Columbia University Pandemic Flu Response

Announcements Archive

Announcements Archive

23 October 2009

As H1N1 vaccine distribution plans gain increased attention in the New York area, we want to update you with what we know.  


   		 The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) is finalizing shipment plans for H1N1 vaccine. While we don’t have an exact date, we expect to have the information soon.

Once Columbia’s healthcare officials have been informed, we will share the information with the community. In the meantime, we want to remind you that Seasonal flu vaccine is available:

Morningside - Health Services continues to host Seasonal Flu Shot Fairs (please visit the Health Services website for dates, times and locations).

CUMC – Seasonal flu vaccine is available for students in Student Health Services and for faculty and staff in Workforce Health & Safety.
seasonal flu shot 
 

We continue to monitor the swine influenza A(H1N1) situation closely. As cases continue to increase locally and internationally, we urge students, faculty, staff and visitors to practice preventive hygiene efforts to limit the spread of disease (see below for link to prevention tips).

If you experience persistent fever, fatigue, cough or sore throat, we recommend you call your health care provider for an evaluation of your symptoms.

Remember, if you are not feeling well or have flu-like symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend staying home from work, school,  public events and large gatherings (self-isolate) to ensure the health and well-being of yourself and others. 

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.)

what students need to know
Columbia’s response to H1N1 has been ongoing since the initial outbreak in the spring. The University continues to take steps to keep the Columbia community healthy and safe by preparing contingency plans; updating this informational website regularly; and posting educational fliers throughout campus.

Currently, there are no changes to University operations or activities.

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Here are some educational fliers for your use:

22 October 2009

As we move into the fall and winter months, Columbia University continues to monitor the swine influenza A (H1N1) situation very closely and urge students, faculty, staff and visitors to practice preventive hygiene efforts to limit the possible spread of disease. An increasing number of cases of H1N1 flu are being reported nationally as well as in the New York City area. 

seasonal flu shot    The University recommends getting vaccinated for the seasonal flu shot. Please visit the Health Services website for a complete list of the seasonal Flu Shot Fairs.

The single best way to prevent the spread of illness is to get a flu vaccination. As you may know, the  U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved four vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, and expects to begin distribution in October. The University has been working with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC-DOHMH) to make the H1N1 vaccine available to the Columbia community.  As soon as we have information outlining the distribution guidelines for the H1N1 vaccine, we will immediately share that information with the Columbia community.

 If you experience persistent fever, fatigue, cough or sore throat, we recommend you call your healthcare provider for an evaluation of your symptoms. If you experience persistent fever, fatigue, cough or sore throat, we recommend you call your healthcare provider for an evaluation of your symptoms.

Remember, if you are not feeling well or have flu-like symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend staying home from work, school or public events and large gatherings to ensure the health and well-being of yourself and others.

what students need to know

  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.)

Columbia's response to H1N1 has been ongoing since the initial outbreak in spring. The University has taken steps to keep the Columbia community healthy and safe by preparing contingency plans; updating this informational website regularly; posting educational fliers; and providing hand sanitizer in public gathering places, such as computer labs, dining areas and customer service desks. Currently, there are no changes to University operations or activities.

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Here are some educational fliers for your use:

Announcements Archive

1 October 2009

 

As we move into the fall and winter months, Columbia University continues to monitor the swine influenza A (H1N1) situation very closely and urge students, faculty, staff and visitors to practice preventive hygiene efforts to limit the possible spread of disease. An increasing number of cases of H1N1 flu are being reported nationally as well as in the New York City area.

The single best way to prevent the spread of illness is to get a flu vaccination. As you may know, the  U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved four vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, and expects to begin distribution in October. The University has been working with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC-DOHMH) to make the H1N1 vaccine available to the Columbia community.  As soon as we have information outlining the distribution guidelines for the H1N1 vaccine, we will immediately share that information with the Columbia community.

The University also recommends getting vaccinated for the seasonal flu shot. Please visit the Health Services website for a complete list of the seasonal Flu Shot Fairs.  what students need to know

If you experience persistent fever, fatigue, cough or sore throat, we recommend you call your healthcare provider for an evaluation of your symptoms. If you experience persistent fever, fatigue, cough or sore throat, we recommend you call your healthcare provider for an evaluation of your symptoms.

Remember, if you are not feeling well or have flu-like symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend staying home from work, school or public events and large gatherings to ensure the health and well-being of yourself and others.  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.)

Columbia's response to H1N1 has been ongoing since the initial outbreak in spring. The University has taken steps to keep the Columbia community healthy and safe by preparing contingency plans; updating this informational website regularly; posting educational fliers; and providing hand sanitizer in public gathering places, such as computer labs, dining areas and customer service desks. Currently, there are no changes to University operations or activities.

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Here are some educational fliers for your use:

Announcements Archive

23 September 2009

 

As we start the fall 2009 term, Columbia wants to share some important information about staying healthy during flu and cold season. As you may know, cases of swine Influenza A (H1N1) are still being reported nationally as well as in the New York City area.  Most of these cases have been reported as mild.

Columbia's response to H1N1 has been ongoing since the initial outbreak in spring.

For information about the seasonal flu shot fairs, visit the Health Services website.

University health experts are monitoring the H1N1 situation very closely and continue to urge students, faculty, staff and visitors to practice preventive hygiene efforts to limit the potential spread of disease.
 what students need to know

Currently, there are no changes to University operations or activities.  

If you experience persistent fever, fatigue, cough or sore throat, we recommend you call your healthcare provider for an evaluation of your symptoms.

Remember, if you are not feeling well or have flu-like symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend staying home from work, school or public events and large gatherings to ensure the health and well-being of yourself and others.  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.)

The University has taken steps to keep the Columbia community healthy and safe by preparing contingency plans; updating this informational website regularly; posting educational fliers; and providing hand sanitizer in public gathering places, such as computer labs, dining areas and customer service desks.

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Here are some educational fliers for your use:

19 August 2009


As of June 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded its pandemic alert to Phase 6 for swine Influenza A (H1N1), which is characterized by significant outbreaks in a number of countries.

University health experts are monitoring the situation very closely and continue to urge students, faculty, staff and visitors to practice prevention and hygiene efforts to limit the potential spread of disease. Currently, there are no changes to University operations or activities.

Remember, if you are not feeling well or have flu-like symptoms, we strongly recommend staying home from work, school or public events and large gatherings to ensure the health and well-being of yourself and others. If you experience persistent fever, combined with muscle aches or fatigue, we recommend you call your healthcare provider for an evaluation of symptoms.

As you may know, a small number of cases of mild flu-like illness have been reported at Columbia. The University has taken steps to keep the Columbia community healthy and safe by updating this informational website regularly; posting educational fliers; and providing hand sanitizer in public gathering places, such as computer labs, dining areas and customer service desks.

Here are some educational fliers for your use (download in English or Spanish):

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

Meanwhile, you may wish to read:

9 June 2009

As Columbia enters the summer term, a small number of flu-like cases have been reported, including a mild case under the care and direction of Health Services at Columbia. The student is expected to fully recover from the symptoms of the flu.

University health experts are monitoring the situation very closely and continue to urge students, faculty, staff and visitors to practice prevention and hygiene efforts to limit the potential spread of disease.

If you are not feeling well, we recommend staying home from work, school, public events or large gatherings to ensure the health and well-being of yourself and others. There are no changes to University operations at this time.

The University also has taken steps to keep the Columbia community healthy and safe by updating this informational website regularly; posting educational fliers; and providing hand sanitizer in public gathering places, such as computer labs, dining areas and customer service desks.

Here are some educational fliers for your use (download in English or Spanish):

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

Meanwhile, you may wish to read:

8 June 2009 

As Columbia enters the summer term, a small number of flu-like cases have been reported, and University health experts are monitoring the situation very closely. University leadership continues to urge students, faculty, staff and visitors to practice prevention and hygiene efforts to limit the potential spread of disease. 

The University also has taken steps to keep the Columbia community healthy and safe by updating this informational website regularly, posting flyers and providing hand sanitizer in public gathering places, such as computer labs, dining areas and customer service desks.

If you are not feeling welling, we recommend staying home from work, school, public events or large gatherings to ensure your health and well-being as well as for others. Currently, there are no changes to University operations at this time.

Here are some educational flyers for your use (download in English or in Spanish):

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

Meanwhile, you may wish to read:

22 May 2009

Columbia ended the 2008-09 school year and Commencement week with a small number of cases of flu-like illness.  We urge all faculty, staff and visitors to continue practicing preventive hygiene by following these tips.  

In the meantime, the University continues to monitor the situation closely. The University also continues efforts to limit the potential spread of disease by keeping this informational website current, posting flyers, and providing hand sanitizer in public gathering places, such as computer labs, dining areas and customer service desks.

As you may know, the School at Columbia, the K-8 school at 110th Street and Broadway, has decided to close today, Friday May 22, and will reopen Wednesday, May 27. The School, independently of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, is taking precautionary measures to ensure the good health of its students, parents and staff. The closure is not related to a confirmed outbreak of H1N1, but rather an increase in respiratory and other flu-like symptoms among students. 

As always, if you are not feeling well, the University recommends staying home from work, school, public events or large gatherings to ensure health and well being for yourself and others.

Here are some educational flyers for your use. Download in English or in Spanish:

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

Meanwhile, you may wish to read:

18 May 2009

As has been predicted by both local and national public health authorities, New York City continues to experience a gradually increasing number of mild cases of swine Influenza A (H1N1). Most recently, the New York City Department of Education has temporarily closed several public elementary and secondary schools in Queens and Brooklyn as a preventive measure. In addition, the first New York City fatality associated with the influenza outbreak was reported on May 17, involving an assistant principal reported to have had underlying medical conditions that may have placed him at increased risk of flu-related severe illness.

The University is monitoring the situation very closely and urges everyone to continue prevention and hygiene efforts to limit the potential spread of disease, including regular hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes.  If you are not feeling well, University leadership recommends staying home from work, school, public events or large gatherings to ensure health and well-being for you and others. There are no changes to University operations or events at this time, including Class Day or Commencement activities.

Download "Cover Your Cough" flyers (8.5 x 11") in English or Spanish:

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

Meanwhile, you may wish to read:

17 May 2009 (11:00 a.m.)

While new cases of Swine Influenza A(H1N1) continue to be reported in New York City, the United States and worldwide, the good news is that, as yet, Columbia and its affiliates have not seen a serious case of illness.

However, because of the number of cases worldwide, the World Health Organizations maintains its pandemic flu alert at Phase 5, which means there is a continuing concern about the spread of this disease. Therefore, members of the Columbia community are urged to continue prevention and hygiene efforts to limit the potential spread of disease.

Remember, if you have flu-like symptoms, we strongly urge you to remain home from work, school or public events and large gatherings, but if you have severe symptoms, please seek medical attention.

University leadership has stepped up flu awareness efforts with new flyers being posted in public areas; we are monitoring the situation closely. There are no changes to University operations or events at this time. Columbia will continue to look for additional opportunities to promote preventive hygiene. 

Download "Cover Your Cough" flyers (8.5 x 11") in English or Spanish:

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

Meanwhile, you may wish to read:

5 May 2009 (1:25 p.m.)

The World Health Organization (WHO) influenza pandemic alert remains at Phase 5.

Information on precautions is available on this website. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information on home care for influenza.

Download "Cover Your Cough" flyers (8.5 x 11") in English or Spanish:

Columbia will continue to follow the guidance of the CDC and other appropriate agencies in fashioning the University's responses to a matter of understandable public concern.

Currently, there are no changes to University operations or activities based on these public health advisories. The CDC has issued a recommendation to avoid non-essential travel to Mexico during this time.

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

Meanwhile, you may wish to read:

4 May 2009 (11:00 a.m.)

The World Health Organization (WHO) influenza pandemic alert remains at Phase 5.

Information on precautions is available on this website. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information on home care for influenza.  

Columbia will continue to follow the guidance of the CDC and other appropriate agencies in fashioning the University's responses to a matter of understandable public concern.

Currently, there are no changes to University operations or activities based on these public health advisories. The CDC has issued a recommendation to avoid non-essential travel to Mexico during this time.

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

Meanwhile, you may wish to read:

1 May 2009 (10:50 a.m.)

The World Health Organization (WHO) influenza pandemic alert is currently at Phase 5.

Information on precautions remains available on this website. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information on home care for influenza.  

If you are a student, faculty or staff member, and have persistent fever, combined with muscle aches or fatigue, please call us for evaluation of symptoms:

At the Morningside campus:
Students, faculty, or staff may call Health Services at Columbia, 212-854-2284.

At Columbia University Medical Center:
Students may call the Health Service, 212-305-3400.
Faculty and staff: Please call Workforce Health and Safety, 212-305-7580. (Please note that this is especially important if you have clinical responsibilities.)

Columbia will continue to follow the guidance of the CDC and other appropriate agencies in fashioning the University's responses to a matter of understandable public concern.

Currently, there are no changes to University operations or activities based on these public health advisories. The CDC has issued a recommendation to avoid non-essential travel to Mexico during this time.

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

Meanwhile, you may wish to read:

30 April 2009 (11:45 a.m.)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has upgraded the influenza pandemic alert from Phase 4 to Phase 5.

Information on precautions remains available on this website. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information on home care for influenza.  

Students, faculty, or staff with persistent fever, combined with muscle aches or fatigue, may call Health Services at Columbia, 212-854-2284 for evaluation of symptoms.

Columbia will continue to follow the guidance of the CDC and other appropriate agencies in fashioning the University's responses to a matter of understandable public concern.

Currently, there are no changes to University operations or activities based on these public health advisories. The CDC has issued a recommendation to avoid non-essential travel to Mexico during this time.

Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

Meanwhile, you may wish to read:

29 April 2009 (12:30 p.m.) 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed human cases of swine flu in 10 states and internationally.

CDC is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), state and local officials, and other health and animal officials, on the ongoing investigations into these cases.  

University leadership is actively monitoring the situation and will post further information as it becomes available. Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

Meanwhile, you may wish to read:

29 April 2009 (8:30 a.m.)

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed cases of swine flu in the United States.

Cases have been documented in five states and internationally, though the U.S. spread so far is not nearly as severe as it has been in Mexico. 

CDC is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), state and local officials, and other health and animal officials, on the ongoing investigations into these cases.

University leadership is actively monitoring the situation and will post further information as it becomes available. Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

Meanwhile, you may wish to read:

28 April 2009

Update: 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed cases of swine flu in the United States.

Cases have been documented in four states, though the situation so far is not nearly as severe as it has been in Mexico. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with similar swine influenza viruses.

CDC is working closely with state and local officials, and other health and animal officials, on investigations into these cases.

University leadership is actively monitoring the situation and will post further information as it becomes available. Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.

Meanwhile, you may wish to visit: