According to the CDC’s statistics, seasonal influenza (the flu) cases continue to increase nationwide. In fact, as of the last week of 2024, the agency estimates there have been at least 5.3 million illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths from flu so far this season. Meanwhile, individuals in the United States suffer from an estimated 1 billion colds a year.
There are few—if any—places where the flu and the common cold can spread faster than in hospitals or other healthcare settings. Most are crowded with ill patients, including those with compromised immune systems. Visitors bring in germs from the outside, and healthcare professionals can unknowingly spread the germs from one patient to the next.
Stop the Spread
Hospitals rely heavily on their environmental services (EVS) teams to curb the spread of colds and the flu. Below are some ways properly trained EVS technicians help protect hospital inhabitants and prevent the spread of colds and the flu.
- Infection prevention protocols. The best EVS teams are thoroughly trained in infection prevention protocols. These teams use appropriate products and follow proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures specific to the targeted pathogens.
- High-touch areas. EVS technicians are vigilant in cleaning and disinfecting doorknobs, light switches, and other frequently touched surfaces, especially during an outbreak.
- PPE. Trained EVS technicians wear gloves and, when required, other personal protective equipment (PPE), donning, removing, and disposing of them according to protocol after each patient’s room or other potentially infectious area.
- Waste. Proper disposal of contaminated items, ranging from needles to tissues, is essential to reducing the spread of colds and flu.
- Linens. EVS ensures that linens and other textiles that contact potentially infected patients are removed and replaced according to protocol.
- Stocking. EVS makes sure items such as tissue, towels, soap, hand sanitizer, and other items needed to reduce the spread of colds and flu are readily available at all times.
- Airflow. Cold and flu can spread through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or aerosols. Airborne cold and flu germs can travel through hospitals’ ventilation systems. EVS teams help monitor the facility’s HVAC system and air purifiers, changing or recommending filters be changed as necessary. They also keep an eye out for potential issues that may require repair or replacement of these units.
- Technology. The best EVS providers use the latest proven effective technologies that can significantly reduce the spread of cold and flu pathogens, from the latest automated scrubbers to smart devices that let EVS know when a room has been used and is in need of attention.
- Training. The best EVS hospital providers ensure their staff receive ongoing training and updates to have the most current information to help them do their jobs effectively and efficiently.
- Watchdogs. Because, on average, they spend more time with patients than doctors or nurses, EVS hospital technicians can alert hospital staff about patients who might be suffering from a cold or flu, allowing the sick patient to be isolated and preventing a full-scale outbreak.
An EVS Hospital Partner Ready to Curb the Spread of Colds and the Flu
The right EVS team can reduce the spread of cold and flu germs, keeping patients, visitors, and other healthcare staff healthy. If you are experiencing cold and flu outbreaks in your healthcare facility, contact us to see how our highly trained EVS team can help.
