Prevention
People who are already visibly sick with influenza can spread the virus. However, people who do not appear to be sick may be infected and spreading virus. This is because people often do not show symptoms of infection until 1 to 2 days after they have become infected. Virus can be spread in two ways: by respiratory droplets and by touching an infected surface and then touching ones face.
A vaccine will be the most effective way to limit spread of influenza in a community. However, given the limitations of current production methods, it is unlikely that a vaccine will be available for at least 6 months after a pandemic starts. Even when it is available, it may not be a good match with the strain of influenza that is circulating at that time. Further, even if it is a good match, flu vaccines typically only "take", ie, generate an immune response, in about 70-90% of those vaccinated. If a large percent of the population is vaccinated, this may be sufficient to generate "herd" immunity. This means that so many people are immune that even if your vaccine do not "take" you are unlikely to get infected.
To find out where to get a pandemic H1N1 Influenza A vaccine in the United States, go to the US State Vaccine page.
Because, flu vaccine production is so limited that it is unlikely that there will be sufficient vaccine for most people, even after 6 months. Thus, methods other than vaccination will need to be considered to avoid getting sick during a pandemic. There are several ways to avoid becoming sick with pandemic flu. The only certain way to avoid infection with an influenza virus is to shelter-in-place (SIP). This means to stay in your home for the duration of a pandemic wave (expected to last 6-12 weeks) and not have contact with anyone outside. This method requires substantial stockpiling of food and other necessities. Check the Individual/Family Preparedness page for more information.
For essential workers, shelter-in-place may not be an option. There are other strategies these individuals can employ to decrease their odds of getting sick.
One of the simplest methods is to practice good hand hygeine. Hands should be kept clean with soap and water and wiped with an alcohol (at least 60%) containing product frequently, especially after touching something that someone else may have touched and before meals. Touching ones face should be avoided. This will decrease the odds of infection through contact with virus on surfaces, but will not prevent infection via respiratory droplets.
One way to avoid the danger of respiratory droplets is avoid close contact with other people. In most cases, it is thought that the flu virus spreads 3-6 feet on large droplets. By practicing social distancing, staying 6 feet away from other people, the risk of infection is predicted to decrease. However, there is evidence that influenza viruses can some times travel much greater distances as aerosals. Thus, social distancing may not be sufficient to eliminate the risk of infection.
The anti-viral drug Tamiflu can be taken before exposure (prophylaxis). Although this method has not been proven to work, there is reason to believe that Tamiflu will prevent replication of virus in an exposed individual thus protecting him from illness. Although some Tamilfu is being stockpiled, most of this is likely to be used for treatment rather than prevention.
Another strategy to avoid infection is to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This will include a mask or respirator. Although this subject is controversial, most experts agree that risk of infection will be less with the highest level of respiratory protection. N95 respirators are likely to be recommended for health care workers during a pandemic. However, some feel that higher levels of protection, such a N100 respirators or PPARs, are warranted.