With temperatures dropping in the U.S. and people spending more time indoors, our communities are faced with the challenge of not only preventing the spread of COVID-19, but also other viruses, such as Influenza (the flu), common colds and norovirus. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has put public health under the spotlight during the last two years and has increased awareness of the importance of good hand hygiene and other protective measures. It will take vigilance and continued efforts from all of us to stay healthy in the months ahead. At Ecolab, we know the combination of science-backed cleaning and disinfection solutions, expertise and innovation will continue to play a critical role in helping businesses promote the health of their employees and guests.  

Potential For a Severe Flu Season 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we could see an early and possibly severe flu season this year, due to lack of flu virus activity since March 2020. We’re heading into a season where many pandemic-related restrictions have ended, restaurants and stores are largely open and we’re out interacting with others again. Simply put, our immune systems are not as primed as they might have been in previous years. The added complexity of continued pressure from the Delta and Omicron variants — with similar symptoms to winter infections — and a strain on healthcare resources, mean we could be facing what many are calling a ‘twindemic’. 

While the best thing we can do to protect ourselves and others is to get vaccinated — against both COVID-19 and the flu — we know that hand hygiene, public health training and environmental hygiene are essential for mitigating the spread of these viruses among both children and adults. 

Managing transmission can be difficult as infections like the flu don’t have boundaries and individuals are often most infectious during the first three days they show symptoms, or even prior to showing any symptoms at all. Droplets that are generated by sneezing, coughing or talking can be spread through the air — just like other pathogens — and can be transmitted on surfaces, which makes it especially important to frequently disinfect both surfaces and your hands.  

A Comprehensive Solution  
Managing the spread of infection requires a multi-pronged approach. And you can work with your Ecolab associate to determine the best way to help keep your business, employees and guests healthy. The Ecolab Science Certified™ program does just that. It’s a comprehensive, science-based public health and food safety program designed to help businesses commit to a higher level of cleanliness, while giving both employees and guests confidence in their choice.  

The program combines advanced chemistries and other solutions proven effective at killing the flu virus, the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other harmful pathogens, with public health and food safety training, and a periodic audit that checks program elements and protocols are being followed.

Having the right products can aid in preventing the spread of infection. But it’s just as important to be backed by scientific insights and maintain a comprehensive approach to fighting germs.

When employees and guests see the Ecolab Science Certified seal in the window, they can feel confident knowing that the business has the products, knowledge and training to help achieve Scientific Clean.