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A new Australian study found that many senior care facilities do not meet the minimum requirements for the protection of elderly influenza patients.
The study, published in Public health and research practice, found that many senior care facilities did not provide antiviral to all residents within 24 hours of an influenza outbreak in the facility. In fact, it took an average of 8.5 days for all residents to take antivirals for prophylaxis – well beyond the 24-hour recommendation.
Influenza rates in senior care facilities are very high – it has been estimated that, during the annual influenza season, more than half of the care facilities for the elderly are affected by an epidemic.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for residents, but vaccination is about 20% less effective in the elderly, creating a vulnerable population with an increased risk of death, even when vaccination rates are high. For this reason, Australian guidelines recommend the use of antivirals for all residents less than 24 hours after an influenza outbreak, as a preventative measure.
The researchers examined the use of preventative antivirals in New South Wales' senior care facilities during the 2015 influenza season and found that while 86 of the senior care facilities reported an outbreak of influenza, only 52 used antivirals as a preventive measure.
To reduce the risk of contracting influenza in elderly patients, senior care facilities need to be more vigilant about the use of antivirals as a preventive measure. The authors of the study argue that it is necessary to put in place strategies to improve the use of antivirals, including more extensive coverage, earlier initiation, earlier recognition of the disease. Epidemic and increased vaccination of staff.
