Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable infections can sometimes happen at Universities because of shared living and wide friendship groups. Although they are rare, the University works with health partners to quickly contain any infectious illness, and protect staff and students who may be at risk. This page contains some useful information for staff to help prevent the spread of infectious disease on campus -
Although infectious disease are generally mild, there can be more serious consequences for at risk groups such as pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. For this reason it is important for everyone to take some simple steps to help prevent the spread of disease on campus. These include –
- Make sure your immunisations are up to date.
- Follow basic hygiene rules such as washing your hands frequently and well, and keep shared facilities clean.
- Be aware of at risk staff members or members of your team who may need additional support if an infectious disease is reported.
- Take the opportunity where practical and reasonable to encourage students to be immunised and register with a local doctor, to enable a swift response to any illnesses.
If you are made aware of a student who has contracted an infectious disease, these are the steps you need to take –
- Advise the student to inform their doctor, and avoid attending classes or social events to prevent the spread of infection. If medical advice or assistance is required outside of normal surgery opening hours, telephone 111 and ask to speak to a GP. If the situation is an emergency dial 999. There is more advice for students here
- Notify your department/school Wellbeing Officer. They will inform the central student Wellbeing Team.
- Student Wellbeing will notify security, accommodation and college teams, and will coordinate communications to various groups who may have been in contact with the student. You may be asked if you know of any people or groups the students may be in contact with (sports/social/course/seminar etc).
Although common infectious diseases found on campus tend to be mild, there are sometimes serious complications and the Wellbeing Team are required to act fast, especially in cases of meningitis which can be very serious. This includes getting information out to staff and students quickly who may have been in contact with the infected student. We appreciate your immediate support with this process to help protect students and your fellow staff members.
Measles, mumps and rubella
Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious viral illnesses. Although the symptoms are usually mild, serious complications can occur. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective protection against each disease. You need to have two doses of the vaccine to ensure you are immunised. If you are unsure whether you have had two doses of MMR vaccine, book an appointment with your GP or practice nurse. You can get further information about the MMR vaccine on the NHS website.
- Mumps can cause headache, fever and swelling of the salivary glands. Complications include swelling of the ovaries or testes. The majority of cases of mumps are young people aged 15 - 24 years. Find out more about symptom of mumps on the NHS website here
- Measles can cause fever, coughing and distinctive red-brown spots on the skin. Complications include pneumonia and brain inflammation. Measles can be very serious for pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems. Find out more about the symptoms of measles on the NHS website here
- Rubella (German measles) can cause rash and swollen glands around the ears and the back of your head. Rubella is usually a mild infectious disease, although it can have serious consequences for the unborn children of pregnant women. Find out more about Rubella here
Meningitis
Meningitis is an illness causing inflammation of the linings of the brain and spinal cord. Viruses, bacteria and other agents can cause meningitis. This is a serious illness and needs urgent medical treatment. Students are advised to make sure you have had the Men ACWY vaccination before starting University. Symptoms can develop suddenly and can include:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C or above
- vomiting
- a headache
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
- a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this doesn’t always develop)
Not all of these symptoms may be present, but if you suspect a student has symptoms of meningitis then get medical help immediately. Find out more about Meningitis here
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. It usually affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. TB is only infectious to other people if it affects the lungs or throat.
Contact your GP if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- a cough lasting more than three weeks
- loss of weight for no obvious reason
- fever
- heavy night sweats
- fatigue - a general and unusual sense of tiredness and being unwell
- loss of appetite
Seasonal influenza (flu)
Flu is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by various flu viruses that change slightly each year. The illness spreads rapidly from person to person via droplets. Symptoms include headache, aching muscles and joints, fever, cough, and sore throat.
Students who think they may have flu are advised to stay away from university and avoid mixing with friends until they have been symptom free for 72 hours. The seasonal flu vaccine is free of charge each year to risk groups. You can find out more about the flu vaccine on the NHS website.
I am a member of staff and have received communications about infectious disease on campus. What should I do?
Infectious disease on campus is normal and there is no need to panic.
Read the simple steps to help prevent the spread of disease on campus on this page, and be aware of some common symptoms of infectious diseases as well as the incubation periods associated with them.
I am a member of staff and have been made aware I could have been in contact with a student with an infectious illness. What should I do?
Infectious disease on campus is normal and there is no need to panic.
Read the simple steps to help prevent the spread of disease on campus on this page, but be mindful and stay alert of some of the common symptoms of infectious disease in case you, your team or other students start to feel unwell. Some diseases have incubation periods of a number of weeks, so please be aware of differences in these.
I am a member of staff within an at risk group and have been made aware of infectious disease on campus. What should I do?
Infectious disease on campus is normal, but it can be worrying if you are from a group at particular risk from infectious disease. You may want to discuss your concerns with your line manager, HR or colleagues to make them aware of your concerns.
I am a member of staff within an at risk group and have been made aware that I may have been in contact with a student with an infectious illness. What should I do?
Please notify your line manager straight away if you are from within an at risk group and you believe you may have been in contact with a student with an infectious illness - especially if your line manager is unaware that you are within an at risk group. Your line manager may get advice from the
Workplace Wellbeing team, and you will then be able to jointly decide what action, if any, should be taken. You may also want to contact your GP, practice nurse or call 111 for advice.
I am a manager and I have just been informed that a member of my team, who is from an at risk group, may have been in contact with a student with an infectious illness. What should I do?
Although the risk of a staff member contracting an infectious disease from a student is relatively small, the
Workplace Wellbeing team will be able to advise as to whether any adjustments need to be made. They can support you to briefly risk assess the situation depending on the level of contact your staff member may have with an affected students, and any potential impact on their physical and mental wellbeing.
I am a member of staff who has contracted an infectious disease, what should I do?
If you think you may have an infectious disease it is important to follow the advice below to keep yourself safe, and prevent the spread of infection to fellow staff and students:
- If you feel ill with the symptoms above and believe you may have an infectious illness do not attend work, notifying your line manager in the usual way.
- You should make an appointment to see your doctor letting them know in advance about your concerns before attending the surgery. Out of hours there are a range of options available including the local NHS walk in centre. You can call NHS 111 for free if you are not sure which service to use.
- Let your Workplace Wellbeing team know. This will help them to monitor risk across campus.