Flu and COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care

Why respiratory outbreaks are serious

Influenza and COVID-19 spread easily in shared living and can cause severe illness in older people. Most aged care services have a plan for respiratory outbreaks, and many treat winter as a period of extra vigilance.

Spot it early

Report new symptoms in any resident straight away: cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, shortness of breath, or a change such as new confusion, tiredness or loss of appetite. Older people don't always run a fever. Early reporting means residents can be tested and assessed quickly — some may be able to receive antiviral medicines, which work best when started early.

What usually happens in an outbreak

The IPC Lead or manager follows the outbreak management plan and the advice of the state or territory public health unit. You can expect:

• Unwell residents cared for in their rooms, with droplet or airborne precaution signs on the door.
• A higher level of mask (such as a P2/N95 respirator) and eye protection for care of affected residents, as the plan directs.
• Staff allocated to affected or unaffected areas where possible.
• More frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces and shared equipment.
• Changes to group activities, shared dining and visiting.

Your everyday habits

• Clean your hands at every one of the 5 moments.
• Put on and take off PPE in the right order, and fit-check a respirator every time you put one on.
• Don't touch the front of your mask or wear it under your chin.
• Help residents with hand hygiene and covering coughs.

Staff health and vaccination

Don't come to work with respiratory symptoms — tell your supervisor and follow your service's testing and return-to-work rules. Vaccination against flu and COVID-19 helps protect both you and residents; talk to your employer or doctor about current recommendations.