11.08.23
With winter on the horizon, predictive analysis conducted for Reckitt’s Lysol Pro Solutions by data experts at BlueDot Inc. suggests that US businesses should anticipate a concurrent rise in flu, RSV, and covid this year, but that the onset of respiratory virus season will be closer to typical pre- pandemic timing than last year.
“With flu and RSV expected to hit the US at a similar time, businesses should deploy effective germ reduction strategies to help address the spread through both surfaces and air,” said Dr. Julie McKinney, director of R&D at Reckitt’s Lysol Pro Solutions. “The season has historically shaved off productivity from businesses due to worker and school absenteeism. Early indicators suggest that this year is likely to mirror pre-pandemic trends compared to last year, which was highly unpredictable. Facility managers can be prepared and put in place protective measures to help combat the impact of the season. Holistic hand and surface hygiene, including the use of EPA-approved products such as Lysol Disinfectant Spray or Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, as well as a focus on effective cleaning measures on germ-harboring hot spots can help reduce the spread of germs, and support a more productive workforce.”
Reckitt is No. 3 in Happi's 2023 International Top 30 Report.
Last year the flu season began, on average, seven weeks earlier than pre-pandemic trends, making it harder for businesses to prepare. This year, signs from the southern hemisphere suggest that the flu season is trending towards pre- pandemic patterns, said Lysol. Businesses can therefore leverage this predictability to ensure they are ramping up protection measures with appropriate timing.
Businesses should prioritize helping to protect facilities against RSV – particularly those frequented by children, such as schools and daycare centers, asserts the cleaning category stalwart.
“Data from the southern hemisphere and early indicators from the US suggest that we should anticipate a respiratory virus season more similar to pre-pandemic timing, but with a simultaneous rise in RSV and flu, in addition to the lingering threat of COVID-19,” said Dr. Andrea Thomas, head of epidemiology at BlueDot. “Businesses – particularly those that operate within high-risk settings such as schools and healthcare centers – should put in place interventions including ventilation, use of face masks, and encouraging vaccinations. We also have new medical countermeasures to protect the most vulnerable from severe outcomes of RSV, including vaccinations for seniors and one to be taken during pregnancy to protect infants, and an antibody treatment for infants.”
Reckitt Rolls Out Lysol Air Sanitizer
“With flu and RSV expected to hit the US at a similar time, businesses should deploy effective germ reduction strategies to help address the spread through both surfaces and air,” said Dr. Julie McKinney, director of R&D at Reckitt’s Lysol Pro Solutions. “The season has historically shaved off productivity from businesses due to worker and school absenteeism. Early indicators suggest that this year is likely to mirror pre-pandemic trends compared to last year, which was highly unpredictable. Facility managers can be prepared and put in place protective measures to help combat the impact of the season. Holistic hand and surface hygiene, including the use of EPA-approved products such as Lysol Disinfectant Spray or Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, as well as a focus on effective cleaning measures on germ-harboring hot spots can help reduce the spread of germs, and support a more productive workforce.”
Reckitt is No. 3 in Happi's 2023 International Top 30 Report.
More Predictable Flu Acitvity
Lysol and BlueDot analyzed trends from the southern hemisphere’s winter months—which can serve as an indicator for the northern hemisphere’s respiratory virus season.Last year the flu season began, on average, seven weeks earlier than pre-pandemic trends, making it harder for businesses to prepare. This year, signs from the southern hemisphere suggest that the flu season is trending towards pre- pandemic patterns, said Lysol. Businesses can therefore leverage this predictability to ensure they are ramping up protection measures with appropriate timing.
RSV on the Rise
Children in the southern hemisphere have already been affected by RSV in their winter season. The severe surge of infections led to significant hospitalizations in Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay. While RSV activity in the US remains below epidemic threshold nationally, it has been increasing in southern regions since May 2023 based on PCR testing and reported cases, according to Lysol’s analysis.Businesses should prioritize helping to protect facilities against RSV – particularly those frequented by children, such as schools and daycare centers, asserts the cleaning category stalwart.
Covid Outlook
After a respite during the warmer months, a late summer wave of COVID-19 began in the southern U.S. and is now affecting the north-eastern US. As respiratory virus season ramps up, further challenges should be expected for healthcare systems, workplaces, and schools as a result of COVID-19 combined with flu and RSV, notes Lysol.“Data from the southern hemisphere and early indicators from the US suggest that we should anticipate a respiratory virus season more similar to pre-pandemic timing, but with a simultaneous rise in RSV and flu, in addition to the lingering threat of COVID-19,” said Dr. Andrea Thomas, head of epidemiology at BlueDot. “Businesses – particularly those that operate within high-risk settings such as schools and healthcare centers – should put in place interventions including ventilation, use of face masks, and encouraging vaccinations. We also have new medical countermeasures to protect the most vulnerable from severe outcomes of RSV, including vaccinations for seniors and one to be taken during pregnancy to protect infants, and an antibody treatment for infants.”
Additional Reading
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