Columbia University Pandemic Flu Response

At any given time, infectious disease outbreaks may be affecting parts of the world where University students, faculty or staff are considering in their travel plans. It is important, therefore, to check World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. State Department for travel advisories when first planning travel itineraries as well as shortly before planned departure. The CDC's website, listed below, along with travel restrictions and cautions, includes helpful information about how to protect yourself against exposure to infectious agents when traveling.

Planning for International Travel

As of November 2009, the CDC recommends that travelers at high risk for complications from any form of flu should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to carefully review the H1N1 flu situation in their destination and the available healthcare options in the area.

As of November 2009, the CDC has not advised any restrictions on travel related to the risk of H5N1 flu. Before traveling internationally, please review up-to-date information provided below.

If an area has a travel advisory or warning in effect regarding either the H1N1 or H5N1 flu, the safest course is to avoid traveling there unless absolutely necessary.

For more international travel health information, see:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Travel Advisory (H1N1 Virus)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Travel Advisory (H5N1 Virus)
• U.S. Department of State - Travel Alerts (H1N1 Virus)
• U.S. Department of State - Travel Alerts (H5N1 Virus)