The Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a clinical advisory related to the 2025-2026 seasonal influenza epidemic given the rising number of cases occurring in Massachusetts and nationwide. The clinical advisory recommends clinicians to:
- Vaccinate all eligible patients against influenza.
- Use molecular tests on nasopharyngeal specimens for influenza and other respiratory virus diagnosis.
- Promptly provide influenza antiviral treatment to people with severe or progressive influenza disease, people with documented or suspected influenza at increased risk of influenza complications
- Consider post exposure prophylaxis with antivirals for asymptomatic, exposed people in selected circumstances.
As reported earlier this week, with increased levels of respiratory virus activity in the community, especially influenza, DPH is recommending that nursing facilities consider implementing additional prevention measures including:
- Masking for staff during resident contact and in resident care areas to reduce respiratory virus transmission; encourage residents and visitors to wear facemasks when possible.
- Advise staff with mild respiratory viral symptoms to manage illness at home with rest, isolation from others, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for comfort.
- For residents positive for influenza or COVID-19, consider antivirals (e.g., Tamiflu or Paxlovid) to reduce illness severity and duration.
- Encourage influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccination for residents and staff who are not yet vaccinated; and emphasize that vaccination remains beneficial throughout the respiratory illness season, which typically lasts until spring.