely communicated by the Government and include:

• We all have a role to play in looking after our health. Good hygiene is vital.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw the tissue in a plastic-lined rubbish bin after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread that way.

Please:
• Call your GP if you have a flu like illness (fever and cough and fatigue).
• Call your local hospital ONLY if you are seriously unwell with flu like symptoms.
• Don’t attend school or work if you have flu-like symptoms unless your doctor has advised that it is appropriate to do so.

For the most up-to-date information :
• Visit www.health.vic.gov.au
• Call the Influenza Hotline on 180 2007 or
• Call Nurse-on-Call on 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)

This information is being posted in washrooms and entry points across all campuses to remind people of the ongoing control measures.


TRAVEL
EG TAFE is imposing no restrictions on travel by staff. Staff should continue to review the Government’s travel advisories at the Smart Traveller website www.smartraveller.gov.au/.

Staff and students should comply with any recommendations given to them by health authorities if returning from overseas.

COMMUNICATION
The key mode of communicating anything particular about the H1N1 virus and the Institute will be through our Internet and Intranet portals, the EG TAFE website, Staffpoint for staff, and the Online Campus for students. Of course, students and staff are welcome to call for information at any time.

If you have particular questions about our H1N1 virus response, please call Carmel McQuillen at Fulham campus on (03) 51422 402.