New Influenza A (H1N1)
Pandemic to phase 6
On 11 June, the World Health Organization raised the alert level for the New Influenza A (H1N1) to phase 6. This means that we are now officially dealing with a flu pandemic. The influenza is mild; the symptoms are comparable with those of a normal seasonal flu.
Certain individuals are members of a risk group and have an increased likelihood of complications: those people who normally have a flu vaccination, pregnant women in the last three months of their pregnancy and children under the age of two. Otherwise, sufferers generally recover quickly, even without medication. The social effect of New Influenza A may, however, not be so mild. This is a new flu virus, to which few people have as yet built up immunity. This means that in the event of a rapid spread, many people may become unwell at the same time. If too many people become ill simultaneously, this can have enormous consequences for continuing normal social and economic life.
Situation in the Netherlands
New Influenza A infections were originally only diagnosed in Dutch people who had been travelling. During the summer, the likelihood of transfer of the virus within the Netherlands was low: the number of ‘Ínfluenza-like clinical images’ was only slightly above normal and research showed that most clinical pictures were caused by viruses other than the new Influenza A. In October this picture gradually changed. There is now (November 8 2009) a situation of a mild flu epidemic with some 10 new cases per week per 10,000 inhabitants. Of these, more than 80% are caused by New Influenza A (H1N1).
This means that, if someone in your environment has ‘flu’, this is most probably caused by the New Influenza A and that there is a high likelihood of transfer of the virus to you or others. The likelihood is in any event higher than in the recent summer months. It has therefore become even more important to take the familiar hygienic measures when coughing, sneezing, etc. For further information, please see: http://www.grieppandemie.nl/English.
The vaccination campaign for risk groups will start in November. This campaign is important to limit the number of fatalities from the flu pandemic. Since only risk groups will be vaccinated, the campaign will have a limited effect on the course of the pandemic. There is therefore still a probability of a serious epidemic with many victims.
What is Leiden University doing?
We understand that you may be concerned about this pandemic. Leiden University is continuing to monitor developments with regard to the New Influenza A (H1N1) in the Netherlands as well as internationally. Currently, the University is operating as usual. Classes will start as planned over the next month and activities for Dutch and international students will take place as announced.
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Advice (FAQs)
General Advice
For all staff and students: if you have a temperature of 38 degrees (100.4°F) or more and respiratory complaints, as well as other flu symptoms (coughing, headache, muscle pain), stay at home until the symptoms have subsided. If you belong to one of the high-risk groups, listed above, contact your General Practitioner (GP).
For all your questions: extensive information can be found on the website of the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
1. If you are an employee of Leiden University and you have flu symptoms In the first instance, you should follow the general advice. Otherwise contact your supervisor by telephone and discuss the situation. Discuss how your work should be handled and what measures are needed to allow essential tasks to be continued. Your supervisor will report you sick. You will generally have recovered within a week.
2. If you are a student of Leiden University and you have flu symptoms
The same advice applies to you. To delay the spread of the virus, it is also recommended that you limit your contacts with other students. Remain at home until you have recovered. You will generally have recovered within a week. If this causes any study problems, you should seek telephone contact with your study adviser.
3. If you are a visitor, visiting staff member or student from abroad Foreign guests who suffer any of the symptoms of flu are given the same advice as Dutch patients: remain at home until you have recovered. In most cases this will mean remaining in your hotel room or at your lodgings. If medical help is needed, contact a General Practitioner (GP).
4. If you have been in contact with a flu patient
Staff or students who have had contact with persons suffering from influenza (or persons with similar symptoms) can continue to work or study as normal, unless they work in healthcare. In this case, follow the instructions given by your employer.
5. If you wish to be vaccinated
A number of risk groups will be offered a vaccination against New Influenza A (H1N1). The main aim of this is to protect individuals who are at greater risk. You can find information on the risk groups on: www.grieppandemie.nl/English. If you are a member of a risk group, you will have received an appointment from your general practitioner. You can also contact your GP directly yourself. Staff of the LUMC (staff involved in health care) can be vaccinated at work. The vaccination programme will start on 16 November. Further information can be found on the LUMC’s intranet. Leiden University will not be providing any H1N1 vaccinations.
6. If you are due to travel abroad in the near future
University staff and students who are due to travel to countries where New Influenza A (H1N1) is prevalent, are advised to take the necessary precautions:
- Maintain awareness of the local situation; follow the advice of the health authorities
- Make sure you are vaccinated in advance if you are part of one of the risk groups
- Avoid contact with persons suffering from the flu
- Apply the standard rules for hygiene
- Consult a doctor if you become very sick
7. You are organising a meeting or event
In the present situation in the Netherlands, there is no need to cancel events or meetings. Make an analysis of the risks that you will run in the event of cancellation. Consider the financial risks, but also the immaterial damage. Discuss the situation with your supervisor or management. An example of information to participants in a major event can be found on the website of the student introduction week: El Cid.
A standard recommendation for large-scale events can be found on the website of the RIVM (the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment).
More information
For information in English you can consult the following websites:
World Health Organization (WHO)
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
BBC Question and Answer page
US government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Information in Dutch is available on the RIVM-website, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
Leiden University Students
If you are a student of Leiden University and you have personal questions and/or require personal advice, please contact a local general practitioner:
Information about the Dutch health care system and available general practitioners
Leiden University Staff
If you are a member of staff of Leiden University and have personal questions and/or would like personal advice, please contact the Department of Health, Safety and the Environment:
J.H.W. Maasen (University Medical Officer)
+31 (0)71 527 8015
Alternatively, you should consult your General Practitioner (GP).
Updated: 8 November 2009