Infectious illnesses
In a close-knit community like a university, we must all be vigilant to prevent infectious diseases.
Knowing how to recognise and treat these conditions, and when to stay home, is the best way to prevent them spreading. Make sure you're registered with a doctor - see healthcare for more information.
All students need to be up to date with vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and meningococcal MenACWY vaccines. Arrange these with your doctor.
We also strongly recommend that you:- Follow NHS guidance for other vaccinations, including Covid-19 and seasonal flu jabs
- Stay home if you feel ill
- Keep shared spaces well ventilated
- Wear a face covering in busy indoor areas, and wash your hands regularly
Symptoms
The symptoms of Covid-19 vary but may include a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
Coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
What should I do if I think I have Covid-19?
If you have symptoms, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. See NHS advice on Covid-19.
If you need to take time off from studying, report this using the self-certification of illness procedure.
What if I'm vulnerable (or live with someone who is)?
We will support you with advice and recommendations for reasonable adjustments. Please contact Disability Services to discuss your situation.
The symptoms of flu (influenza) can include:
- fever (38C or 100F or above)
- tiredness or feeling weak
- aches and pains
- a cough or shortness of breath.
What should I do if I think I have flu?
- Seek medical advice from the NHS website.
- Limit contact with others - though tell your friends that you are unwell and ask them to check up on you in case you quickly become more acutely ill.
- If you are in a vulnerable group, contact your doctor.
- If you have been advised by a health practitioner that you have flu, report this to the University using the self-certification of illness procedure.
- If you need to take time off from studying, report this using the self-certification of illness procedure.
Do I have meningitis?
Some symptoms of meningitis can be confused with flu-like symptoms. Although cases are very few, meningitis is potentially a very dangerous infection.
If you think you or a friend have any of the specific symptoms of meningitis, or the symptoms are rapidly becoming acute, seek medical advice immediately via your doctor, NHS 111 or York Hospital.
Meningitis symptoms, which may not all be present, include:
- severe headache
- dislike of bright light (photophobia)
- neck stiffness
- nausea and vomiting
- confusion and drowsiness
- loss of consciousness
- convulsions/seizures
- red/purple rash which does not fade on pressure, ie when viewed through a glass
What should I do if I think I have meningitis?
- Seek medical advice from the NHS website.
- Call your doctor or NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious.
- If you think you're seriously ill, call 999 for an ambulance or go to the York District Hospital Emergency Department.
Symptoms of measles include:
- fever
- irritability
- cold or catarrh symptoms, including runny nose, sore throat and runny eyes
- dry croupy cough
- white Koplik's spots on the gums (on the second and third day)
- diarrhoea
What should I do if I think I have measles?
- Seek medical advice from the NHS website.
- Contact your doctor - phone before your visit as measles is highly infectious.
- Stay away from other people for five days from the onset of the rash.
- Alert your college or housemates.
Symptoms
Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) infection usually starts with symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, chills or exhaustion. This is followed by a rash that starts as raised spots, which turn into small blisters.
What should I do if I think I have Mpox?
- Seek medical advice from the NHS website
- If you have symptoms, you should self-isolate at home and avoid close contact with other people until you've been told what to do by a health professional.
For medical advice, contact your doctor or use the NHS 111 service.
If you need support or other advice, please contact the Student Hub by telephoning +44 (0)1904 324140 or emailing student-hub
Symptoms of mumps include:
- fever
- headache
- swelling and tenderness of glands in one or both sides of the neck
- running nose and eyes, sore throat and ears
What should I do if I think I have mumps?
- Seek medical advice from the NHS website.
- Contact your doctor - phone before your visit as mumps is highly infectious.
- Stay away from other people for at least five days after your symptoms first develop.
- Alert your college or housemates.
Symptoms of tuberculosis include:
- fever and night sweats, coughing and weight loss for more than three weeks
- coughing up blood in phlegm
- enlarged lymph glands, commonly in the neck area
What should I do if I think I have tuberculosis?
- Seek medical advice from the NHS website.
- Call your doctor or NHS 111.
- Limit contact with others.
TB screening sessions
If you're from a country that has a high rate of tuberculosis (TB), we advise you to attend the screening sessions for TB when you arrive - even if you feel well and have had a chest X-ray as part of screening before entering the UK.
The screenings are straightforward and you will not be expected to remove your clothes. The times and locations of the screenings can be found on the Welcome Week Programmes - see information for new undergraduates or new postgraduates.
, 245kb)Reporting sick leave
If you need to take time off from studying due to illness, you need to let us know. You can self-certify periods of sick leave of up to seven days, with a maximum of ten days in any one academic year.