The Surveillance of Influenza in Retirement Communities (SIRC) estimates influenza and other upper respiratory pathogen transmission in a senior citizen community

This study aims to identify the transmission pathway and immunological dynamics of influenza and other influenza-like illnesses in retirement communities. Senior citizen and assisted living communities represent unique contexts to study pathogen transmission, both due to the high burden of disease in the elderly and the outsized role social mixing patterns are likely to play in shaping transmission dynamics within these facilities. In this ongoing pilot study, we partnered with Oak Hammock at the University of Florida to collect data on incidence of influenza-like illness, pre- and post-season immunological status, and social contact patterns. While this study is ongoing, the aim is to inform preparedness and prevention procedures in this at-risk population.