Public health measures

The transmission of influenza during an epidemic or pandemic can be limited through the implementation of individual and societal measures. Good communication and information are critical to encourage implementation.

At an individual level, public health measures such as hand-washing and cough etiquette can be useful in limiting influenza infection.

At a societal level, a number of public health interventions, such as school closures and managing mass gatherings, can also contribute to the mitigation and control of transmission of influenza between individuals, households and across societies.

Public health measures are non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce transmission of infectious diseases including influenza. They can be implemented at individual, community and social levels.