As the winter months approach, Environmental Services Directors and housekeeping staff play a critical role in preparing healthcare facilities for the increased risk of flu and other seasonal illnesses. During this time, hospitals often experience higher patient volumes, making infection prevention more challenging. The key to reducing the spread of these illnesses lies in diligent planning, targeted cleaning protocols, and continuous staff education. Here’s how your team can effectively prepare.

1. Reassess High-Traffic and High-Touch Areas

Winter brings a heightened need for disinfecting, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic and frequent contact. From hospital waiting rooms and lobbies to patient rooms and staff break areas, surfaces in these areas can become breeding grounds for viruses like influenza and RSV.

Actionable Steps:

• Conduct a thorough review of high-touch areas: door handles, elevator buttons, bed rails, light switches, and handrails.
• Increase the frequency of cleaning in these spaces, particularly during peak flu season.
• Consider setting up a detailed cleaning schedule that targets these areas multiple times per shift.
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2. Focus on Proper Disinfection Practices

Surface disinfection is one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of infectious agents. Your team is already familiar with the importance of using hospital-grade disinfectants, but during the flu season, consistency and accuracy become even more critical.

Actionable Steps:

• Re-train staff on proper dwell times for disinfectants like Clorox and Diversey products. Ensure that cleaning agents remain on surfaces long enough to kill viruses.
• Encourage the use of ready-to-use disinfectant wipes for quick touch-ups, particularly in high-turnover patient rooms and nurse stations.
• Review the efficacy of your current disinfectant products against common winter illnesses. Both Clorox and Diversey offer solutions proven to be effective against the flu virus.
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3. Promote Hand Hygiene

While environmental cleaning is vital, promoting hand hygiene is equally essential. Ensuring that healthcare staff, patients, and visitors practice good hand hygiene can drastically reduce the spread of germs.

Actionable Steps:

• Position hand sanitizing stations in high-traffic areas, including entrances, hallways, and near patient rooms.
• Regularly check that dispensers are stocked and functional, especially during busy times.
• Work with nursing staff to encourage frequent handwashing, particularly after patient interactions and before meal breaks.
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4. Staff Education and Communication

Your housekeeping staff is the front line in preventing hospital-acquired infections. Equipping them with the knowledge and tools to handle the winter season’s challenges is key to successful infection control.

Actionable Steps:

• Host refresher courses for your team on seasonal illnesses, focusing on how the flu virus spreads and how they can prevent transmission.
• Reinforce proper PPE use, especially masks and gloves, when cleaning areas occupied by flu patients.
• Create a culture of open communication—ensure that staff feels comfortable reporting any issues, such as supply shortages or concerns about patient contamination, promptly.
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5. Stay Stocked on Supplies

Having the right cleaning supplies on hand is essential during flu season. Hospitals often see an increase in patient admissions, and with that, a higher demand for cleaning products.

Actionable Steps:

• Perform an inventory check before winter begins to ensure you're fully stocked on disinfectants, wipes, gloves, and hand sanitizers.
• Partner with suppliers, like your janitorial distributor, to set up recurring deliveries of essential items. This ensures you won’t run low during peak periods.
• Discuss contingency plans with your supplier to accommodate any sudden surges in demand.
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6. Collaborate with Infection Control Teams

Working closely with your hospital’s infection control team is an effective way to tailor your cleaning protocols to current threats. The flu strain, RSV, and even the lingering risk of COVID-19 may affect how you approach disinfection.

Actionable Steps:

• Schedule regular meetings with infection control staff to discuss emerging trends and how your team can support hospital-wide initiatives.
• Be flexible—update your cleaning protocols based on new guidance from infection control, particularly if there’s an outbreak.
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Conclusion

Preparing for flu season is a proactive approach that can save lives and reduce the strain on hospital resources. By focusing on high-traffic areas, reinforcing proper disinfection techniques, promoting hand hygiene, and ensuring your staff is educated and equipped, you can minimize the spread of seasonal illnesses. As a janitorial distributor, we are here to support healthcare facilities with the best cleaning solutions and infection control strategies, helping you keep your hospital safe during the challenging winter months.