The 2017-2018 flu season was devasting--contributing to the deaths of approximately 80,000 people, the hospitalization of hundreds of thousands more, and the loss of billions of dollars in lost productivity and healthcare expenses.
Flu Prevention and Infection Control During the Holiday Season
The 2017-2018 flu season was the worst on record in 40 years.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC);
[The] Flu killed 80,000 people this past season and put 900,000 into the hospital, making it the worst influenza season in decades.
[Typically the] flu kills anywhere between 12,000 and 56,000 people a year, depending on how bad the flu season is, and that it puts between 250,000 and 700,000 into the hospital with serious illness.
Doctors deliver blunt message about a record 80,000 flu deaths
The hard truth is, someone, either directly or indirectly, passed those individuals the virus.
More must be done, by both facilities and occupants and travelers, to prevent the spread of these deadly viruses and end the cycle.
What You can do to Prevent the Spread of the Flu Virus
According to doctors, the best way to protect yourself and prevent the spread of the flu virus is to get vaccinated.
If for whatever reason, vaccinations are not on the table, it's important for you to understand that you are still a potential carrier, and should take extra precautions to avoid spreading the germ to others.
This means:
- Washing your hands correctly, including scrubbing hands thoroughly, drying completely, preferably with a paper towel, and applying liquid hand sanitizer after exiting the restroom, or after using high touch surfaces, like keyboards, touch screens, and ATM's, and;
- Staying home when you know you're sick and avoiding contact with people you know are ill.
What Facilities Managers and Janitors can do to Prevent the Spread of the Flu Virus
Surface contamination is one of the major conveyors of the flu virus from one person to another.
A simple sneeze, or even breathing, can spread contaminated droplets several feet away and contaminate surfaces for up to 48 hours.
According to a recent article published by Medical Daily;
Two recent studies have found that workers that come into the office can contaminate up to 90 percent of surfaces - and that sick patients can hurl influenza up to 6 feet away with just a single cough or sneeze.
Flu Virus Can Travel Up to 6 Feet, Infect Up to 90 Percent of People Just from Contaminated Surfaces
Facilities managers and custodial teams can also have an enormous impact on infection control and prevention by taking extra precautions, such as:
- Ensuring an adequate supply of soap and paper towels are available at all dispensing locations.
- Make liquid hand sanitizer available and encourage liberal use, especially near touch screen devices, public use computers, door knobs, water fountains, dining areas, and restrooms.
- Install or replace vent filters with high-flow HEPA filters.
- Leverage additional ventilation systems, such as fans or open windows to disperse the flu virus.
- Add additional service schedules, especially wiping down high touch surfaces, as well as cleaning dining areas and bathrooms.
- Ensure adequate cross-contamination practices, such as the two-bucket method and color-coded microfiber is used and all cleaning staff is heavily trained in the process and understand its importance.
References & Resources
- Ramp Up Cleaning To Fight Flu In The Workplace
- Flu Prevention And Avoiding Another Record Year
- Germs On Planes: How To Minimize Exposure
- Sneeze machine study takes a deep dive into how flu spreads
- How Flu Spreads
Takeaway
The flu virus is not something that anyone should take lightly any longer, including travelers during the holiday and show/conference season, as well as facilities managers and custodial staff who are tasked with the health and safety of the buildings and surfaces where the virus is most commonly spread.
Everyone must do their part, which means:
- Staying home when you're sick.
- Allowing your employees to stay home until their ability to pass the virus on abates.
- Adding additional wipe downs and checks for your high-traffic areas and surfaces, and;
- Upgrading your current cleaning and disinfection procedures to ensure the proper chemicals and processes are used.
If you would like to find out more about infection control and prevention methods or the advantages of outsourcing your facilities current or additional cleaning requirements--contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
