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

Read the full document on the CDC's website: Interim Pre-pandemic Planning Guidance: Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation in the United States - Early Targeted Layered use of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions.