Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Measures for Influenza in Healthcare Facilities

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Measures for Influenza in Healthcare Facilities

Effective control of influenza in healthcare settings requires a multilayered IPC approach to prevent transmission to patients, healthcare workers (HCWs), and visitors, in line with guidance from World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

1. Early Identification and Source Control

• Prompt recognition of patients with influenza-like illness (ILI).

• Immediate placement of a medical mask on symptomatic patients.

• Rapid triage and isolation decisions.

2. Patient Placement

• Single room preferred; cohorting allowed for confirmed influenza cases.

• Maintain spatial separation (≥1 meter) if single rooms unavailable.

• Limit patient movement outside rooms.

3. Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

• Standard precautions for all patients.

• Droplet precautions for suspected or confirmed influenza:

  • Surgical/medical mask for HCWs within close contact.

  • Eye protection if risk of splashes or sprays.

• Contact precautions if excessive secretions or poor hygiene.

4. Hand Hygiene

• Alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water:

  • Before and after patient contact

  • After contact with respiratory secretions

  • After removing PPE

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Medical mask for routine care.

• N95/FFP2 respirator during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs).

• Gloves and gowns based on risk assessment.

6. Aerosol-Generating Procedures (AGPs)

• Perform AGPs in adequately ventilated rooms (preferably negative pressure).

• Limit personnel present.

• Use fit-tested respirators and full PPE.

7. Environmental Cleaning and Ventilation

• Regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces.

• Use hospital-grade disinfectants effective against enveloped viruses.

• Ensure adequate ventilation in patient care areas.

8. Healthcare Worker Measures

• Annual influenza vaccination for HCWs.

• Exclude symptomatic staff from work until non-infectious.

• Adherence to respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.

9. Visitor Management

• Restrict visitors with respiratory symptoms.

• Educate visitors on hand hygiene and mask use.

• Limit visitor numbers during outbreaks.

10. Outbreak Preparedness

• Surveillance for healthcare-associated influenza.

• Rapid outbreak investigation and cohorting.

• Antiviral prophylaxis when indicated, according to national guidelines.

Key References

• World Health Organization. Infection prevention and control of epidemic- and pandemic-prone acute respiratory infections in health care.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza Prevention in Healthcare Settings.

• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Infection prevention and control measures for influenza.