ACHOO! It’s the Flu!

Tampa, FL -According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the Flu has arrived with a vengeance, forcing major U.S. cities to declare public health emergencies, entire school systems to shut down, thousands of people to be hospitalized, and unfortunately multiple fatalities.

Influenza, commonly known as the ‘flu’, is an infectious disease of birds and mammals caused by RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae. The most common symptoms are chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pain, headache (often severe), and coughing, weakness/fatigue and general discomfort. Flu viruses that infect humans are mainly from either the influenza A or B family. There are two subtypes of the Influenza A viruses – H3N2 and H1N1.

Children in schools and employees who work in close proximity are particularly susceptible to the highly contagious illness which can spread to others up to about six feet away, mainly by droplets made when they cough, sneeze or even talk. A person can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.

What can be done? Perform effective cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces is one of the essentials. Viruses on surfaces like sink faucets and door handles can spread rapidly, especially in public places. Air purification systems/units, like AeraMax Professional, can help tremendously too! Encouraging or arranging vaccinations on-site is another suggestion, as well as offering hands-sanitizing products to help keep the germs at bay. Of course, individuals who are sick should be encouraged to stay home.

Here some practical steps and suggestions you can take to develop a proactive Flu Bug program at home or work to help reduce your chances of getting (or spreading) the flu:

• Wash your hands often
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Wash your coffee cup with hot soapy water
• Don’t wait until you or your colleagues are sick to start taking action
• Avoid physical contact, such as handshakes
• Limit interactions with others (maintain a minimum 3′ clearance of co-workers)
• If you get sick, stay home
• AeraMax Professional Air Purifiers

About Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab):

The Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) (established in 1992) at Pure Air Control Services (PACS) is an environmental lab offering complete and comprehensive indoor environmental microbiology laboratory services. They include: microbiology, aerobiology, chemistry, allergen assays and microscopy designed to meet all your indoor air needs. EDLab supports IAQ investigations by assisting with strategic sampling plan development and supplying media collection equipment while performing a wide range of environmental analyses.

For more information on EDLab at Pure Air Services, Inc. please contact Dr. Rajiv Sahay, CIAQP, FIAS, at (800) 422-7873 x 304.