Controlling respiratory infections in long-term care facilities: A systematic review

Abstract

Residents of long-term care facilities are vulnerable to respiratory infections, yet infection prevention and control strategies for these settings remain limited. While extensive infection control guidelines for hospitals are well established, few address long-term care facilities, where prevention efforts have largely prioritized pharmacological over non-pharmacological measures. Non-pharmacological strategies are therefore essential to prevent respiratory infection transmission, particularly during early outbreak stages or in settings where pathogen-specific treatments are limited, such as long-term care facilities.