Patients and residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities should be aware of the risks of developing infections due to comorbidities and associated disease processes.

CRE Infection (Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales)

CRE are germs that are difficult to treat because they are resistant to the drugs (antibiotics) used to treat them.

You are most at risk for a CRE infection if you require a device like a:

• ventilators (breathing machines)
• urinary (bladder) catheters
• intravenous (vein) catheters

C. diff Infection (Clostridioides difficile)

C. diff is a germ that causes an inflammation of the colon, called colitis. Diarrhea and fever are the most common symptoms. Overuse of antibiotics is the most important risk for getting a C. diff infection.

CAUTI (Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection)

An indwelling urinary catheter is a drainage tube that is inserted into the urinary bladder, which is left in place and connected to a collection bag. A CAUTI occurs when germs (usually bacteria) enter the urinary tract through the urinary catheter and cause infection.

Flu (Influenza)

You can get the flu anywhere, including healthcare settings such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Therefore, influenza prevention measures should be implemented in all healthcare settings.

MRSA Infection (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics used to treat them. Severe MRSA infections occur most frequently among patients in healthcare settings such as nursing homes and long term care facilities.

Stomach Flu (Norovirus)

Stomach flu is caused by the Noroviruses. Symptoms include severe vomiting and diarrhea. Stomach flu is usually brief in people who are otherwise healthy. Young children, the elderly, and people with other medical illnesses are most at risk for more serious infection. Like all viral infections, noroviruses should not be treated with antibiotics.

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/longtermcare/resident/index.html.