10/23/2025

CDC Updates Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities on Flu, RSV, COVID

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated guidance on infection control measures to help prevent and slow the spread of influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID-19 to protect patients and healthcare personnel. Preparing for and responding to respiratory viruses requires a comprehensive approach that includes infection prevention, testing, vaccination, and treatment.  

• Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing Homes – Summary of recommendations for long-term care facilities to PREPARE for respiratory virus season, to RESPOND when a resident or healthcare provider develops signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection, and to CONTROL transmission when spread has been identified in a facility. 

• Preventing Transmission of Viral Respiratory Pathogens in Healthcare Settings – Summary of existing infection control measures that should be implemented into standard procedures to prevent the spread of all viral respiratory infections in healthcare settings. 

• Infection Prevention and Control Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings - Guidance emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive influenza prevention and control strategy that can be applied across the entire spectrum of healthcare settings. 

In addition, CDC’s Project Firstline has created a variety of resources to promote infection control best practices during respiratory virus season, including Infection Control Guidance: Respiratory Viruses, an infographic that outlines infection control actions, and a one-pager explaining the risk of germs in the respiratory system.