On Apr. 21, 2017, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published updated guidelines for use of non-pharmaceutical measures to help prevent spread of pandemic influenza based on latest scientific evidence. The Guidelines explained why nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) should be used during a flu pandemic, summarize key lessons learned from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic response.

When a novel influenza A virus with pandemic potential emerges, NPIs often are the most readily available interventions to help slow transmission of the virus in communities, which is especially important before a pandemic vaccine becomes widely available. NPIs, also known as community mitigation measures, are actions that persons and communities can take to help slow the spread of respiratory virus infections, including seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses.

The 2017 Guidelines replaced the 2007 Interim Pre-pandemic Planning Guidance: Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation in the U.S.