Respiratory virus season has officially arrived. As the weather cools and winter approaches, people spend more time indoors where viruses spread more easily. Awful as it is to think about it, holidays and family gatherings can become breeding grounds for disease.
Infection rates for respiratory illnesses are high as COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) impact communities across the country. The CDC estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 8.7 million illnesses, 78,000 hospitalizations, and 4,500 deaths from flu alone.
When it comes to respiratory illness, seniors are particularly vulnerable and at significant risk. According to the CDC, 75% of COVID-19 deaths occur in people 65 years and older. For seasonal flu, that number climbs to 85%, and rises above 97% for RSV.
Because of this significant threat to seniors, it is vital that we identify and treat respiratory viruses quickly and accurately. Senior living communities must place a high priority on testing so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. Fortunately, emerging technologies have given care providers a number of new options.
One such advancement is EmpowerMe Wellness’ single-swab respiratory test. With one nasal swab, EmpowerMe can test for over 20 viruses, including SARS-CoV2, Influenza A and B, and RSV. Utilizing the highly efficient PCR technique, EmpowerMe’s comprehensive respiratory panel rapidly identifies the most common pathogens causing your residents’ respiratory infections with remarkable success. This test can provide actionable results in under 24 hours, leading to critical time savings.
“Our goal is to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of these deadly pathogens to keep your residents healthy in their homes,” explains Dr. Jody Mitchell, EmpowerMe Wellness’ Chief Medical Officer. “By offering our comprehensive PCR testing in your community, we can make a huge difference in the lives of your residents and help them experience happier, healthier tomorrows.”
The EmpowerMe single-swab respiratory test is processed in EmpowerMe’s hospital-grade diagnostic labs, which were designed around the diagnostic needs of seniors and their communities. This means care providers receive results in hours, not days, and residents can begin the right treatment as quickly as possible.
Interested in utilizing the single swab respiratory test in your senior living community? If your community is an existing EmpowerMe partner, reach out to your EmpowerMe diagnostic specialist. Not an EmpowerMe Wellness partner? Click here to connect with our team and learn how to offer EmpowerMe’s robust diagnostic testing services to residents at no cost to your community.
Additional Resources
About EmpowerMe Wellness respiratory testing services
Technical details about EmpowerMe Wellness test offerings