Influenza in Nursing Homes

Influenza outbreaks in nursing homes have been concerning, especially recently. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of influenza infections in nursing home residents has become more significant.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued interim guidance to help prevent and manage flu outbreaks in caregiving homes. However, not every nursing home follows the guidelines for controlling influenza in long-term care facilities.

Was your loved one injured or died during an influenza outbreak at a nursing home? The personal injury attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC legally advocate for vulnerable populations in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The flu is highly contagious and spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.

The influenza virus can also survive on surfaces and objects, making it easy for people to contract it by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their nose, mouth, or eyes.

In nursing facilities, the flu can be particularly dangerous for residents who are elderly, have chronic medical conditions, or have weakened immune systems. The flu can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening for vulnerable adults and children.

It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the flu and take steps to prevent infection. It may include getting a vaccine injection, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding contact with others who may be sick. By taking these steps, residents can reduce their risk of contracting the flu and minimize the impact of an outbreak in their facility.

Nursing home patients are particularly susceptible to flu outbreaks due to these facilities' close living quarters and communal spaces. The impact of nursing home outbreaks can be severe, leading to hospitalizations and even death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), residents account for a significant percentage of annual influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths.

Flu outbreaks in nursing facilities can also strain the facility's staff, who may become ill or need to care for infected residents, leading to understaffing and increased workload. It can further increase the risk of infection spread and hinder outbreak management efforts.

Flu outbreaks in caregiving homes can significantly impact the health and well-being of residents and staff. Here are some statistics on the impact of influenza in nursing homes:

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nursing residents account for a significant percentage of annual influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths.

Compared to the general population, nursing residents are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.

• The United Spinal Association reports that up to 90% of all flu-related deaths occur in people over 65, a significant portion of nursing residents.
• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires all caregiving homes to report influenza and other infectious disease outbreaks to local and state health departments.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that influenza epidemics result in 3-5 million cases of severe illness globally and up to 500,000 deaths yearly.
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that the flu vaccine prevents influenza in caregiving homes. However, vaccine uptake among nursing residents and staff remains low, with some estimates suggesting that only half of staff receive the flu vaccine each year.
• AARP reports that nursing home flu outbreaks can have significant economic impacts. In addition to hospitalization and medical treatment costs, outbreaks can lead to lost productivity among staff and decreased occupancy rates.
• The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) notes that flu outbreaks in nursing facilities can be challenging to control due to the close living quarters and communal spaces.
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends annual flu vaccines for all nursing residents and staff, and adherence to infection control measures, such as hand hygiene and personal protective equipment use, to prevent the spread of the virus.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks and monitors influenza activity in caregiving homes and provides guidance on prevention and outbreak strategies to help control the spread of the virus.

Outbreaks in nursing facilities often affect vulnerable adults, such as elderly residents or those with chronic health conditions. These individuals have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to contracting the flu and experiencing severe complications.

Nursing residents with chronic conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, are at an increased risk of developing complications from the flu, which can lead to hospitalizations and even death.

Additionally, nursing residents who may be unable to communicate or practice good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands or covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing, may be at an increased risk of contracting and spreading the flu virus.

Preventing flu outbreaks in caregiving homes requires a multifaceted approach that includes a combination of disease prevention measures and outbreak strategies. One of the most effective ways to prevent influenza in nursing homes is by promoting flu vaccination for residents and staff.

The flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the flu virus, preventing outbreaks from occurring in the first place.

In addition to flu vaccination, other disease prevention measures that can reduce the risk of flu outbreaks in nursing homes include promoting good hand hygiene practices, using personal protective equipment when necessary, and implementing environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols.

When an influenza outbreak does occur, prompt and effective outbreak strategies are crucial to minimize the spread of the virus and prevent severe complications. These strategies include:

• Early detection and reporting of acute respiratory health illnesses
• Isolating infected patients
• Implementing visitor restrictions and infection control measures

Early detection and reporting of acute respiratory illnesses are crucial for managing outbreaks in nursing homes. Staff should be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of the flu, such as coughing, fever, and sore throat, and report any suspected cases to the facility's infection prevention and control team.

In addition, nursing homes should have a system to monitor the spread of the flu and quickly identify any trends or outbreaks. Managing immediate health concerns may involve implementing surveillance systems, such as tracking the number of acute respiratory health issues cases or monitoring absenteeism rates.

Managing flu outbreaks in nursing homes requires coordinating efforts between facility staff, residents, and families. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several best practices for managing outbreaks in nursing homes.

One of the most effective strategies is to isolate infected residents as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the virus. Infected adults should be placed in single rooms or cohorted with others infected with influenza to minimize the risk of transmission.

Nursing homes should also implement infection control measures, such as using personal protective equipment, promoting good hand hygiene practices, and increasing environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols.

In addition, nursing homes should communicate with residents, families, and staff about the outbreak and provide education on preventing the spread of the virus. It may include implementing visitor restrictions or screening visitors for flu symptoms.

Finally, nursing homes should work with local and state health departments to monitor the outbreak and implement additional measures if necessary.

If you or a loved one has suffered from influenza in a caregiving home, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Working with an elder abuse lawyer can help you seek a fair settlement for your losses.

Information about hiring a nursing home abuse lawyer from our law office:

• Our personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation to discuss your case and determine if you have a valid compensation claim.
• An attorney with experience in abuse and neglect cases can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
• The Nursing Home Law Center, LLC is a law firm dedicated to helping abuse and neglect victims seek justice. Our team of experienced attorneys can assist you with your case.
• Our elder abuse lawyers work on a contingency fee agreement, which means that you do not pay anything upfront and only pay if we successfully obtain compensation for you.

If you or a loved one has suffered from influenza in a nursing home, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer at (800) 926-9565 or use the contact form to discuss your legal options and seek a fair settlement for your damages.

• Best Practices to Prevent Flu in Nursing Homes | CDC
• Signs and Symptoms of Flu | CDC