By HFT Editorial Staff

As the nation’s hospitals brace for an expected upswing in coronavirus cases due to the spread of Omicron variant, managers senior care and long-term care facilities also need to be aware of the growing threat to their residents from influenza.

The 2021-2022 flu season is gaining traction with a strain that is especially dangerous for older adults, according to a recent advisory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Increased influenza A(H3N2) activity also has been seen in young adults on college and university campuses in several states.

“While influenza activity is still low overall nationally, an increase of influenza A(H3N2) viruses has been detected in recent weeks, with most of these infections occurring in young adults,” according to the CDC, which added that, “In the past, influenza A(H3N2) virus-predominant seasons were associated with more hospitalizations and deaths in persons aged 65 years and older than other age groups than other influenza viruses.”

To combat the threat, the CDC is recommending that facilities managers take precautions to minimize the impact of this season’s flu.

“Because no single intervention can provide complete protection against influenza virus transmission, emphasis should be placed on multiple strategies, including pharmaceutical (e.g., influenza vaccines and antiviral medications) and non-pharmaceutical interventions,” according to the CDC. ”Measures that are used for COVID-19 might also provide protection against influenza. Non-pharmaceutical interventions may include:

• community measures (e.g., physical distancing, masking)
• environmental measures (e.g., routine surface cleaning)
• advising and encouraging symptomatic persons to stay home and use frequent hand hygiene, and proper cough etiquette.”