What to know
Community mitigation aims to slow the spread of a novel influenza A virus in communities through the use of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and through travel and border health measures.
Purpose
In the absence of medications or vaccines, community mitigation measures are the first line of defense against highly transmissible infectious diseases.
They can be used from the earliest stages of an influenza pandemic. This includes initial months when the most effective countermeasure – a vaccine against the new pandemic virus – may not yet be available.
Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are readily available actions and response measures. People and communities can take them to help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like influenza.
NPIs that should be practiced by all people at all times are particularly important during a pandemic. They are called "everyday preventive actions" and include:
- Staying home when sick
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Frequent handwashing
- Routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and objects
Community-level NPIs may be added during pandemics to help reduce social contacts between people in schools, workplaces, and community settings include:
- Dismissing schools temporarily
- Providing telework options
- Postponing large gatherings
Additional Resources
NPI Resources
NPI communications and education materials to promote the use of NPIs.