Public health and social measures (PHSM) are non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented by individuals, communities and governments during health emergencies to reduce the risk and extent of infectious disease transmission. PHSM help prevent and control outbreaks by reducing exposure to pathogens or making situations where exposure may occur safer.

PHSM are often the first, and sometimes the only, interventions available in the early stages of an influenza pandemic, when effective vaccines and therapeutics are not yet available or equitably accessible. They also play a critical role throughout the different stages of health emergencies, complementing medical countermeasures when available.