In the healthcare industry, maintaining a pristine environment is paramount to patient and staff safety, particularly during peak flu seasons that sweep across California and the broader United States. Influenza seasons are unpredictable and can begin as early as October. With the right precautions, you can minimize the risk of patients and staff contracting contagious diseases like the flu. One effective way to do this is by getting your air ducts evaluated and scheduling duct cleaning services as needed to preserve indoor air quality.
Influenza is a virus that causes respiratory illness. Depending on the severity of the infection, the flu can cause anything from mild discomfort to serious outcomes like hospitalization for pneumonia and even death. Certain groups, such as the elderly, children and people with preexisting health conditions, may be at a higher risk of serious flu complications.
According to the CDC, 2021 saw 4,638 deaths from the flu in California — that means for every 100,000 people in California, approximately 11 people died from the flu. These numbers don’t reflect age or comorbidities.
Because the flu is a respiratory illness, it spreads through the air and is highly contagious. The germs that cause influenza are dispersed in an area of up to 3 feet when a sick person coughs or sneezes. The virus tends to spread in the fall when cold weather weakens people’s immune systems.
Thankfully, there are several basic steps you can take to lower your chances of getting or spreading the flu. Here are 10 ideas to help you avoid getting sick this fall:
The best way to avoid getting sick in the fall is by boosting your immune system. Although it may sound easy, it takes time and effort to prioritize your health. Practicing sound habits can go a long way in keeping yourself healthy, but it’s a good idea to take extra measures when you know an illness is going around.
As an employer in the healthcare industry, you can take additional steps to help protect the people in your place of business. Here are several things you can do to mitigate the spread of influenza between patients and employees:
During flu season, it’s important to take extra measures to protect patients and staff. The combination of weak immune systems and a high prevalence of germs can create a perfect storm where illness spreads quickly. By following these tips, you can invest in the health of everyone in your facility.
In a list of health tips, you may be surprised to see air duct cleaning. However, the air quality in your commercial building can affect occupants’ overall health, especially during flu season.
As influenza can be highly contagious, particularly in densely populated and closed environments, the role of air ducts in circulating clean air is crucial. Properly cleaned and maintained air ducts help to reduce the spread of airborne pathogens, ensuring that the air patients and staff breathe is of the highest quality. This proactive measure is a critical component of a broader infection control strategy, contributing to a healthier indoor environment, lowering the risk of flu transmission, and ultimately safeguarding the vulnerable population that relies on healthcare facilities for care and treatment.
With more than 80,000 duct cleaning projects completed to date, Alliance Environmental is an Energy Star Partner and member of the Green Mechanical Council and the Indoor Air Quality Association.
Alliance Environmental’s certified technicians utilize state-of-the-art video inspection equipment, including proprietary devices designed by our own team, to clean and handle every type of HVAC system.
To get your air ducts evaluated, call Alliance Environmental at 1-877-858-6220 for a free quote today.
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