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.