Guidelines for preventing respiratory illness in older adults aged 60 years and above living in long-term care: A rapid review of clinical practice guidelines

Patricia Rios; Amruta Radhakrishnan; Sonia M. Thomas; Nazia Darvesh; Sharon E. Straus; Andrea C. Tricco

• Postpone visits from non-essential external providers, if possible. • Inform regular visitors and families of residents and of the outbreak of influenza and request they only undertake essential visits; discourage unnecessary visitors. • Ask those who do visit an ill resident, to: o Visit only one person. o Enter and leave directly without spending time in communal areas. o Use an alcohol-based hand rub or wash their hands before and after visiting. o If giving direct care, use PPE as directed by RCF staff. • Initiate passive screening for respiratory symptoms using "Attention Visitors" signage (refer to Appendix 3), and reminding visitors: o Not to visit if unwell. o To limit visiting to one resident. o To follow signs for the use of PPE, as indicated. o To practice hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette.