Respiratory Virus Infection Prevention in Healthcare Settings

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) developed this webpage to provide infection prevention and control resources to prevent the transmission of acute viral respiratory infections (such as SARS-CoV-2, RSV, and influenza) in healthcare facilities, including acute care hospitals, long-term, residential care facilities, and other settings where healthcare is being administered. Guidance for healthcare settings is often different from that of the general public due to the vulnerable nature of patients, the risk of exposure to healthcare workers, and the congregate nature of long-term care facilities.

Guidance for Healthcare Settings

CDC COVID-19 Infection Prevention in Healthcare Settings
CDC COVID-19 Guidance for Managing Healthcare Personnel (HCP) with SARS-CoV-2
DOH Interim Return to Work Guidance for Healthcare Personnel with COVID-19, Influenza, RSV, and Other Acute Viral Respiratory Infections (PDF) - DOH updated return-to-work recommendations for HCP with COVID-19, RSV, Influenza, or other acute viral respiratory infection
DOH Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (PDF) - Return to Work Guidance for Healthcare Personnel with COVID-19, Influenza, RSV, and Other Acute Viral Respiratory Infections
DOH Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Recommendations (PDF) - WA DOH updated PPE recommendations for HCP caring for patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
CDC Preventing Respiratory Illness - Community guidance that residential care settings*, whose staff provide non-skilled personal care, may follow to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in client’s homes.
DOH guidance for what to do if someone has COVID-19 or another respiratory virus - DOH community guidance that aligns with CDC community prevention strategies while providing some additional protections. Residential care settings*, whose staff provide non-skilled personal care, may follow to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in client’s homes.
*Residential care settings include adult family homes, assisted living facilities, supported living, and enhanced services facilities.
DOH | Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) - Healthcare-Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance resources, education, and training opportunities.