Swine flu: latest advice

Last updated: 08 October 2009

Swine flu is present in the general population of London and has affected a small number of King's students and staff. At this stage the impact on College activities has been very limited and the College is operating on a business as usual basis.

However, we are monitoring the situation closely in the light of advice from the UK Government, Health Protection Agency and other official bodies. The College’s Emergency Management Team is meeting regularly to assess the impact of any new developments on the College’s operations and is providing updates for staff and students as necessary.

Currently the Health Protection Agency (HPA) guidance (see below) suggests that students, staff and visitors who feel well should attend King’s as normal. However, anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay at home and contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100 or log onto the pandemic flu website.

College guidance

Full details of the College’s advice and guidance to staff and students on how to minimise the risk of infection, symptoms and reporting of ill-health have been prepared by the College safety officer.

Read this advice in this College guidance document (PDF 53KB).

Information for students

Students diagnosed with swine flu should follow the usual reporting procedures in their School/Department in respect of ill health/non-attendance.
Students operating in other workplaces outside the College, including NHS Trusts and schools, should advise these institutions via the appropriate clinical lead/supervisor.
Students who are affected by swine flu while living in a College Residence should stay in their room as much as possible and notify the Residence Manager so that arrangements can be made for support during this period.
Students who have specific questions about any academic activities or examinations should contact the relevant School/Campus office for advice.

Any changes to opening times of Information Services Centres and libraries will be posted on the ISS website.

Information for staff

Staff diagnosed with swine flu or experiencing relevant symptoms should follow the College’s sickness absence reporting procedure which may be found on the HR website. Refer part 3 Reporting absence from work in the College sickness absence management policy (DOC 210KB)
Staff with NHS contracts should also inform their NHS contact.
Staff who may need to take leave to care for dependants should refer to the College policy on the HR website. See the Dependants leave procedure (DOC 63KB)

Swine flu reporting advice

To enable the College to monitor any spread of the infection and gauge its impact, staff and students are requested to email the College Safety Office if they have been confirmed or advised by their GP or the National Pandemic Flu Service Helpline that they have swine flu.

Email: College Safety Office - safety@kcl.ac.uk

Information from official agencies

Health Protection Agency
National Pandemic Flu Service
Foreign & Commonwealth Office (for travel advice)
Swine flu: updated government guidance (14 September)
Guidance for higher and further education institutions on dealing with swine flu