Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) create financial burdens for health systems and patients, as well as physical and emotional strain for those suffering and their families. These infections prolong hospital stays, can lead to antimicrobial resistance and in some cases, even death. According to the World Health Organization, of every 100 hospitalized patients, seven in developed countries will acquire at least one HAI.
While proper disinfection is imperative year-round, it's especially important during the colder months when cases of flu and norovirus are more prevalent. Environmental services (EVS) and infection control teams must understand best practices and solutions available that can improve patient health, well-being and satisfaction.
Watch Out for Winter Illnesses
The CDC estimates that between 5-20% of the U.S. population acquires influenza annually. The flu is typically spread through respiratory droplet transmission such as sneezing and coughing. While a flu vaccine can help protect recipients from becoming sick, not everyone opts to take this step and the flu inevitably impacts people each year. In fact, the 2018-2019 flu season was the longest in a decade and caused between 37.4 million and 42.9 million illnesses in the U.S. Some people, such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems who are being treated or recovering in a healthcare facility, are more susceptible to influenza.
Norovirus, commonly referred to as the ?winter vomiting bug? is extremely contagious and can wreak havoc on those in confined spaces. Healthcare facilities like hospitals and nursing homes that have many patients, residents, staff and visitors coming and going may be at an increased risk for norovirus outbreaks. In addition to becoming ill by eating contaminated food or liquids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that people can acquire norovirus by touching contaminated surfaces or coming into direct contact with another person who is infected and then touching their mouth before hand washing.
The Key to Controlling Infections
There are numerous best practices that EVS and infection control teams can use to limit the spread of harmful pathogens in healthcare settings, including:
Fast and effective disinfection solutions are essential for limiting the spread of norovirus and influenza in healthcare environments. For more information about products for your facility, visit our infection prevention page or download our influenza prevention toolkit here.