Every fall, flu season brings increased risks for businesses, schools, and healthcare environments. According to the CDC, flu activity typically begins to rise in October and peaks between December and February. For facility managers, this period isn’t just about keeping spaces clean—it’s about safeguarding the health of employees, tenants, and visitors while minimizing operational disruptions. According to CDC’s outlook, combined hospitalizations from flu, RSV, and COVID-19 this fall/winter may mirror last year’s levels, raising the stakes for preparedness.
Why Flu Season Matters for Facilities
In the 2024–25 flu season, the U.S. saw a hospitalization rate of ~128 per 100,000—the highest in more than a decade. Influenza viruses spread through droplets when people cough, sneeze, or even talk. They can survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours, making shared environments—like lobbies, restrooms, cafeterias, and offices—prime areas for transmission. A single outbreak can lead to:
- Increased absenteeism and staffing shortages
- Decreased productivity across departments
- Higher healthcare costs for organizations
- Lower occupant confidence in workplace safety
For facility managers, these challenges reinforce the need for proactive infection-prevention strategies.
Best Practices for Facility Managers During Flu Season
- Step Up High-Touch Surface Disinfection
Door handles, elevator buttons, railings, phones, and shared equipment can harbor flu viruses. Increasing the frequency of disinfecting these areas with EPA-approved solutions is one of the most effective steps you can take.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality
Airborne pathogens like influenza thrive in enclosed spaces. Partnering with ThinkLite’s advanced air quality monitoring and purification technology allows facilities to detect, measure, and eliminate harmful particles—including viruses, bacteria, and VOCs—that traditional ventilation systems can miss. This approach goes beyond filter upgrades by offering real-time monitoring and proactive pathogen control.
- Support Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene remains one of the simplest yet most effective defenses against the flu. Stocking restrooms, breakrooms, and entryways with soap, hand sanitizer, and visible reminders encourages compliance.
- Align Cleaning Schedules With Seasonal Risks
Standard cleaning schedules may not be enough during peak flu months. A seasonal adjustment—with more frequent cleanings and targeted disinfection—helps address increased risks.
- Educate Building Occupants
Facility teams can post signage or share reminders about flu prevention measures, such as covering coughs, washing hands, and staying home when sick. When building occupants are informed, prevention efforts are more effective.
Partnering With Experts for a Healthier Season
Flu season will always be a challenge, but facilities that plan ahead experience fewer disruptions. At Sovereign Commercial Services, we help organizations strengthen their flu-season defenses with customized cleaning, disinfection, and air quality solutions.
By addressing both the visible and invisible threats in your building, we help protect your people while keeping operations on track.
Get ahead of flu season. Contact Sovereign today to schedule your free site assessment.