Information about swine flu for students and staff
All information in this box is from the Norwegian Health Authorities web-site pandemi.no
- Chronic respiratory conditions
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Asthma
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic neurological conditions
- Pregnant women
- People with a weaker immune system
- Extreme obecity
Updated information November 5th, 2009
SWINE FLU IN OUTBREAK IN TELEMARK
The swine flu is now in outbreak in Telemark. We will try to give updated information in english on this site. The flu is still not considered to be a serious health hazard to normally healthy people, but people belonging to any of the groups listed in the "People at Risk" box to the right of this page, should be especially aware of symptoms. See box to the right for more general information.
VACCINATION
Vaccination is available. A vaccination programme is administered by the local health authroities. Vaccination is recommended by the national health authorities for all. The vaccination programme is based on a priority list. So far vaccination is only available to the special risk groups. Vaccination of the general public will be announced at a later time. . For general information on vaccination, see "Information" box to the right of this page. If you belong to one of the risk groups, and want vaccination, see below for information on vaccination in TUC's host communities.
Vaccination in Porsgrunn
Vaccination available for groups at risk - through your General Practition Doctor ("Fastlege") or through the municiapal vaccination centre.
The vaccination centre is located in the movie theatre building ("Kinoen") on Storgata (between the newspapper/sweets store and the DNBNOR bank ). Vaccination Thursdays and Fridays 0900 - 1430.Vaccination cost NOK 100 at the vaccination centre and must be paid cash. For more information, please contact your GP or the vaccination centre directly.
Vaccination in Notodden
Local information on telephone 97054818 - week-day mornings between 0800 to 1100. Now vaccinating risk groups.Vaccination cost NOK 50, to be paid cash.
Vaccination at the local vaccination centre at "Helsestasjonen", Sentrum School, Skolegata street no 11, Monday November 9, between 12:00 and 19:00, or from your General Practition Doctor ("fastlege").
Vaccination in Bø
Now vaccinating risk groups. Contact Bø Medical Centre (Bø Legesenter), Hellandvegen street 10, telephone 35059100. Vaccination cost NOK 100, to be paid cash.
Vaccination in Rauland
Vaccination available for risk groups. Contact Vinje Medical Centre ("Vinje legekontor") in Åmot on telephone 35062500. NOK 50.
MEDICINE
Tamiflu is considered to be the medicine most likely to have effect on the flu. It is now decided that this medicine may be purchased directly from the pharmacist without prescription. This is to relieve the pressure on the GP's services. The medicine must be taken within two days after outbreak to have effect. In order to purchase the medicine, you must fill in a form with personal information and consult the pharmacist in person, or have someone do it for you if you are allready ill. Tamiflu is said to be available at NOK 50 + a service charge of NOK 20. Read more in the "Information" box to the right.
FLU SYMPTOMS
If you get any of the symptoms, please stay home for 7 days. Hook up with a room mate or a friend and have him or her check on you in case you feel you get seriously ill. Contact your GP or - if after office hours, in weekends or you do not have a GP - contact the local Medical Centre ("Legevakt"). Emergency number : 113
Information from August 15th, 2009
Swine flu is a health risk in Norway, as in many other countries for the time being. There is a risk that the flu may spread on our campuses as students and staff return after the summer vacation.Upon commencement of semester start it is timely to inform students and staff of the ongoing management of potential swine flu on campus. Swine flu is recognised as a mild disease in most cases and people infected with the virus (H1N1) have recovered after a few days resting at home.
Orientation Week
- All activities and courses will proceed as planned.
- If you are unable to attend Orientation Week due to influenza, please phone switchboard at Telemark University College on 35 02 62 00 and ask to be transferred to the Faculty you are enrolling with to confirm that you will be attending this semester.
- Practical measures at Telemark University College are: More frequent cleaning, dispensers with alcohol-based disinfectants to be placed around campus, and general information to students and staff on how to act and which precautions to take in order to prevent the spread of the flu.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are like the symptoms from seasonal influenza – high temperature (above 38°C); cough; runny or stuffy nose; sore throat, body aches; head ache; chills; tiredness. With this influenza some people have also had nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting.
Certain groups are considered to be at special risk - see list to the right
What do I do if I have flu-like symptoms?
- If you get flu-like symptoms you should treat it like a seasonal influenza.
- You should seek immediate medical advice if you are in the category for people at risk.
- Stay at home for at least 7 days if you have flu-like symptoms to prevent spreading the flu-virus. People with swine flu are considered contagious as long as they have influenza-like symptoms, and up to 7 days after the symptoms started.
- Make arrangements with your family, friends or others you know so you will get the help you need if your condition gets worse.
- Contact your local General Practitioner or Medical Centre (Porsgrunn/Skien, Bø, Notodden, Drammen, Vinje (Rauland) if you are feeling unwell or have flu-like symptoms and you, or other people that you live with, are at increased risk for flu complications.
What is swine flu (H1N1)?
Swine flu is an acute respiratory infection found in pigs, caused by the influenza A virus. Normally the virus only affects pigs, but with the right conditions, it can mutate to a form that can jump species and affect humans. The current swine flu outbreak is caused by a new H1N1 strain of the swine flu virus, which has done just that. Just like seasonal influenza, swine flu can cause more severe disease with people who have an underlying chronic illness.
How can I protect myself and those around me from this disease?
- Frequent hand-washing with soap and water, particularly if you cough/sneeze. Alcohol-based disinfectants are also effective.
- Restrict close contact with anyone who is infected.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your arm (see picture in top right corner of this page) or a paper handkerchief when you cough or sneeze, and throw the handkerchief away after use.