Long-Term Care Quick Start Guide: Preparing for Respiratory Virus Season
When respiratory viruses are spreading in the community, the risk for spread in long-term care (LTC) settings, including nursing homes, increases as well. Existing infection prevention and control measures can help prevent and slow the spread of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 to protect residents and staff. Preparing and responding to respiratory viruses in LTC settings requires a comprehensive approach that includes infection prevention, testing, vaccination, and treatment.
Below are some helpful CDC links to bookmark for the respiratory virus season.
Infection Prevention and Testing
Implement recommended infection prevention and control practices in the facility. Be aware when respiratory virus levels are increasing in the community and ensure access to respiratory viral testing with rapid results.
Guidance and Recommendations:
- Preventing Transmission of Viral Respiratory Pathogens in Healthcare Settings
- Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing Homes
- Testing and Management Considerations for Nursing Home Residents with Acute Respiratory Illness Symptoms When SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses Are Co-circulating
- Infection Control: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
- Interim Guidance for Influenza Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care and Post-Acute Care Facilities
Resources:
- Poster: Infection Control Actions for Respiratory Viruses
- Masking Signage for LTC: Wear A Mask Illustration and Wear A Mask Photo
- Project Firstline: Infection Control Actions for Respiratory Viruses
Vaccination
Provide recommended flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines to residents and staff and encourage visitors to be vaccinated.
Guidance and Recommendations:
- ACIP Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Recommendations
- ACIP Influenza Summary 2023-2024
- ACIP RSV Vaccine Recommendations
- Healthcare Providers: RSV Vaccination for Adults 60 Years of Age and Over
- ACIP COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
- Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination
Resources for Providers:
- Immunization Schedules: Immunization Schedules for Healthcare Providers
- Toolkit: Preparing Your Patients for the Fall and Winter Virus Season
- Flu: Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Resources for Health Professionals
- COVID-19: Vaccination Clinical & Professional Resources
- Shared Clinical Decision-Making Handout: RSV Vaccination for Adults 60 Years and Older
- Fact Sheet: RSV Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers
- Frequently Asked Questions: 2023-2024 Vaccine Recommendations for Long-term Care Facilities
Resources for Patients and Families:
- Flu: Flu & People 65 Years and Older
- RSV: RSV Vaccination for Older Adults 60 Years of Age and Over
- COVID-19 Vaccines: COVID-19 Vaccines for Long-term Care Residents
- Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Coadministration: Getting a Flu Vaccine and a COVID-19 Vaccine at the Same Time
- Fact Sheet: People 65 Years and Older Need a Flu Shot
- Fact Sheet: RSV in Older Adults
Treatment
Provide residents timely access to treatment and/or prophylaxis for flu and COVID-19.
Guidance and Recommendations:
- Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians
- Interim Clinical Considerations for COVID-19 Treatment in Outpatients
Resources:
- Poster: What You Should Know About Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs
- Job Aid: COVID-19 Therapeutics Decision Aid
- Chart: Side-by-Side Overview of Therapeutics Authorized or Approved for the Prevention of COVID-19 Infection or Treatment of Mild to Moderate COVID-19
Reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network
Data nursing homes report to CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) are critical to understanding the impact of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination in older adults, as well as supporting efforts to prevent infections.