The best protection against pandemic influenza—a vaccine that is well-matched to the virus causing illness—is not likely to be available at the outset of a pandemic. Community strategies that do not involve vaccines or medications (also called non-pharmaceutical interventions) may serve as a first line of defense to help delay or mitigate the spread of influenza.
Mitigation guidelines issued by the CDC (February 2007) include social distancing strategies to reduce contact between people:
- closing schools
- canceling public gatherings
- planning for liberal work leave policies
- teleworking strategies
- voluntary isolation of cases
- voluntary quarantine of household contacts
The guidance was developed through a collaborative process that included public health officials, mathematical modelers, researchers, and stakeholders from government, academia, private industry, education, and civic and faith-based organizations. It will be refined as needed based on further knowledge gained from research, exercises, and practical experience.
The full document: Interim Pre-pandemic Planning Guidance: Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation in the United States - Early Targeted Layered use of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions is available at
Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation
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Last revised: February 06, 2007