Staying Healthy During the Season of RSV, Flu & Norovirus

Flu, Norovirus and RSV Prevention

This year there are two additional viruses to be on the lookout for. Outbreaks of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and Norovirus have recently made headlines across the nation. Although the flu and norovirus are typically prevalent starting in Autumn spilling into Spring. This year RSV has stuck around past its season that usually peaks in July for the United States, leading to an estimated 58,000-80,000 hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years old and 60,000-120,000 hospitalizations among adults 65 and older.

What is the impact these outbreaks have on the health of our building occupants and communities? Based on nationwide data provided by the CDC, there are roughly 430,000 hospitalizations per year between these three highly contagious viruses. Putting the health of our students, employees, and customers first is the top priority. Facility management is heavily relied on by so many to provide a safe and healthy environment to work, learn and continue our established daily routines. With proper cleaning strategies and supplies combined with expert training and education tools, you can help protect your building occupants against the viral trifecta of the season.

Step 1: Enhanced Hand Hygiene Solutions

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80% of all infectious diseases are spread by touch – clean hands save lives, and create a healthier building environment.

Encourage your building occupants to practice the 1-2-3 of Hand Hygiene, which is:

Wash hands with soap and clean water
Dry hands with clean paper hand towels
Apply hand sanitizer

Step 2: Comprehensive Surface Cleaning Solutions

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Dirty surfaces create ideal conditions for pathogenic microbes to survive and thrive – clean surfaces decrease pathogenic microbes, and create a healthier building environment

Cleaning Chemicals – Restrooms, Hard Floors, Carpets, General Surfaces
Cleaning Chemical Dispensing Systems
Cleaning Tools – Microfiber, Mops, Wipes, Brushes, Scrubbing Pads
Cleaning Equipment

Step 3: High-Touch Surface Disinfecting Solutions

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High-touch surfaces are a potential source for pathogen transfer to building occupants – targeted disinfection of high-touch surfaces will inactivate and suppress the growth of harmful pathogens, and create a healthier building environment

Disinfectant Chemicals
Disinfectant Wipes
Cleaning Chemical and Disinfectant Dispensing Systems
Disinfectant Applicators – Sprayers, Buckets, Wipes, Misters, Foggers, Electrostatic Sprayers

Step 4: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Solutions

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Cleaning and disinfecting facilities results in opportunities for potential exposure to hazards – appropriate use of PPE will protect users against these health and safety risks, and create a healthier building environment

Gloves
Safety Glasses, Goggles, and Face Shields
Face Masks and Respirators
Aprons, Gowns, Booties, and Apparel
Thermometers

Step 5: Indoor Biological Pollutant Source Control Solutions

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Other sources for indoor pollutants and pathogens can be found throughout a facility – identifying these sources and employing effective facility maintenance strategies can limit potential exposure to indoor pollutants and pathogens, and create a healthier building environment

Entryway Matting
Waste, Recycling, & Compost Receptacles and Liners
Drain Maintenance – Bioactive Chemistry and Trap Seals
Indoor Air Quality – Odor Control, Vent Cleaning, Air Filtration and Purification

Step 6: Cleaning Industry Expertise and Training Solutions

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Misapplication and misuse of cleaning and disinfecting solutions can lead to ineffective results, and even potential injury – partnering with a trusted adviser can help to optimize results, and create a healthier building environment