Use of Antivirals for Prevention and Treatment of Clients During Influenza Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Homes/Retirement Homes

Is the client ILL?

NO

Start antiviral prophylaxis as per facility policy*

  • If client develops influenza-like symptoms, initiate antiviral treatment regime as per facility policy immediately.
  • *After an influenza outbreak is recognized, antiviral prophylaxis should be started as soon as possible for prevention in all clients in the outbreak affected area who do not have influenza-like symptoms (regardless of vaccination status) as per facility policy.

YES

Influenza-like symptoms LESS than 48 hours

Immediately start antiviral treatment as per facility policy.

  • Upon completion of antiviral treatment, switch to antiviral prophylaxis regime as per facility policy unless client is a lab confirmed case - no antiviral prophylaxis is needed.

Influenza-like symptoms MORE than 48 hours

Client not improving clinically:

  • Immediately start antiviral treatment as per facility policy.
  • Upon completion of antiviral treatment, switch to antiviral prophylaxis regime as per facility policy unless client is a lab confirmed case - no antiviral prophylaxis is needed.

Client improving clinically without lab confirmation of influenza outbreak organism:

  • Consider antiviral treatment or immediately begin antiviral prophylaxis as per facility policy.

Client improving clinically with lab confirmation of influenza outbreak organism:

  • Consider antiviral treatment as per facility policy.
  • No antiviral prophylaxis is needed.