Columbia University Health Services

As you prepare for the start of the fall term, we want you to remember four important steps in the event that you become ill during flu season.

1) If you have flu-like illness, such as such as persistent fever combined with muscle aches, cough or sore throat, please stay home and avoid attending classes and public activities until you are well again.

• If your family lives within commuting distance, it's best for you to recuperate at home.
• If you stay on campus, you should remain in your residence hall room or apartment.

In either case, the CDC recommends that you remain in your residence for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever. (Note: It's most accurate to check your temperature after you have discontinued the use of Tylenol or Motrin.)

2) Contact Health Services at Columbia, 212-854-2284. A nurse will evaluate your condition and recommend how to seek appropriate care, and also advise when you will be well enough to resume participation in normal academic and campus activities.

3) Arrange for meal delivery.
Mandatory Dining Plan holders who have been evaluated by Health Services as having influenza can arrange for meal delivery when they call 212.854.2284. If requested, Dining Services will deliver two meals, brunch and dinner, to your room in a thermal bag.

Otherwise, students are advised to use Off-Campus Flex to order meal delivery. You can add money to a Flex Account through SSOL (https://ssol.columbia.edu) at anytime from your room.

Off-Campus Flex merchants that deliver (http://www.columbia.edu/cu/dining/docs/meal-plans-flex/flex_locations.html] include Havana Central, Panino Sportivo and over 40 other eateries through Campusfood.com, including:

• Soup: Soup Stop
• French: Café Du Soleil
• Italian: Che Bella Pizza
• Chinese: Columbia Cottage
• Kosher: Café Nana
  

4) To learn more about the University's plan, tips for flu prevention and timely updates, visit the University's Preparedness website.