Respiratory Viruses Rise When Students Return to School
Respiratory Viruses Rise When Students Return to School.
As students return to school and summer vacation closes, contagious respiratory viruses are on the rise, prompting concerns about the health and safety of communities. This uptick in infections is being closely monitored by health authorities, with an increase in both contagious respiratory viruses and hospital admissions noted during the second week of August 2023, according to data from the NCDHHS COVID-19 Response Dashboard.
Amidst these growing concerns, it's essential to highlight the crucial role that effective cleaning and hygiene practices play in infection prevention. Charlotte Cleaning Services by Mas Brazilian Services® recognizes the importance of maintaining clean and sanitized environments to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses.
The Impact of Contagious Respiratory Viruses.
Worldwide it is estimated that 3-5 million flu cases yearly result in 250,000 to 500,000 deaths. Moreover, the common cold is arguably the most common illness in humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is one of the most common causes of work and school absenteeism, with up to 22 million school days lost each year in the U.S. Adults have an average of 2-3 colds per year resulting in an estimated economic cost of lost productivity approaches $25 billion per year in the U.S., of which $16.6 billion is attributed to on the job productivity loss, and $8 billion attributed to absenteeism. In this context, the value of cleaning can best be appreciated. A relatively modest investment in an effective cleaning and hygiene program can help avoid or significantly reduce the health and economic impacts of seasonal flu and the common cold, ISSA.com/infectionprevention.
The Role of Cleaning and Hygiene in Reducing Transmission.
Understanding the modes of transmission for contagious respiratory viruses is pivotal in appreciating the significance of robust cleaning and hygiene practices. Influenza and colds spread primarily through large droplets generated when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets, along with microscopic aerosol particles, are released into the surrounding air and can come into contact with others. Close proximity to infected individuals within a range of 6 feet increases the risk of transmission.
Additionally, contaminated surfaces play a pivotal role in the spread of these viruses. Infected individuals can inadvertently transfer the viruses to objects such as doorknobs, handrails, and elevator buttons. These objects then become potential sources of infection when touched by others. To counteract this mode of transmission, regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces are crucial. Effective cleaning practices remove soil and dirt that may harbor pathogens, while disinfection eliminates the remaining viral agents.
Anticipating Increased Demand for House Cleaning Services as Respiratory Viruses Rise when Students Return to School.
Given the current surge in contagious respiratory viruses, it's anticipated that the demand for professional house cleaning services will witness a notable increase. Respiratory Viruses Rise When Students Return to School. As more individuals seek ways to safeguard their living environments from potential sources of infection, scheduling cleaning services in advance is a prudent approach to ensuring one's safety and well-being.
In conclusion, the rise of contagious respiratory viruses as students return to school and summer vacations conclude necessitates heightened awareness of infection prevention strategies. Organizations like Mas Brazilian Services® understand the importance of maintaining clean and sanitized spaces to mitigate the spread of illnesses. With the potential for an increased demand for house cleaning services, proactive scheduling is recommended to address this growing need for a safer living environment.
