Columbia University Pandemic Flu Response

This website provides information about Columbia University's plans in the event of a pandemic. As of November 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) was coordinating the global response to an outbreak of mild human cases of swine Influenza A (H1N1) in the United States and internationally.

The still-evolving avian Influenza A (H5N1) situation does not currently pose a risk to U.S. residents; the WHO continues to monitor global developments. However, seasonal influenza outbreaks do occur each year, and we recommend that all members of the Columbia community familiarize themselves with flu prevention guidelines.

What is the Flu?

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

• Fever (up to 104 degrees) with sweating and/or 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, and is most commonly caused by other non-influenza viruses and/or bacteria that preferentially cause symptoms in the human gastrointestinal tract.

How Flu Spreads

Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing, sneezing and speaking. They usually spread through close person-to-person contact, though occasionally people may 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 one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. 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

Swine Influenza A(H1N1) has been identified in New York City, the U.S., and many other countries. If you are experiencing influenza-like symptoms, you should consult your health care provider (members of the Columbia community may use the phone numbers at right) who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are ill, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

There may be medications available to relieve symptoms and prevent serious flu complications. Antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 48 hours of 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.