Optimizing epidemic prevention in nursing homes using clinical surveillance of respiratory infections.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) pose a significant risk in nursing homes (NHs), which makes surveillance crucial for timely intervention.

Aim

To monitor the impacts of seasonal RTIs in NHs, which include frequency, the use of rapid diagnostic tests and antibiotics, mortality, and cluster dynamics, with the use of clinical surveillance.

Methods

During the winter periods from 2015 to 2019 (22 weeks), data on general signs (GSs), and respiratory signs (RSs) were collected to define three respiratory clinical sign patterns (CSPs): GS+/RS+, GS-/RS+, and GS+/RS-. Clusters (≥2 cases) were identified and classified into three intensity levels, namely, L1, L2, and L3 (2, 3-5, and ≥6 GS+/RS+/4 days, respectively). CSP frequencies and the 28-day all-cause mortalit

SUBMITTER: Gaspard P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11874540 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature