Timely insights on whole room disinfection.
DisinfectionJune 13, 2022
The Spread of Non-Covid Viruses: Eliminating Complacency is Key to Maintaining Health Standards
While COVID-19 remains at the forefront of virus-related discussion today, it’s important for people around the globe to be aware of other viruses that can also be a threat to public health.
As pandemic regulations have lifted, the potential to contract contagious illnesses grows larger. Those who are working, living, traveling, and socializing around others should ensure they are doing everything they can to reduce the risk of spreading germs to their family, coworkers, and strangers they come into contact with every day.
This blog post will explore the current state of emerging viruses and dangerous pathogens that have the potential to become a public health threat, as well as detail why complacency is a large problem, and reveal how you can prevent the spread of disease.
Illnesses are Continuing to Spread Around the U.S.
As COVID-19 restrictions have eased around the U.S., viruses like influenza and norovirus have been increasing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an uptick in unusually seen late-season flu cases in March, and the flu has persisted in higher numbers beyond the typical respiratory flu season. The CDC estimates that there have been at least 6.7 million flu illnesses, with 69,000 hospitalizations and 4,200 deaths during the 2021-2022 flu season.
According to a Romper article that interviewed infectious disease experts, prior to COVID-19 there was a general “calendar” of common viruses that would become prevalent throughout the year. But now, viruses are “no longer always following rules” about when they occur and how they affect patients. With the ebb and flow of COVID-19, no two cases are alike, and spikes and drops happen continuously.
With more public interest in illness prevention, new viruses—like Monkeypox—are creating a stir among both experts and citizens, with worries about “the next pandemic” abound. A panel created by the World Health Organization recently concluded that the world was unprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, and remains vulnerable to the next major health crisis. Therefore it is critical to prevent complacency and remain vigilant.
Today’s virus of the moment is Monkeypox, a rare disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae, which includes the variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to the symptoms of smallpox, yet milder, and include fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion.
With the World Health Organization warning of a real risk that Monkeypox will become established outside Africa, the public should remain on alert. Disease experts say that the window to contain Monkeypox in many countries where it’s not already endemic is rapidly closing, so awareness is critical. As of June 2022, the WHO has confirmed more than 1,000 cases across 29 countries outside West and Central Africa. The U.S. has seen 21 monkeypox cases in 11 states so far, according to the CDC.
Eliminating Complacency & Fatigue is Top Priority
As noted during Halosil’s recent podcast with EMS World, COVID-19 has caused significant fatigue in EMS personnel. Similarly, others who work with the public or in busy, fast-paced environments are feeling the strain after more than two years of constant caution. But becoming complacent about preventing the spread of pathogens can have dire consequences. Without proper protocols being in place and maintained well, the virus can slip through the cracks and infections can easily multiply.
During the recent Second Global COVID-19 Summit, the Biden administration urged the world to prevent complacency and to accelerate financial and policy commitments to encourage vaccines, expand access to tests and treatments, protect those at risk, and build and finance country capacity, health workers, disease surveillance, and medical countermeasures. Organizations can help this effort by creating regular disinfection procedures and encouraging team members to develop an ongoing health-minded mentality.
Maintaining Proper Disinfection Procedures is Crucial
Implementing a thorough disinfection plan is critical to prevent the spread of disease. The plan should outline how to prevent the spread of pathogens and detail who is responsible for specific cleaning and disinfection procedures. The CDC recommends vaccinations, handwashing, staying home when ill, testing for COVID-19, and wearing masks when possible to reduce COVID-19—as well as other contagious illnesses.
One of the most important things an organization can do is choose the right disinfection system to leverage in order to maintain proper disinfection in their facility, whether that is a hospital, nursing home, school, prison, transit agency, or other area where there are a lot of people. With an effective system in place—and the proper usage of such a system—disinfection can be ensured, protecting those who are in the area.
Choosing the Right Disinfection Solution
A proven, efficient solution like the Halo Disinfection System® can effectively destroy pathogens and maintain the highest disinfection standards across industries from healthcare to education to transportation and beyond.
The system pairs HaloMist™, a proprietary broad spectrum disinfectant (EPA Reg. No. 84526-6) with the HaloFogger® to ensure the uniform, dry fogging delivery of disinfectant throughout any complex space, achieving complete coverage with the highest possible efficacy. HaloMist appears on EPA List N for disinfectants approved for use against Coronavirus (COVID-19) and EPA List Q for disinfectants approved for use against Monkeypox.
Click here to learn more about the Halo Disinfection System®.