Yes, it is that time of the year. No, those busy holidays are finally over, but now is the time for Flu Season. Each year, typically in the middle of winter in the United States, a peak of flu reports come flooding into urgent care, physician’s offices, and hospitals.

Coming out of a global pandemic, we were all educated a bit more on how these diseases can easily spread. The typical flu germs may not be a COVID-19 level this winter, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a dangerous and costly illness.

When Is Flu Season?

The flu can spread at any time of the year, but in the United States, it typically peaks during the month of February when doctors see the most serious and frequent cases. Figures tend to trend upward from December through February.

What Is the Flu?

The flu, known also by its “full” formal name, influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness. It is caused by a virus, which typically will impact its victim’s nose, throat, and lungs. The flu can have a range of severity, from a mild irritation, to a deathly disease.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, but may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Each year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decides on the strain to include in a flu vaccine. Typically chosen months prior to flu season, the accuracy of this prediction often determines the effectiveness of the vaccine. However, doctors recommend that everyone over the age of six months get an annual flu vaccine, especially those at higher risks for complications.

How the Flu Spreads

The flu spreads by physical contact. More specifically, droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk spread from person to person. These droplets of the “infected person” come in contact with another person nearby, via air, person-to-person, or when coming into contact with surfaces an infected person has dispersed their “droplets.”

According to WebMD, a virus can live on surfaces such as plastic or stainless steel for two to three days. Commonly handled spots, such as door knobs, elevator buttons, shared electronics, and breakroom tables and chairs all require special handling to disinfect them.

Cleaning to Prevent the Spread of Illness

When someone who is ill touches a surface, depositing their virus or germs, and another comes behind them (even hours or days later),, and typically touches their own nose, mouth, or eyes, that germ spreads. Cleaning surfaces with special attention is crucial to stop the spread of communicable diseases like the flu.

The CDC recommends that your cleaning team “clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu.” The Centers additionally suggest that you control the air quality of your office spaces to help prevent the spread of the flu.

“Virus in the air can spread between people more easily indoors than outdoors,” notes the CDC website. “Improving air quality, such as opening windows or using air purifiers, can help reduce the amount of virus you are exposed to.”

Cleaning by AHI Can Save You Money

Special attention to commonly used surfaces, using quality disinfecting cleaning supplies, and highly trained cleaning specialists all combine at AHI Facility Services, Inc. We take disinfecting and deep cleaning very seriously.

Starting with specialized safety training from our corporate office, we ensure that all practices are carried out carefully to prevent the spread of illness in your office environment. We also know the unique needs of businesses such as childcare facilities, doctors’ offices, hospitals, or assisted living spaces, and treat them accordingly.

At the end of the day, no one wants a cold or flu. As a business, sick days cost you money, time, and lack of workforce. Things cannot get accomplished if your team isn’t at full capacity. A clean office isn’t just a pleasant feature to greet each day, but is required for healthy workers.

Reach out to AHI via our website to schedule an appointment to discuss saving your money, time, and effort, benefiting from a clean and safe work space.