Two incidences of swine flu, contracted by Rhodes University students on a sports tour in Johannesburg, have been confirmed in Grahamstown.
Two incidences of swine flu, contracted by Rhodes University students on a sports tour in Johannesburg, have been confirmed in Grahamstown.
The following statement was issued on 9 July 2009 on behalf of Dr Sizwe Mabizela, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic & Student Affairs at Rhodes University:
"Rhodes University has been notified that some of our students who participated in the University Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament held in Johannesburg were exposed to the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, commonly referred to as "swine flu". Our information at this stage is that two of our students have tested positive for the virus and are receiving medical attention.
It is important to note that to date novel H1N1 infections have generally been mild and self-limiting, except in situations where infected persons had an underlying condition which made them more vulnerable. (NB. Cigarette smoking may also make people more vulnerable.)
Prof Jobson of the Faculty of Pharmacy is drawing up a comprehensive document that will provide relevant information relating to infections by this virus.
In the interim it is best to observe safe hygiene practices in order to minimise the chances of infection. Such practices include regular hand washing, no sharing of drinking glasses, cutlery or other utensils that have been used by someone that is ill; no intimate contact (kissing) of individuals that appear to have a cold or flu.
The use of TamifluR or other antiviral medication has not been proven as a suitable preventive medication, and should be reserved for treatment under a medical doctor’s supervision.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of novel H1N1 flu infections can include:
. fever, which is usually high, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent
. cough
. runny nose or stuffy nose
. sore throat
. body aches (this feature often helps in distinguishing between a common cold and flu)
. headache
. chills
. fatigue or tiredness, which can be extreme
. diarrhoea and vomiting, sometimes, but more commonly seen than with seasonal flu
Signs of a more serious flu infection might include pneumonia and respiratory failure.
We advise all our students and staff who have flu-like symptoms and have either participated in the said tournament or have come into contact with those students who participated to undergo testing to identify whether they have the infection or not.
For updated information relating to H1N1 flu infection, read the National Institute of Communicable Diseases website at www.nicd.ac.za"
