[Risk of infection in institutions for elderly people].
The infectious risk in long-term care facilities and nursing homes is significant. Patients living in those facilities are very old, with a poor health status, and a high degree of dependency. The risk for epidemic outbreaks, in particular with viruses, is very high. A simple system for surveillance and action, in relation with hospital infection control units, is mandatory. An educational program is needed to define the prevention program based on the use of hand disinfection and other standard precautions, anti-viral and pneumococcal vaccination. The program must be simple, pragmatic, allowing to maintain social links and quality of life, which are essential for these patients. A strong cooperation between these long-term care facilities and nursing homes, general practitioners, healthcare team, and relatives is necessary.
Carlet
J
J
Fondation hôpital Saint-Joseph, 185 rue Raymond-Losserand, 75674 Paris cedex 14, France. jcarlet@hopital-saint-joseph.org
de Wazières
B
B
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012307:Risk Factors
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines