Widespread RSV, influenza, and norovirus outbreaks have been reported this year,  underscoring the importance of implementing consistent preventative measures designed to enhance occupant health and safety.

RSV, Influenza, and Norovirus Outbreaks
The last few months have seen a sharp increase in seasonal infections.

Low-waste cleaning is a cost-effective solution to the challenges of economic uncertainty and the need for increased sustainability.

The Benefits of Low-Waste Cleaning
Low-waste cleaning practices are good for the environment and the bottom line.

Less waste is generated, which is good for the environment and reduces disposal costs.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released their latest Influenza Surveillance Report for the 44th week of 2022 showing high levels of influenza-like illness reported in California and very high levels reported in several southern and eastern states.

Studies have shown that clean schools help engage students, particularly when compared to their dirtier counterparts.

The Impact of a Clean Classroom on Learn
Cleanliness is a pillar of a healthy school.

Healthy schools are mandatory to ensure a safe, productive learning environment, and negative consequences typically follow in their absence.

The current predictions from state healthcare officials paint a stark picture of this coming winter--one where a resurgence in influenza cases, COVID-19 variants, and other respiratory viruses combine to overwhelm hospitals and doctors' offices.

Forecasting the Impact of the 2022-23 Cold and Flu Season
Analysis conducted by Lysol Pro Solutions and BlueDot predicts several challenges during the 2022-23 cold and flu season that include:

The return of severe influenza outbreaks combined with a resurgence of COVID-19 cases (due in part to a predicted increase in air travel and indoor social gatherings) and new surges in other respiratory pathogens, such as rhinovirus and RSV.
An increase in hospitalizations due to respiratory infection--predicted to stress healthcare facilities across the country.

Winter is upon us, which means people will gather indoors where their proximity will inadvertently contribute to the challenging-to-control spread of norovirus.

The Burden of Norovirus Infections
The norovirus is a seasonal infection possessing several unique characteristics:

It is the leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide.

Several studies have demonstrated the direct connection between office cleanliness and workforce wellness, job satisfaction, and workplace productivity.

How a Sustainably Clean Workplace Affects Productivity
Sustainably clean workplaces have been shown to directly impact occupant health and cognitive functions, both of which are fundamental to high levels of workplace productivity.

Early data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Influenza Surveillance Report shows concerning trends in reported influenza infections, hospitalizations, and deaths.

October 2022 Influenza Surveillance Data
The current landscape of the U.S. cold and flu season appears troubling.

As Fall approaches and temperatures begin to dip, the risk of rodent incursion into schools and commercial facilities increases dramatically.

Rodent Awareness Week
Rodent Awareness Week is observed nationally between October 16th through the 22nd.

Throughout the pandemic and the steps required to entice a justifiably anxious workforce back to the office, we as a culture have developed a deeper understanding of the role commercial cleaning services has on occupant wellness and how that impacts an organization's operations.