Efficient network immunization strategy based on generalized Herfindahl–Hirschman index

Abstract The topic of finding effective strategies to restrain epidemic spreading in complex networks is current interest. A widely used approach for containment the fragmentation contact through immunization. However, due limitation immune resources, we cannot always fragment network completely. In this study, based on size distribution connected components network, designed a risk indicator outbreaks, generalized Herfindahl–Hirschman index (GHI), which measures upper bound expected infection’s prevalence (the fraction infected nodes) random outbreaks. An immunization minimizing GHI developed reduce infection individuals network. Experimental results show that our strategy could effectively decrease as compared other existing strategies, especially against infectious diseases with higher rates or lower recovery rates. findings provide an efficient and practicable diseases.