The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter (AFL) providing recommendations for preventing and managing influenza outbreaks in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter highlights the increased risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and death among SNF residents due to infections caused by influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2. It emphasizes the importance of optimizing all available effective influenza prevention and outbreak control interventions, including influenza vaccination for residents and healthcare personnel, as well as prompt initiation of antiviral therapy and chemoprophylaxis when influenza is identified. The letter also recommends that facilities review the "Recommendations for the Prevention and Control of Influenza in California SNFs during the COVID-19 Pandemic" document to develop and implement an influenza prevention and control plan. Before influenza begins circulating in the local community, SNFs should be prepared with sufficient influenza vaccine, hand hygiene supplies, personal protective equipment, antiviral medication orders, and established lines of communication with the local health department. Facilities are required to report influenza outbreaks immediately to their local health department and Licensing and Certification district office.

Summaries are generataed using AI. Check important information.