There is no better time to improve ventilation. According to NHS England, the number of hospital patients with flu quadrupled to over 5000 ahead of New Year. The figure is almost 3.5 times higher than the same period last year. One of the reasons for the spread of respiratory viruses is a lack of fresh air in areas where people meet up.
Why do flu cases increase in winter?
People tend to spend a lot more time indoors in close proximity to one another. Cold weather conditions mean people are less likely to open windows and doors which means viral particles are more likely to be circulating. The elderly and young are particularly vulnerable.
What is ventilation and why it is important to reduce the spread of colds and flu?
Ventilation allows fresh air into a building and removes stale air. Whenever a person with a cold or flu speaks, breathes or coughs, they release droplets containing viruses which can be spread to others. Aerosols can remain in the air for some time, even when the person has left the room. Opening a window or employing a ventilation system helps to clear the air of these viral particles and reduces the risk of spreading.
How to improve ventilation
The ways in which ventilation can be improved depend on the space and building. Buildings are ventilated by natural systems such as vents, windows and chimneys, or by mechanical systems such as extractor fans or air conditioning, or a combination of both. In situations where it isn’t possible to open windows due to pollution or noise, a range of natural ventilation and acoustic ventilation products can be installed. This ensures fresh air is able to enter the building whilst filtering excess noise or pollution.
Ventilation at work is important to maintain a healthy workplace and to reduce staff sickness.
“During covid 19, there was an increased awareness of the importance of ventilation in reducing the risk of spreading the virus. It is important we retain some of the methods used at the time to protect ourselves right now while cases of flu are so high,” said James Cartland, Director at Tek Ltd.
Employers have a duty of care to ensure, as far as reasonably practical, the health of their employees at work. Providing adequate ventilation is an important component of a healthy work environment, and is prescribed by law in regulation 6 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (HMSO, 1992). CIBSE wrote a useful guide for employers managing the return to work post- covid 19 lockdown which is worth revisiting here because it has some useful guidance on ventilation.
Managing or designing healthy buildings requires in depth consideration of ventilation. It is advisable to speak to a ventilation and heating expert.