FAQs related to H1N1.
H1N1 is an influenza virus which has been declared a pandemic virus by the World Health Organization. A summary of key information about the virus, including symptoms of illness, can be found at:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/fs-fr_h1n1-eng.php
In addition, a wealth of information about the virus can be found on the following websites:
http://www.healthunit.com/sectionList.aspx?sectionID=816
www.fightflu.ca
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/
The Public Health Agency of Canada gives the following advice:
- Wash hands often.
- Keep common surfaces disinfected.
- Cough and sneeze into your arm, instead of your hand.
- If you are sick, stay home until your symptoms are gone and you feel well enough to participate in all activities.
- If you get flu-like symptoms and are pregnant, have underlying health problems or if your symptoms get worse, contact your health care provider.
For complete information, see the websites listed under "What is H1N1?".
For information about H1N1 at Western, and the Administration's response, see the following website:
See the following document for the Middlesex-London Health Unit's advice:
http://communications.uwo.ca/influenza-microsite/downloads/FACTSHEET-Car...
The Administration has implemented a new Absence Tracking Tool through the myHR web portal. In some cases, you are asked to to sign in and complete the form yourself; in others, the information is entered by a responsible party in your Department. Your Department is responsible for informing you how it will be done in your area. If you do not know, please ask your supervisor.
This Tool does not replace the requirement for notifying the UWO of your absence. You should continue to notify your Department of any absence as you always have.
Western is requesting employees to report the occurrence of flu-like symptoms as part of the new absence tracking system. However, you cannot be required to disclose your illness to any UWO official and you cannot be disciplined if you decide not to do so.
If you are completing the online tool yourself and choose not to disclose, then choose"other" for illness.
However, before you choose not to disclose your illness, please read the answers to the question "Is there reason to disclose that I have the flu to the UWO?"
While you cannot be required to disclose the fact that you have the flu to your employer, there are two reasons you may wish to do so.
1. The Middlesex-London Health Unit is asking Western to report the incidence of flu (in aggregate numbers, not by naming individuals). While the Health Unit cannot compel disclosure either, there is a valid public health purpose in tracking the incidence of the flu. In choosing to identify the fact that you have the flu, you can assist health authorities in tracking it.
2. It is useful for Western to know the incidence of flu in order to allow the Administration to assess the impact on the UWO's operations. Those who report flu-like symptoms give the UWO an indication of extended absence. It will also provide information about areas of the UWO where other employees and students may have been exposed to the flu.
Call your Steward or the UWOSA office. We will support your decision not to disclose your illness.
No, all of the usual sick-leave provisions apply.
If a family member is ill, you should take precautions against becoming ill yourself. Please see the answer to the question "How can I prevent becoming ill?". If you require time away from work to care for a family member, the usual leave provisions apply (see Article 26 of the Collective Agreement or call your Steward or the UWOSA office).
For more information about H1N1, please see the websites listed under "What is H1N1?", talk to your family physician, or call the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 519-663-5317. The Union cannot provide advice about H1N1 itself.
For information about your rights under the Collective Agreement, contact your Steward or the UWOSA office.
London, Ont.
