Read about the CDC’s Health Advisory. The advisory emphasizes the significance of early detection, infection control measures, and interdisciplinary collaboration to reduce risks, guarantee timely treatment, and prevent further spread.
CDC
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The CDC has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory urging infection preventionists (IPs) and clinical laboratories to expedite influenza A subtyping, especially in hospitalized patients. This advisory follows sporadic human infections with avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses in the US, which occur amid high seasonal influenza activity. Early identification, quick implementation of infection control measures, and cross-disciplinary collaboration are crucial for mitigating risks, protecting health care workers, and preventing complications transmission.
“CDC is recommending a shortened timeline for subtyping all influenza A specimens among hospitalized patients and increasing efforts at clinical laboratories to identify non-seasonal influenza,” the announcement stated. “Clinicians and laboratorians are reminded to test for influenza in patients with suspected influenza and, going forward, to now expedite the subtyping of influenza A-positive specimens from hospitalized patients, particularly those in an intensive care unit (ICU).”
Avian Influenza A(H5N1): A Growing Concern for Infection Preventionists
The current panzootic of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses has affected wild birds, poultry, dairy cows, and other animals. Since 2022, 67 human cases of avian influenza A(H5) virus infection have been identified in the US, 66 of which occurred in 2024. While most cases were mild, one fatality was reported. Many human infections have been linked to unprotected workplace exposure to infected animals, underscoring the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control measures in both health care and agriculture settings.
The Role of IPs in Early Detection and Response
The CDC now recommends accelerated subtyping of all influenza A-positive specimens from hospitalized patients, particularly those in intensive care units (ICUs). This agrees with what other associations, like BlueDot Global have already encouraged. This proactive approach is critical in ensuring:
Since most clinical influenza tests do not distinguish between seasonal influenza A and avian influenza A(H5N1), IPs should collaborate with laboratories to ensure that all hospitalized influenza A-positive patients undergo rapid subtyping.
Key Recommendations for IPs and Health Care Teams
1. Strengthen Surveillance for Avian Influenza A(H5N1)
2. Reinforce Infection Control Measures in Health Care Settings
For suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of avian influenza A(H5N1), infection preventionists must implement:
3. Train Health Care Staff on High-Risk Exposures and PPE Use
4. Expedite Testing and Treatment Protocols
5. Communicate and Collaborate with Public Health Authorities
Implications for Infection Prevention and Control
Although the current risk to the general public remains low, the rapid spread of avian influenza A(H5N1) among animals and sporadic human infections warrant heightened vigilance. IPs and other infection prevention and control (IPC) personnel are critical in protecting patients and health care workers by ensuring early detection, infection control adherence, and collaboration with public health authorities.
Health care settings must prioritize subtyping efforts, strengthen airborne precautions, and educate staff about emerging influenza threats. IPC teams must be ready for potential escalation, particularly as influenza season coincides with the ongoing spread of avian influenza A(H5N1).
Final Takeaways for IPs and IPC Personnel
✔ Ensure all hospitalized influenza A-positive cases undergo subtyping within 24 hours.
✔ Reinforce strict infection control precautions in suspected avian influenza cases.
✔ Educate staff on potential high-risk exposures (e.g., poultry, dairy cattle, wild birds).
✔ Promptly initiate antiviral treatment and coordinate with clinicians on combination therapies.
✔ Maintain close communication with public health authorities to support timely case investigation and infection control efforts.
As IPs and IPC personnel, your expertise is crucial in mitigating the risks of emerging influenza threats. By implementing proactive testing, timely interventions, and rigorous infection control strategies, health care facilities can help reduce transmission risks and protect both patients and staff.
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