Influenza prevention strategy: Social distancing Published Oct. 2, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Kyle Stringer 42nd Medical Group MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Prevention is vital for protecting yourself, as well as your family and co-workers from influenza during the upcoming influenza season. One prevention strategy recommended by the Centers for Disease Control is "Social Distancing." Distancing guidance is based on scientific knowledge that the influenza virus is spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact. The overall goal of social distancing is to maintain at least a three-foot boundary between you and others whenever possible. Distancing examples include avoiding crowded work settings and large face-to-face staff meetings through the increased use of teleconferences. If this option is not possible, choose a larger meeting location that allows attendees to occupy every other seat, thereby maintaining the three-foot exclusion zone around each participant. Additionally, avoid direct physical contact such as shaking hands, hugging and kissing as these actions increase your chances of exposure to influenza and other communicable diseases. Other prevention strategies such as hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes, as well as frequent use of hand sanitizer, should be practiced in conjunction with social distancing to reduce the risk of influenza transmission. Following these simple strategies can greatly increase your chances of staying healthy during this year's influenza season.