Vaccination is the principal way to prevent influenza and reduce the impact of epidemics. Find more information on vaccination in the box.

Antiviral drugs are effective for both the prevention and early treatment of influenza, if administered within 48 hours following the onset of illness. During normal seasonal epidemics, antivirals help to reduce the medical and economic burden of influenza. Their use can reduce the duration of uncomplicated disease and the likelihood of complications requiring antimicrobial treatment and possibly hospitalization. Less certain, due to lack of studies, is their ability to reduce serious complications and mortality in groups at highest risk, including the elderly and people with underlying disease.

In severe influenza, admission to hospital, intensive care, antibiotic therapy to prevent secondary infection and breathing support may be required.

Key points to avoid influenza 

Anyone with signs and symptoms of respiratory infection should keep their distance from others and practice good respiratory hygiene to prevent droplet transmission:

• cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing; 
• use paper tissues to contain respiratory secretions and dispose of them in the nearest waste receptacle after use; and
• wash hands after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects or materials.