Columbia University Pandemic Flu Response

How is the University responding to the 2009 H1N1 outbreak?

The Pandemic Preparedness Working Group (PPWG) re-convened in spring 2009 when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued the first alert.

Since then, the PPWG has directed the announcements and updates on this Preparedness website;  the University has made hand sanitizer available in public areas such as  customer service desks, dining halls and campus computing labs; signs encouraging handwashing and cough/sneeze etiquette have been posted around campus; and students, faculty, staff, and families have received emails with updates on the situation.

The PPWG and University leadership are working to make as much information available to the Columbia community as possible, while ensuring the contingency plans it has implemented remain appropriate to the needs of the community. 

The University’s preparedness plan is consistent with the CDC's recommendation that postsecondary institutions of higher education take steps that will protect community members from the H1N1 flu. Columbia University has developed and implemented  effective systems to help communicate up-to-date information in the event of a pandemic or other emergency to students, faculty, staff and families. For additional information, please see the Planning and Response section of this website.

If I am ill, what should I do?

If you become ill while you are at Columbia, please remember it is important for you to avoid attending classes, work and public activities until you are well again. The CDC recommends that you remain in your residence for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever. (Note: It is most accurate to check your temperature after you have discontinued the use of Tylenol or Motrin.)

If you are a student, please contact Health Services at Columbia, 212-854-2284 and a nurse will be available to speak with you and provide advice on how to seek appropriate care.  Faculty and staff are encouraged to be in touch with their personal healthcare providers.

If you are a Columbia student and you are too ill to attend classes, you should immediately contact your academic adviser to make alternate arrangements for missed coursework.

How long should I stay in my room or at home before going back to class or work?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is recommended that a person with flu-like illness remain in their residence hall room or at home until 24 hours after no longer experiencing fever (note that it is most accurate to check your temperature when you have not just taken fever-reducing medications, such as Tylenol or Motrin).

What are some on-campus resources available for ill students?

If you are a student experiencing flu-like illness, there are several plans and procedures in place at Columbia to take the best possible care of any student, such as providing facemasks and delivering meals to ill residential students.

A student on the Morningside campus should contact Health Services at 212-854-2284, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A nurse will be available to speak to you about seeking appropriate care, and also advise you when you are well enough to resume participation in normal academic activities.

At Columbia University Medical Center, students should contact the Student Health Service at 212-305-3400.

In addition, the Health Services staff can provide undergraduate students who live in residence halls and have a meal plan with a number to call in Housing and Dining Services to ask about other resources you might need while you are ill.