CDC Publishes Pre-Pandemic Guide

Interim community mitigation strategies now online.

Published February 2007 The CDC has posted guidelines for pandemic preparedness based on nonpharmaceutical intervention methods.

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.