Which of the following is not a prevention strategy for influenza?

• A. Vaccination
• B. Hand hygiene and respiratory precautions
• C. Antiviral chemoprophylaxis
• D. Routine antibiotics for prevention

Answer: (D)

Influenza prevention focuses on reducing infection risk and transmission. Vaccination is central because it elicits protective antibodies and lowers the chances of illness and its severity, with updates each year to match circulating strains. Hand hygiene and respiratory precautions (like masking and covering coughs) help prevent spread via droplets and contact. Antiviral chemoprophylaxis can be used in specific high-risk situations or outbreak settings to prevent infection for a limited period, but it isn’t a routine measure for the general population. Routine antibiotics, on the other hand, do not prevent influenza since it is caused by a virus; antibiotics target bacteria and can drive resistance if used unnecessarily.