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14 July 2009
Is it safe to come to work?
It is safe to come to work if you are feeling well. You will be expected to continue working unless you are unwell or have agreed a period of carers’ leave with your manager.
You are no more at risk of contracting flu at work than you are anywhere else, unless you are in close contact of someone who has symptomatic influenza.
What should I do if I have been in contact with someone who is suspected of having flu?
If you are a contact of a case (even if that contact is within your household) and you are asymptomatic you should not stay away from work. Contact tracing and swabbing of potential cases is no longer required.
It is still safe for you to see patients and clients unless you develop flu symptoms yourself.
Can I catch the influenza virus at work?
This is very unlikely. If there are inpatients with flu, they will be nursed in designated rooms or ward area. Only specified clinical and housekeeping staff will be authorized to work in this area and will be given protective personal equipment if appropriate.
The influenza virus spreads in the droplets of a sneeze or cough, and can survive on surfaces for some hours. It is therefore spread by close contact with someone who is coughing or sneezing over a prolonged period or by touching surfaces contaminated by someone with active flu infection. This is only likely in the designated ‘flu area’ of the ward.
The influenza virus is easily killed with soap and hot water or alcohol gel. These will be available throughout the workplace. You must adhere to the infection control policy to protect yourself and reduce the risk of spreading infection. This includes good respiratory etiquette, washing your hands and using alcohol gel.
You will not need to wear a mask at work unless you are working in the flu designated ward, in close contact with infectious patients for prolonged periods (more than 5mins).
What should I do if a family member has flu?
If you are asymptomatic you should come to work as usual.
If your family member is seriously ill you may need to contact your GP for medical advice and/or Oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Please inform HR if you need time off to arrange this.
Oseltamivir is only for treatment – it is no longer used for prophylaxis in contacts.
If you are unable to come to work due to personal illness or need to discuss the possibility of carers’ leave, contact HR as soon as possible. HR will liaise with your line manager who may need to speak to you about covering your work responsibilities.
How will I know if I have flu?
Swine flu currently seems to be mild although some people will have more severe symptoms. However it is likely that you have swine flu if you:
have a temperature more than 38.5
and at least 2 other symptoms
Sore throat
Cough
Aching muscles and joints
Headache
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Swabbing of potential cases is no longer routinely required – only really necessary for seriously ill patients
If you have these symptoms, do not come to work. Notify your line manager or HR that you will be on sick leave.
Do not go to the GP unless you are feeling very unwell. Instead, contact the GP advice line to discuss whether you need Oseltamivir. It is likely that treatment with be prioritized for those with serious illness or those with other illnesses which increase the risk of problems (eg chronic bronchitis or asthma)
How long should I stay off work?
Most people with swine flu feel unwell for approx 5-7 days but may need longer to recover depending on the severity of infection. You should contact HR if you think you will need longer than 7 days leave. A self certificate should be submitted for the period of your personal illness (currently valid for 7 days) but you will need a medical certificate for longer periods unless the guidance changes.
If you have had symptoms consistent with Swine Flu (regardless of whether you received treatment), you should return to work once your symptoms have gone.
Can I get swine flu more than once?
No. Once you have had swine flu (H1N1 virus) then you will become immune to this virus.
You will still be susceptible to other viruses, including seasonal (ordinary) flu or a new type of flu virus if this develops over the winter or next year. If there is a significant risk of a new type of flu virus, you will hear about this in the news and medical press.
When will there be a vaccine?
A vaccine is expected to be available in September / October. The government has indicated (on 13.7.09) that healthcare workers are likely to be offered the vaccine when it is available.
What should I tell visitors?
Close family or friends may visit those patients who do not have flu-like symptoms as long as they are also asymptomatic.
Visitors with flu or flu-like symptoms will not be able to visit unless there are exceptional circumstances.
If the patient has flu, they will be nursed in the flu-designated area of the ward. Only close family (or those who are regarded as family) may be able to visit following discussion with senior ward staff.