Measures to be Taken and Applied to the Students as for the A(H1N1) Pandemic Influenza (Swine Influenza) during the Autumn Term 2009

Due to swine influenza, Hanken has agreed not to require a medical certificate from the student for sick leave of one week at the most from compulsory courses, exams, etc. in accordance with the recommendation of the Finnish Student Health Service. This concerns all students at Hanken, even the students who are based abroad. In related cases, the student should primarily be in contact with the examiner or the department in order to agree on the way to compensate for the absence from classes.

If the student's swine influenza results in their being in an unreasonable situation for making progress in their studies, the rector may, based on a freely formulated application delivered to the chief of the Office of Study Affairs, decide on exceptions in the procedure in order to avoid unreasonable consequences due to the sickness.

Exchange students

Outgoing exchange students

Before you leave on exchange:

• Make sure that you purchase a private travel insurance to cover all forms of illnesses, including hospitalization and home transport. Additionally, when you travel as an exchange student within Europe and you are a citizen of a European country, you should apply for a European Health Insurance Card from KELA/FPA. You can find out more about the European Health Insurance Card on FPA'S/KELA'S web site.
• Make sure that you know where you can find up to date information about the influenza situation in your host country. For example:
  • The Foreign Ministry: www.formin.fi - Ajankohtaista- Matkustus (only available in Finnish/Swedish)
  • The Ministry for Social Affairs and Health: www.stm.fi - International Co-operation
  • The National Institute for Health and Welfare: www.thl.fi
  • Worls Health Organization: www.euro.who.int
  • Foreign and Commonwealth Office: www.fco.gov.uk
  • Foreing and Commonwealth Office information about Mexico: www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/mexico
• Read the following hygiene instructions in order to avoid being infected by the influenza (in Finnish):
  www.ktl.fi/portal/suomi/terveyden_ammattilaisille/ohjeita_ja_suosituksia/tartuntataudit/lintuinfluenssa_a_h5n1_-epaily_ihmisella/yleiset_hygieniaohjeet/

Or www.thl.fi - Tietoa influenssa A (H1N1)v- viruksesta - Yleiset hygieniaohjeet

During your exchange:

• Keep yourself continuously updated regarding the situation with the influenza (H1N1) in your host country, and make sure that you know beforehand where you shall turn for help (telephone number and address to the local health care authorities) in case you get ill. Check the information that the host university has already given you regarding health care, or ask at the International Office at the host university upon arrival.
• In case you get infected:
  • Contact the local health authorities in your host country (according to the instructions given by the host university) and follow the instructions you are given regarding how you shall proceed.
  • Make sure that you have documentation regarding your private insurance, your European Health Insurance card (f you are on exchange within the EU) and possible other important documentation regarding your health.
  • Contact your host university if required. Regardless, it is good to inform them in case you suspect that you have been infected or if you have already been diagnosed with H1N1. When possible, also contact the Centre for Research and International Affairs at Hanken ( outgoing.mobility@hanken.fi tel: 358 40 3521 391)

Here you will find the National Institute for Health and Welfare's home care instructions for the influenza A(H1N1) and when to seek medical care:
www.ktl.fi/portal/english/research__people___programs/bacterial_
and_inflammatory_diseases/home_care_instructions_for_influenza_a_h1n1_v_
and_when_to_seek_medical_care/

Incoming exchange students:

Health Care Insurance:
Please, ensure that you, and your belongings, are sufficiently insured during your entire stay in Finland. Hanken is not able to take any responsibility for exchange students in case of illness or accident. Do not forget to contact your insurance company at home and buy your insurance before you take off to Finland. ( www.hanken.fi/student/en/registrationpreparation#document6)

General information about the influenza:

• World Health Organization: www.euro.who.int
• European Centre for Disease and Control www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/Health_topics/novel_influenza_virus/2009_Outbreak/

Information about the influenza and the situation in Finland:

• The Ministry for Social Affairs and Health: www.stm.fi

When at Hanken and you get ill:

• The Student Health Care Service have issued instructions for students in case swine flu is suspected:
  • www.fshs.fi
• Contact details to the Student Health Care Service:
  • www.fshs.fi/netcomm/default.asp?strLAN=EN - Health Centres and Contact Information .
  • Tel: 046 710 1000
    Please follow the instructions given by the Student Health Care Service.
• In Finland The National Institute for Health and Welfare has published the following home care instructions
  • www.ktl.fi/portal/english/research__people___programs/bacterial_and_
    inflammatory_diseases/home_care_instructions_for_influenza_a_h1n1_v_
    and_when_to_seek_medical_care/
    Or www.thl.fi -> Influenza A (H1N1) -> Home care instructions for influenza A (H1N1) and when to seek medical care
• Please do not come to Hanken if you suspect that you are infected or if you are already ill.
• Please contact the Centre for Research and International Affairs by e-mail or by telephone ( incoming.mobility@hanken.fi, + 358 40 3521 209 or + 358 40 3521 312) to inform us about your situation (if you suspect that you have been infected or if you have already been diagnosed with the flu) or if you need assistance.