What community mitigation actions would health officials recommend to help limit the spread of pandemic flu?

Health officials will recommend various community mitigation actions depending on the severity of the pandemic.  One or more actions may be needed.

In all pandemics, health officials will recommend that:

• People sick with influenza should stay home and away from work and the community. They may be given antiviral drugs as treatment for the illness.
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• Everyone practice good health habits:
  • Washing hands with soap and water before eating, drinking, or touching the face (or using an alcohol-based hand gel if soap and water are not available).
  • Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, not with hands.
  • Washing hands or using alcohol-based hand gel after coughing or sneezing.
  • Throwing used tissues away in a trash can.
  • Wearing facemasks when in crowded settings (See the recommendations for the use of face masks and respirators at www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/maskguidancecommunity.html)
  • Avoid crowded situations as much as possible.

In addition to the above community mitigation actions, in a severe pandemic, health officials may recommend that:

• Household members stay home if anyone in the household is sick with pandemic flu. Some household members who are well may be given antiviral drugs or vaccine to prevent illness. They may be asked to wear an N95 respirator (a type of mask that fits snugly on the face and covers the mouth and nose to minimize breathing in small particles floating in the air) while caring for someone who is sick.
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• Students stay home from school. Childcare and after-school programs close. Parents protect their children and teenagers by reducing out-of-school social contacts.
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• Businesses allow some people to work from home, change their work hours, or take other actions to limit contact between people at work.
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• People avoid public gathering places, such as theaters and shopping malls. Places of worship, may be closed. Events such as sporting events and concerts may be delayed or cancelled.
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• Individuals who are feeling well may wear a facemask if they need to be in a crowded place. (See the recommendations for the use of face masks and respirators at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/maskguidancecommunity.html.) 

Related Questions:

• What is community mitigation for a flu pandemic?
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• What are non-pharmaceutical interventions as part of a community mitigation?

Last Updated: 12/15/2008