Respiratory outbreaks occur in long-term care homes (LTCHs – formerly known as long-term care facilities) throughout the year but are more common from the fall to early spring. These lead to substantial morbidity and mortality and are disruptive and costly for the home. Occasionally not only one, but two or more infectious agents are implicated. Outbreak prevention, preparation/implementation of control measures and early detection are vital to effective outbreak management.

Respiratory tract infections are the most commonly diagnosed infections of LTCH residents. Residents are predisposed to such infections in part because they may be elderly, may have chronic illnesses which weaken their immune system, and may have chronic lung or neurological disease which impairs their ability to clear secretions from their lungs and airways. However, residents are also at risk because many viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens are easily transmitted in an institutional environment.

The importance of infection prevention and control has long been recognized in LTCHs. The recent emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has heightened the need for enhanced surveillance, screening, early detection and infection prevention practices recognizing the risks not only within the home but also in the local community as well as the world.

Experience with new emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases has resulted in a greater emphasis on infection control practices, characterized by high standards of practice that reflect an enhanced awareness of the potential for transmission of infectious diseases in health care homes.

GUIDELINES A Guide to the Control of Respiratory Infection Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Homes 98 pages | 1 Mb | PDF format

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October 2004