HAVE YOU BEEN TRAVELLING ABROAD OR PLANNING TO TRAVEL TO UK?

Cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) have been reported from many countries.

In the interests of yourself and others, we ask you to:

* watch out for flu-like symptoms with high fever AND one or more of the following:
     o dry cough
     o shortness of breath
     o difficulty in breathing
* treat with care any signs of illness under proper guidance from a doctor

If you experience these symptoms, initially stay in your accommodation and seek medical advice by telephone. Either ring your GP who can arrange for a medical assessment, or contact NHS Direct (0845 4647) who will advise on further steps to take. To help your doctor or NHS Direct determine appropriate next steps, tell them about any recent travelling you have had.

If you have returned from a virus-infected area and have been in contact with anyone with these symptoms, please get in touch with your Faculty/University before attending.

If you are outside the UK at the moment you may be screened at the airport by the port health authorities. Please make sure that you do undergo screening if it is offered, and that you retain any clearance documentation that you receive.

Further information and advice can be accessed at:
http://www.phls.co.uk/topics_az/sars/menu.htm
http://www.doh.gov.uk/sars/index.htm
http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/emerg.htm
http://www.fleetstreetclinic.com/sars.php

If you need any help or assistance please feel free to contact Mr Ismail Mohamed, Student Advisor at advisor@msa-uk.org