CDC - Seasonal Influenza (Flu) - Influenza Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care Facilities

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CDC - Seasonal Influenza (Flu) - Influenza Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care Facilities

MMWR Report Highlights Importance of Influenza Outbreak Management Strategy

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CDC - Seasonal Influenza (Flu) People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications

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Severe Influenza Among Children and Young Adults with Neurologic and Neurodevelopmental Conditions — Ohio, 2011

Influenza can spread quickly and have serious consequences in long-term care facilities, putting residents – especially those with certain medical conditions -- at greater risk of developing complications like pneumonia and bronchitis. The flu also can make chronic health problems worse and may result in hospitalization and sometimes even death.

 

The January 6, 2012 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report includes a report that highlights the importance of having and following an influenza outbreak management strategy that includes:

• influenza vaccination of residents and staff before the outbreak occurs;
• influenza testing and surveillance among residents, staff and visitors;
• infection control measures, and;
• prompt and aggressive use of influenza antiviral drugs for both treatment and prevention.

The report details an investigation into an acute outbreak of respiratory infection that occurred in February 2011 in a residential facility for children and young adults with severe neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. Among the 130 residents, 76 (58%) developed respiratory illness, and 13 became severely ill; seven of those patients died. All 13 patients who became severely ill had neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. Testing of some of the patients in the facility indicated infection with influenza

A virus. The investigation found that while 62% of the severely ill patients did receive antiviral treatment, in half of these cases treatment was outside the optimal 48 hour window. Lastly, no facility residents received antiviral drug prophylaxis until 18 days after the first case of influenza was confirmed.

 

CDC has posted consolidated influenza outbreak management guidance for long-term care facilities at www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/ltc-facility-guidance.htm

 

For more information about influenza, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.