In its "Take Three Actions to Fight Flu" campaign, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines its strategy for the prevention and control of influenza. Widely regarded as a nuisance more than a life-threatening illness, influenza represents a significant public health problem in terms of doctor visits and days missed from school and work. In addition, for the more than 200,000 people hospitalized and 36,000 who die from influenza each year, influenza is no laughing matter.
Vaccination
The CDC lists "take time to get a flu vaccine" at the top of its list of strategies for the prevention and control of influenza because it can reduce the risk of getting sick by 70 percent to 90 percent in healthy adults. Vaccination of healthy people also helps protect vulnerable or weaker people so they can mount an effective response to the vaccine on their own.
Everyday Preventive Actions for Healthy People
Number two on the list is what the CDC calls "everyday preventive actions." These consist of good health habits such as covering the nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when sneezing or coughing; handwashing before and after handling the nose, mouth or eyes; and paying attention to public health advisories on topics such as avoiding crowds.
Everyday Preventive Actions for Sick People
The CDC urges people who are sick to stay at home, except for essentials such as doctor visits, until 24 hours after their body temperatures have returned to normal without the use of fever-controlling medication. At home, create a "sick room" to avoid spreading the virus throughout the house and to other family members. Items such as dishes and linens that are used by the sick person should be cleaned before they are returned to routine household use.
Antiviral Drugs: Prevention
Two prescription antiviral drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, are FDA-approved for the prevention of influenza. In asymptomatic people with suspected exposure to the virus or people at high risk of influenza-related complications, the drug may be taken at half the usual dosage for 10 days, or up to six weeks, as directed by a physician.
Antiviral Drugs: Control
Tamiflu and Relenza also help control influenza in people who are already infected by reducing the severity of symptoms and decreasing the likelihood of influenza-related complications. For maximum effectiveness, the drugs should be initiated as soon as possible after the appearance of symptoms.
