Influenza Information for Long-Term Care Homes

Influenza can have serious consequences in long-term care homes (LTCHs). Taking steps to prevent, identify, and manage influenza outbreaks is essential to protect both residents and staff.

Why should you get the flu shot?

• Protects against severe illness: The flu can lead to hospitalization and even death, especially for older adults.

• Reduces spread: Vaccinating staff and residents helps stop the flu from spreading within your home and the community.

• Annual protection: Each flu season is different, and yearly vaccination is the best defense.

Find more information on the Universal Influenza Immunization Program by the Ministry of Health.

How effective are vaccines in elderly?

As we get older, our immune systems naturally get weaker. This means the flu vaccine may not work as well for people 65 years and older compared to younger people. They may not get the same strong protection from the vaccine.

However, some protection is still better than none. Even if the flu shot doesn’t fully stop the flu, it can still help:

• Reduce the severity of symptoms

• Lower the risk of serious complications

• Prevent hospital stays or worse outcomes

Getting the flu shot each year is the best way to protect yourself and the people around you.

Refer to the Influenza Information for Health Care Providers webpage for additional guidance and resources from the Ministry of Health.

What is an influenza outbreak?

An influenza outbreak is declared when:

• Two or more cases of flu-like illness occur in the same area within 48 hours.

• At least one case is lab-confirmed as influenza.

What do you do if you suspect an outbreak?

Step 1: Report to Public Health and collect swabs

• Report to Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) immediately at  1-800-922-0096 ext. 3500 (ext. 0 if after hours)

• Collect nasopharyngeal swabs from affected individuals using the:

• General Test Requisition

• COVID-19 Virus Test Requisition

Laboratory testing includes:

1. Rapid flu test: Provides results within one day to guide immediate actions.

2. Multiplex respiratory viral PCR (MRVP) test: Offers more specific results within three days.

Learn more about influenza laboratory testing from Public Health Ontario.

Step 2: Begin treatment and prophylaxis

• Give antiviral medicine to residents who are sick and to those who might have been exposed

• Start treatment within 48 hours of symptoms to work best

• Follow the guidance for residents (PDF) during an outbreak

• Follow the guidance for staff (PDF) during an outbreak

How do antiviral medications help?

Antiviral treatment:

• Reduces symptom duration.

• Lowers the risk of complications.

• Prevents severe outcomes, like hospitalization or death.

Antiviral prevention (prophylaxis):

• 70–90% effective in preventing flu.

• Used for residents and staff who are not yet ill but may have been exposed.

What are antiviral options in Canada?

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®): Oral medication commonly used.

• Zanamivir (Relenza®): Inhaled medication.

• Amantadine (Symmetrel®): Not recommended due to resistance and side effects.

Some antiviral drugs are available in other countries but are not licensed in Canada. These include intravenous (IV) versions of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), Zanamivir (Relenza®) and Peramivir. These IV antivirals may be used in special cases where other treatments aren’t working or if oral or inhaled medications aren’t an option.

For more details on these international options and when they might be used, visit AMMI Canada.

What resources are available on influenza information in LTCH?

• Key features of influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and Other Common Respiratory Viruses, Public Health Ontario

• Influenza Antiviral Treatment Fact Sheet, Public Health Ontario

• The use of antiviral drugs for influenza: A foundation document for practitioners, AMMI Canada

• 2021–2022 AMMI Canada guidance on the use of antiviral drugs for influenza in the COVID-19 pandemic setting in Canada, AMMI Canada

Frequently asked questions