CDC Health Alert & Advisory
This message is to notify long-term care (LTC) setting providers that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Advisory through the Health Alert Network (HAN) addressing concerning trends for influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This alert refers to all healthcare providers and settings. The term patients also refers to residents/clients in LTC settings.
- Notification: To alert healthcare providers to low vaccination rates against influenza, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
- Concern: Low vaccination rates, coupled with increases in national and international respiratory illness activity caused by multiple pathogens, including influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), and RSV, could lead to more severe disease and increased healthcare capacity strain in the coming weeks.
- Recommendations:
- Vaccinations: Healthcare providers are urged to promptly administer recommended influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations to all eligible patients.
- Antiviral Medications: Healthcare providers should recommend antiviral mediations for influenza and COVID-19 to all eligible patients, particularly those at high risk of severe disease progression such as older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions.
- Education: Providers should give patients advice on various preventative measures including testing, hand hygiene, cough/sneeze etiquette, staying home when ill, and enhancing ventilation in their homes and workplaces.
References:
- CDC Health Alert: Urgent Need to Increase Immunization Coverage for Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV and Use of Authorized/Approved Therapeutics in the Setting of Increased Respiratory Disease Activity During the 2023 – 2024 Winter Season
- WA DOH Respiratory Illness Data Dashboards: These dashboards show trends in Washington state for COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).