Columbia University Pandemic Flu Response

What is the Flu?

This website provides information about Columbia University's plans in the event of a pandemic. At present, there is no pandemic, and the commonly discussed avian flu (or "bird flu") does not pose a risk to U.S. residents. However, seasonal influenza outbreaks do occur each year, and we recommend that all members of the Columbia community familiarize themselves with flu prevention guidelines.

The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that spreads from person to person by droplets from coughing, sneezing or speaking. The period between exposure to the virus and becoming ill is usually 1 to 4 days. Symptoms of the flu are:

• Fever (up to 104 degrees) and sweating/chills
• Headache, muscle aches and/or stiffness
• Shortness of breath
• Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting (more common in children)

A cold and flu are alike in many ways. A stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing are usually signs of a cold. However, it is unusual for a cold sufferer to have a high fever, and a cold comes on much more gradually than the flu, which hits like the proverbial truck. Remember, too, that the so-called "stomach flu" is not really the flu at all, as there are no respiratory symptoms, but is likely caused by a gastrointestinal virus.

How Flu Spreads

Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing, sneezing and speaking. They usually spread from close person-to-person contact, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, eyes or nose.

Healthy adults infected with the virus may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and until their illness is over. This means that the flu can be spread to someone else before the infected person becomes sick, as well as during the illness.

Get Help if You are Sick

If symptoms of the flu develop, contact a healthcare provider. There may be medications to relieve symptoms. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.

The flu can be debilitating, causing the person who is ill to be bedridden for extended periods. Be alert to the well-being of friends, relatives and co-workers; those with the flu may need assistance in getting medical attention and care.

Those at special risk from complications of flu should consult a healthcare provider immediately upon recognizing flu symptoms. People at risk include those who are 65 years or older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and very young children.