02/19/2026

CDC Releases New Respiratory Virus, Sepsis Resources for Nursing Homes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new and updated tools to support long-term care providers during respiratory virus season and to strengthen sepsis prevention efforts in nursing homes.

The agency’s new Long-Term Care Respiratory Virus Factsheet is designed for residents, families, and visitors. The handout explains steps facilities may take during respiratory virus season to protect resident health and reduce transmission. Providers can download the factsheet and related materials through the Prepare for Respiratory Viruses section of the Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing Homes.

The CDC also introduced a Sepsis Prevention Assessment Tool (SPAT) for Nursing Homes, recognizing that nursing home residents face an elevated risk of infection and sepsis due to underlying medical conditions and frequent healthcare interactions. The tool helps facilities identify gaps in sepsis policies, staff training, and clinical practices. It includes instructions for conducting the assessment, analyzing findings, sharing results internally, and planning next steps to improve infection prevention and early recognition.