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Coping with the Flu

As you prepare for the start of the fall term, we want you to remember four important steps in the event that you become ill during fluseason.

1) If you have flu-like illness, such as persistent fever combined with muscle aches, cough, or sore throat, please stay home and avoid attending classes and public activities until you are well again.

· If your family lives within commuting distance, it’s best for you to recuperate at home.

· If you stay on campus, you should remain in your residence hall room or apartment.

In either case, the CDC recommends that you remain in your residence for at least 24 hours after you nolonger have a fever. (Note: It’s most accurate to check your temperature afteryou have discontinued the use of Tylenol or Motrin.)

2) Contact Health Services at Columbia, 212-854-2284. A nurse will evaluate your condition and recommend how to seek appropriate care, and also advise you when you will be well enough to resume participation in normal academic and campus activities.

3) Arrange for meal delivery. Mandatory Dining Plan holders who have been evaluated by Health Services as having influenza can arrange for meal delivery when they call 212.854.2284. If requested, Dining Services will deliver two meals, brunch and dinner, to your room in a thermal bag.

Otherwise, students are advised to use Off-Campus Flex to order meal delivery. You can add money to a Flex Account through SSOL at anytime from your room.

Off-Campus Flex merchants that deliver  include Havana Central, Panino Sportivo and over 40 other eateries through Campusfood.com, including:

Soup: Soup Stop

French: Café Du Soleil

Italian: Che Bella Pizza

Chinese: Columbia Cottage

Kosher: Café Nana

4) To learn more about the University's plan, tips for flu prevention, and timely updates, visit the University's Preparedness website.

Customer Service Center
118 Hartley Hall - (212) 854-2775

Hospitality Desk
Hartley Lobby - (212) 854-2779

General Inquiries
housing@columbia.edu