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Influenza Outbreak - Winter 2011-12

Information for Staff

Flu is now circulating in Wales. Anyone who is experiencing influenza-like illness is advised to stay at home and do not go to Accident and Emergency to limit contact with others. They should seek medical advice from a health professional by contacting NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or phone their GP.

Influenza is normally a self limiting illness and individuals should improve after a week. If anyone continues to deteriorate after 4 or 5 days they are advised to seek medical help.

The overall situation in Wales is being closely monitored by Public Health Wales (PHW). Further background and information on the disease can be found on the service website at www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/43745. The University is in discussions with PHW and following their guidance.

There is currently a shortage of vaccination as has been reported in the media.

However the recommendation is still that those deemed at risk should seek to be immunised against flu as soon as possible and should take appropriate action to do so.

Those deemed at risk are:

  • are aged 65 and over
  • are living in long-term residential or nursing homes
  • have chronic heart or chest complaint, including asthma
  • have chronic kidney or liver disease
  • have a chronic neurological condition
  • have diabetes
  • have lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment
  • are pregnant 


Advice to students to register with GPs  

Flu can affect anyone and it is therefore important that all students take precautionary action. They should ensure they are registered with a GP to ensure appropriate care and ease of access to appropriate medication is available should it be required.

If you are not registered with a GP we strongly advise you to register as soon as possible by:

  1. Contacting the GP and request registration. Click
    NHS GPs [393.6 Kb]
     for a list of GP practices that are close to university residences in Cardiff. If you wish to register with a GP that is specifically contracted to provide a more clinically student orientated service please contact the University Health Centre
  2. If the GP is unable to register you, they should provide you with alternative advice as to where to register.

If you find difficulties in registering with a GP in Cardiff, please come to the University’s Health Centre at 47 Park Place and we will assist you in registration.

Jim Cole
Assistant Director
Cardiff University Health Centre