Faqs (in english)

FLU FAQs

What is pandemic (H1N1) 2009 flu?
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 flu is a disease caused by the Influenza A (H1N1)v virus. This
new virus subtype, which appeared recently and has the capacity to infect humans,
contains swine, avian and human variants of the flu virus and presents a unique
combination never observed before. Unlike the typical swine flu virus, this new virus is
being transmitted amongst humans.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 flu in people are similar to those of seasonal human flu and include: fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 flu. Like seasonal flu, pandemic (H1N1) 2009 flu may cause worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. Is pandemic (H1N1) 2009 flu treatable?
Swine flu can be treated with the antiviral medicines oseltamavir and zanamivir.
However, the drugs must be taken at an early stage to be effective (first 48h hours).
Nevertheless, the majority of the infected people can treat pandemic flu simply by using
painkillers.
Is there a vaccine against pandemic (H1N1) 2009 flu?
At moment, there is no vaccine to protect people from the new A(H1N1)v virus. Next
Fall/Winter the seasonal flu vaccine will be available as usual and should be
administered according to Direcção Geral de Saúde instructions. This vaccine does not
confer protection against pandemic (H1N1) 2009 flu. Clinical trials are being performed
and it is expected the vaccine to be approved for commercial purposes by the end of
2009. In the initial phase only priority populations will be vaccinated as there will be a
limited amount of vaccines.
How do we catch pandemic (H1N1) 2009 flu?
The transmission of the new virus is similar to that of seasonal flu. The virus can be
transmitted from person to person while talking, coughing or sneezing. Close contacts
(less than 1 meter) with an infected person can, therefore, represent a potential risk
situation. Contamination can also occur indirectly through infected surfaces as door
handles or public computer keyboards. Studies have shown that the virus can survive
for several hours in these surfaces, therefore is very important to keep them clean by
using regular cleaning agents.
What is the incubation period for pandemic (H1N1) 2009 flu?
The incubation period for pandemic flu (time between exposure and symptoms) can
range from 1 to 7 calendar days.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People with A(H1N1)v influenza virus infection should be considered potentially
contagious while symptomatic or up to 7 days following illness onset.
What is pandemic influenza?
A disease epidemic occurs when there are more cases of that disease than normal. A
pandemic is a worldwide epidemic of a disease. An influenza pandemic may occur
when a new influenza virus appears against which the human population has no
immunity. This is the situation we are experiencing now with the worldwide spread of
the A(H1N1)v influenza virus.
What can I do to prevent the spread of the A(H1N1)v flu virus?
You can reduce, but not get rid of, the risk of catching or spreading A(H1N1)v flu virus by:  Always covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.  Disposing of used tissues promptly and carefully.  Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example, washing hands often with soap and water to reduce spread of the virus from hands to face, or to other people.  Cleaning hard surfaces, such as door handles, often and thoroughly, using a  Staying at home for 7 days (or until you are free of symptoms for 24h) if you have been diagnosed with A(H1N1)v flu virus. UNIVERSITY OF COIMBRA (UC)

Is UC prepared for the pandemic flu?
UC is preparing an Influenza Pandemic Contingency Plan aiming to minimize the
impact amongst students, workers and visitors, while simultaneously maintaining its
activities.

When should I return to work if I have been diagnosed with A(H1N1)v flu virus?
You should stay at home for 7 days (or until you are free of symptoms for 24h) if you have been diagnosed with A(H1N1)v flu virus. Is it possible that the academic calendar might be affected?
At this moment the academic calendar runs as planned. Nevertheless, the working group
may propose changes according to the influenza pandemic situation.
Will we be informed if there are flu cases in UC?
Yes. The information about new flu cases and their evolution will be available in this
website.
TRAVEL
Are there any travel restrictions for both workers and students?
There are no travel restrictions so far. However, if you’re about to travel you should
follow some general hygiene procedures:
 Avoid contact with sick people.  Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.  Dispose of used tissues promptly and carefully.  Maintain good basic hygiene, for example, wash hands often with soap and water to reduce spread of the virus from hands to face, or to other people.  Cleaning hard surfaces, such as door handles, often and thoroughly, using a  If you feel sick stay at home or in the hotel as much as possible. We are travelling on vacation. What should we do when we come back?
Travellers should pay special attention to their health status for the first 7 days
following vacation. If your body temperature rises above 38ºC and you show some of
these symptoms, you must stay at home and contact by phone Linha Saúde 24 (808 24
24 24):
- Cough/Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Body/muscular pain
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhoea.

Source: http://www.sri.uc.pt/gripe/In-english/FAQsEnglish.pdf