Say Boo to the Flu: How to Get Ahead of This Year's Respiratory Illness Season

As we enter the time of year where we begin to see an increase in respiratory illness, it's essential to stay informed and prepared to protect facilities from illness-causing germs that can haunt shared spaces. Join us on October 28, 2024, for our webinar "Say Boo to the Flu: Preventing Respiratory Germs from Haunting Shared Spaces."

This season’s outlook & predictions

Although it is difficult to predict how this year's respiratory season will turn out, we can look to trends in the southern hemisphere to get a sense of what to expect. This year Australia’s respiratory illness season had illness levels and peak timing very similar to last year and pre-pandemic.¹ So, what does that mean for the U.S.? Although it is likely that respiratory illness will remain elevated above pre-pandemic levels, we may see a similar season with peak hospitalization comparable to last year.² One caveat, however, is this year’s lower vaccination levels³ may mean an increased risk of illness for certain age groups.²

Eerie pathogens: Germs to watch out for this year

Like last year, be on the lookout for several familiar respiratory germs lurking about this season. Viruses including influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 that have been shown to spread at the same time will contribute to illnesses this season. These germs can cause very similar symptoms, making it a challenge to tell these different illnesses apart.⁴ Here are some startling statistics:

• RSV: Can survive on surfaces for 7 to 8 hours⁵ and is responsible for as many as 2.1 million doctor’s visits in the U.S. each year.⁶
• COVID-19: Can spread from sick people without any symptoms and is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.⁷
• Rhinovirus: The most frequent cause of the common cold with over 1 billion cases in the U.S. annually. There is currently no vaccine to prevent it.⁸
• Influenza: Infects up to 20% of people in the U.S. each year. Known for a sudden onset of fever and respiratory symptoms.⁹

Spooky stats about surfaces and germs

Surfaces play a significant role in the transmission of respiratory germs. Common respiratory pathogens can survive on non-porous surfaces like plastic and stainless steel for hours, making frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and handrails potential hotspots for germ transmission.⁵ Studies have shown that just one sick employee can spread germs to more than 50% of commonly touched surfaces in a workplace within a few hours.¹⁰ Maintaining a rigorous cleaning and disinfection routine is essential to breaking the chain of infection. It's crucial to regularly disinfect surfaces in shared spaces to reduce the risk of spreading illness.

Don’t be scared, be prepared!

The upcoming cold and flu season presents unique challenges, and being prepared is more important than ever. By attending this webinar, you'll gain valuable insights into the latest trends and predictions for the season, learn more about the most common respiratory germs, and discover effective strategies to prevent their spread.

Join us on October 28, 2024 at 11 am PDT, for our free webinar "Say Boo to the Flu: Preventing Respiratory Germs from Haunting Shared Spaces." Sign up now to learn more about how to protect your facilities this season, ask questions of infection prevention experts, and get a chance to win free disinfecting products!