Guidance on Respiratory Illness

Columbia Health has updated its approach to managing respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These updates align with the latest guidance for respiratory viruses from the New York State Department of Health. While these illnesses can occur year-round, they tend to be more common during colder months. In the U.S., respiratory illness season typically begins in October, peaks in February, and tapers off by May.

Students 

What to Do If You're Sick

If you have been diagnosed with a respiratory illness or are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, follow these New York State Department of Health guidelines:

  1. Stay at home and continue isolating until:
    • Symptoms are improving, and
    • You are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
  2. After leaving isolation, take additional precautions for the next five days. It’s still possible to spread a respiratory illness in the absence of symptoms or when symptoms are improving. These additional measures can help to protect others:
    • Continue to maintain physical distance from others, where possible.
    • Wear a protective mask or face covering.
    • Continue to practice good hygiene, including cleaning high-touch areas, washing your hands frequently, and covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.
    • Take steps to support proper air circulation and access to cleaner air.

What to Do If You Need Clinical Support

Students registered at the Morningside or Manhattanville campus or Teachers College can contact Medical Services by calling (212) 854-7426 and selecting extension 4. For emergencies (e.g., chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe injury), students should call Public Safety at (212) 854-5555 to request assistance and no-cost ambulatory transport to the nearest emergency room through CUEMS.

Testing

Columbia Health only offers testing if you’re experiencing symptoms. If you’re interested in at-home testing, antigen tests (also known as rapid tests) can produce results within minutes and can be performed at home.

If you’re experiencing mild or no symptoms, get adequate rest and drink plenty of fluids. If you have a fever that lasts more than a few days, you may contact Medical Services for guidance. When clinically appropriate, a provider may order Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs), such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for diagnostic purposes.

Campus Housing Guidance

Students diagnosed with a respiratory illness may remain in student housing but should take the following precautions to protect others:

  • Wear a mask in shared spaces.
  • Use a separate bathroom if possible; otherwise, maintain distance, disinfect surfaces, and try to access during off-peak hours.
  • Improve ventilation (e.g., open windows).
  • Avoid sharing personal items like towels and utensils.
  • Maintain distance from others.
  • Contact a medical provider if symptoms worsen.

These precautions can also be applied by students living with others in off-campus housing.

Accessing Food While Sick

If you’re on a dining plan or picking up food from a local food vendor, coordinate with a friend, roommate, or a resident advisor to pick up food for you. If this is not an option, you may still visit the dining or food vendor during off-peak periods to get food to go. Always wear a mask, maintain distance from others, avoid touching surfaces, and sanitize your hands before and after going to the dining hall or vendor. 

If you’re ordering from food delivery apps, practice precautions when leaving your space to pick up food. When picking up food from the security desk or front door, wear a high-quality mask and avoid contact with the delivery person or security personnel. You may also consider contactless delivery, if it’s available.

Managing Academics During Isolation

Consult your course syllabus for the make-up policy for illness and other excused absences. If you’re feeling well enough to engage in the classroom, you may also inquire about remote participation.

You don’t have to disclose your diagnosis when seeking accommodations. You can register with Disability Services and discuss the accommodations you may need.

Emotional Well-Being and University Resources

Feeling unwell can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Remember that there is an entire community here to support you—from roommates and friends to advisors and campus services. Reach out to resources in our community while you recover.

Faculty and Staff 

The University continues to strongly recommend that affiliates stay home if they feel unwell and isolate if they test positive for a respiratory illness such as COVID-19.

Columbia Health does not provide PCR or rapid tests for faculty and staff.  

Please refer to Human Resources or your specific school or department for policies on accommodations and returning to work.