The interaction between influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in nursing homes

Description

Collaborators

• Leslie Dowson
• Kanta Subbarao
• Vivian Leung
• Chelsea Brown
• Sophie Legge
• Nina Bowes
• Rhonda L Stuart
• Caroline Marshall
• Coralie Tyrrell

Outcomes for Australia

Many COVID-19 responses and risk assessments are based on those developed for influenza, but it remains unclear if the underlying assumptions should be the same. This comparison will inform the development of risk assessments for COVID-19 within the aged care setting, and also help understand the investment in infection control and response.

Background

Both COVID-19 and influenza outbreaks are associated with increased risk of death among older age groups, with the highest rates of hospitalisation and death among people aged more than 65 years. In the coming year, it is expected that outbreaks of both COVID-19 and influenza will occur in aged care. What is less clear is whether an outbreak of COVID-19 will result in higher mortality than an outbreak of influenza.

Objectives

Compare outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 virus) and influenza in aged care in terms of:

• Clinical outcomes of infection for residents of aged care facilities
• The infection prevention and control measures implemented

Read about other COVID-19 projects funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council