Starting October 4, 2024, a new acute respiratory illness metric has replaced the influenza-like illness (ILI) metric on the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Respiratory Illness Data Channel. This new metric offers a more comprehensive measurement of both the “big three" respiratory viruses (COVID-19, flu, RSV) and other respiratory infections.
Long term care facilities are encouraged to use this metric to guide Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures. For example, a facility might task its Infection Control Preventionist with checking this metric on a regular basis to determine if action is necessary. When levels of respiratory virus activity in the community are higher or trending upward, facilities should consider implementing additional prevention measures such as:
- Requiring visitors and health care personnel (HCP) to always wear masks while in the facility, regardless of symptoms.
- Asking residents to wear masks when outside of their rooms.
Respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19, may be most contagious just before symptoms appear. Therefore, the level of respiratory virus activity in your community is a strong indicator of potential spread within your facility.
For more information, visit the AHCA/NCAL
#GetVaccinated website.