Influenza prevention in nursing homes: Great significance of seasonal variability and spatio-temporal pattern

Summary Objective This work evaluated seasonal variations and spatio-temporal pattern of respiratory tract infections (RTI) in geriatric nursing homes in order to improve effective surveillance, prevention, control and management of RTI. Methods Prospective surveillance of RTI (Low Respiratory Tract infections and Influenza Like Illnesses) was conducted in 11 sites in Alsace over a 10-year period with clinical case definitions and rapid tests (Immunoassay) to identify influenza virus. Results Influenza national epidemic was a period at high risk of RTI in nursing homes with variable impacts depending on the seasonal period. 2004–2005, 2008–2009, 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 were the periods with the highest impacts. The higher risk was not well understood during these four influenza epidemics and outbreaks occurred in numerous nursing homes despite the alerts and surveillance. Conclusion Information about seasonal variability and spatio-temporal patterns of the RTI during the national epidemic periods is essential for the nursing homes in order to help the health care workers and the visitors to understand the risk for the residents and then to improve the implementation of the control and prevention measures.