Prevention and Vaccines

Simple measures have been shown to reduce the risk of transmission of influenza. These include frequent hand washing with soap and water or disinfection with alcohol. People should try to avoid touching their face or mucous membranes.

The virus can live about two hours on surfaces that become contaminated. During coughs and sneezes, the mouth should be covered with a tissue or hand. In areas with confirmed cases, it is best to minimize nonessential exposure to crowds. Sick people should stay home whenever possible.

If a person has been exposed to a confirmed case of swine influenza, a physician may recommend a course of medications to reduce the risk of disease. This is called "prophylaxis."

In settings where there are large numbers of confirmed cases, prophylaxis may also be recommended for people with chronic medical conditions that put them at risk for complications. The CDC has issued guidelines for prophylaxis for swine influenza in special circumstances

There is no vaccine currently available for the 2009 swine influenza virus. The 2008-2009 human influenza vaccine probably does not provide protection against the swine influenza virus.

However, the CDC and World Health Organization are already working on a specific vaccine which could be available in the next few months. By that time, more information will be available to guide official recommendations about who should receive the vaccine.