Influenza is currently circulating in the Vorpommern-Greifswald region of Germany, with a recent outbreak reported at the Haus der Zufriedenheit care home in Ferdinandshof. The facility is encouraging visitors to wear masks and gloves, providing them free of charge in the foyer, to help prevent further spread.
According to a staff member, Ute Erpinder, only one resident has currently been diagnosed with influenza A, and that individual does not require hospitalization. “We are still doing quite well,” Erpinder stated. The care home has proactively chosen to inform visitors about the situation to allow them to take appropriate precautions, particularly given the vulnerability of the residents.
The proactive approach taken by the Haus der Zufriedenheit reflects a broader understanding of the risks influenza poses to those in long-term care facilities. Residents of these facilities are at increased risk of severe illness and even death from influenza, as highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Influenza can be introduced into these settings by newly admitted residents, healthcare personnel, and visitors, and can spread rapidly among the population.
While the current outbreak is localized, broader trends suggest that respiratory virus activity may be waning. Data from the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lagus) indicates that the number of acute respiratory illnesses in Vorpommern-Greifswald, and across Germany, decreased during the week of to , compared to the previous week. This decline includes cases of both influenza A and B viruses. However, Lagus emphasizes that respiratory illness activity remains ongoing, and COVID-19 viruses are still circulating, albeit at lower levels.
The situation underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and preventative measures, particularly in vulnerable populations. The CDC provides guidance for managing influenza outbreaks in long-term care and post-acute care facilities, focusing on prevention and control strategies. These strategies include vaccination, early detection of cases, and implementation of infection control practices.
Vaccination remains a cornerstone of influenza prevention. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) publishes annual recommendations for seasonal influenza vaccines. Encouraging vaccination among residents, healthcare personnel, and visitors is crucial to minimizing the risk of outbreaks. Recent guidance from OSJCT highlights the importance of encouraging all employees, residents, and visitors to receive updated flu and COVID-19 boosters.
Beyond vaccination, infection control measures are essential. These include proper hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes), and environmental cleaning. During an outbreak, more stringent measures may be necessary, such as cohorting residents, limiting group activities, and implementing visitor restrictions. Supporting safer visiting practices in care homes during outbreaks is also a priority, recognizing the fundamental importance of social connection for residents’ wellbeing.
The CDC’s interim guidance emphasizes the importance of testing and managing sick residents, particularly during periods when influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 are co-circulating. This includes differentiating between the two viruses to guide appropriate treatment and infection control measures. Antiviral medications are available for influenza and can be effective in reducing the severity and duration of illness, especially when started early.
The outbreak at the Haus der Zufriedenheit serves as a reminder that respiratory viruses continue to pose a threat, even as overall activity levels fluctuate. Proactive measures, including vaccination, infection control, and transparent communication, are essential to protecting vulnerable populations and minimizing the impact of these illnesses. The situation also highlights the ongoing need for surveillance and monitoring to track the spread of respiratory viruses and inform public health responses.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health offers a Respiratory Virus Outbreak Toolkit that provides recommendations for facilities before and during outbreaks, covering a range of viruses including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. This toolkit emphasizes the importance of preparedness and outlines strategies for preventing and controlling the spread of infection.