What Facility Management Can Learn From the 2022–2023 Flu Season

According to a recent analysis, the U.S. 2022–2023 influenza (flu) season, marked by a higher-than-usual volume of cases, offers important lessons to facility management on how to best protect both staff and patrons in the workplace.

The analysis, conducted by scientists and data experts from Reckitt Professional’s Lysol Pro Solutions and digital health firm BlueDot Inc, compared the spread and burden of flu in the United States during the current season compared to previous years.

Through its findings, the analysis drew the following conclusions for facility cleaning and maintenance teams:

• The typically predictable timings for flu season might no longer be accurate, reinforcing the need for a high-level of germ protection throughout the year.
• With the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and the surges in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and streptococcus A (strep A), this winter showed that flu is no longer the only respiratory virus threat in the workplace. Businesses should understand how these different viruses are transmitted and deploy effective prevention strategies that address spread through both surfaces and air.
• Cleaning teams should place an added focus on cleaning and disinfecting high-touch, high-traffic areas in business facilities, as well as the surfaces in those areas that are more prone to harboring germs, such as shared conference room tables and equipment.

“The current flu season has been a challenging and uncertain time for businesses—but the learnings from it can help reduce the burden of respiratory viruses this year, and beyond,” said Dr. Julie McKinney, Reckitt director of research and development for Lysol Pro Solutions. “In an environment where companies are facing widespread labor shortages and cost pressures, maintaining worker productivity, and optimizing operational efficiencies are key priorities across the board. By keeping abreast of the ever-changing nature of how different respiratory viruses and bacteria can threaten the workplace, businesses can develop effective prevention strategies that use the right products, in the right areas, and at the right frequency to help protect their people, reduce worker sick days, and improve efficiency.”