In its "Take Three Actions to Fight Flu" campaign, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines what it believes are the three best options for the control of influenza. Influenza poses a significant public health problem in terms of doctor visits and lost productivity. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die each year because of influenza and influenza-related complications.
Vaccination
"Get a flu vaccine" is item no. 1 on the CDC's list of options to control influenza. Vaccination can reduce the risk of getting sick by 70 to 90 percent for healthy adults. People who are at high risk for complications of influenza such as the elderly, young children and people with chronic medical problems may not respond as effectively to the vaccine. Vaccination of healthy people helps protect these people, too, however, through a phenomenon known as the "herd effect."
Everyday Preventive Actions
The CDC endorses "everyday preventive actions". These consist of behaviors such as covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, washing hands before and after handling the nose, mouth or eyes, and adhering to public health advisories on school closures and places to avoid. Perhaps most importantly, people who are sick themselves should stay home except for getting essentials such as medical care until at least 24 hours after fever has resolved.
Antiviral Drugs
Two antiviral drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, are FDA-approved for prevention and treatment of influenza. Taken before the onset of symptoms, these drugs can prevent a person from getting sick. Taken up to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, they may reduce the severity of symptoms and the subsequent risk of flu-related complications. In case of shortages, antiviral drugs may be reserved for high-risk patients.
