This page is currently under review by VCH Public Health. The management of Viral Respiratory Illness (VRI) in long-term care is being directed by provincial guidelines that will include COVID-19. Please continue to check back regularly for updates. 

Section 1: Introduction

This page contains resources for managing Viral Respiratory Illness (VRI) in your facility. Please review the resources below for the upcoming respiratory illness season. Pre-season planning will assist with the control of respiratory outbreaks in your facility.

Section 2: Protocols and workflows

• Influenza-like-illness outbreak workflow
• LTCF check list for the management of influenza
• Influenza prevention and control program

Section 3: Getting ready - tools and order forms

• LTC resident screening for ARI
• Testing for symptomatic residents for COVID-PCR test 
• BCPHMRL order form. Respiratory Pathogens-select “Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV” and “COVID-19”
• Physician pre-printed orders (sample)
• Viral Respiratory Infection Specimen Collection
• Resident line list
• Staff line list
• Residents immunization log
• Resident Isolation Recommendations
• Staff Influenza Prophylaxis Letter
• Testing for symptomatic healthcare workers: COVID-19 rapid test
  • Where to get a COVID-19 test
  • Resources for point-of-care test
  • How to report your positive results
• Treatment for COVID-19

Section 4: Report forms

• Influenza-like-illness facility outbreak report form
• Influenza Immunization report (Due January 31st, 2022)
• Report of adverse event form

Section 5: Additional immunization resources

• VCH quick reference for publicly funded seasonal influenza vaccines
• HealthLinkBC Inactivated Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
• HealthLinkBC Live attenuated Influenza (Flu) Vaccine 
• HealthLinkBC Influenza (Flu) immunization: Myths and facts
• BC health files on HealthLinkBC website
• Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Question and Answer Document Updated – August 2021
• Information on COVID-19 vaccines
• HealthLinkBC COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine
• HealthLinkBC COVID-19 Viral Vector Vaccines
• Handling vaccines - what to do in a power failure

Section 6: Other long-term care resources

• BCCDC COVID-19 Outbreak Management Protocol for LTC and Seniors’ Assisted Living Settings
• BCCDC COVID-19 infection prevention and control: Guidance for LTC and senior’s assisted living settings 
• LTC facilities & assisted living information: Visitation guidance, infection prevention and control measures, and outbreak management
• VCH COVID-19 information for long-term care and assisted living 
• VCH general COVID-19 information 
• VCH IPAC COVID-19 and Emerging Respiratory Viruses
• Vaccine emergency plans & response documents
• Influenza Prevention and Control Program for Long-Term Care Facilities - Presentation