As the UK faces a significant flu outbreak this winter, healthcare providers are under increasing pressure to manage and contain the virus. Hospitals and healthcare settings are particularly vulnerable to the spread of flu, with patients, staff, and visitors in close contact in crowded environments. The number of patients being treated for flu in hospitals across England has quadrupled in the past month, leading to rapid transmission of the virus (1). This surge in cases not only increases patient illness but also results in staff absenteeism, further straining already overburdened healthcare systems.
In these challenging times, it is crucial to implement effective infection control measures to limit the spread of the flu within healthcare environments. A key solution is reducing the risk of cross-contamination and preventing the flu virus from spreading across healthcare settings.
The Impact of the Flu Outbreak in the UK
Flu season typically begins in the colder months, but this year’s flu outbreak has begun earlier than expected in December, as opposed to January or February. The outbreak has been particularly severe, with rising cases across the UK. Last week, an influx in hospital admissions lead to a 70% increase in beds occupied by flu cases compared to the week before. These rates are three times higher than this time last year, with many doctors acknowledging that they are struggling to contain the virus’s transmission within hospitals, all while facing an influx of additional patients (2).
The flu virus is highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and through contact with contaminated surfaces. The influenza virus can survive on hard surfaces such as plastic for 24 to 48 hours and on fabric for 8 to 12 hours, creating a significant window of opportunity for patients and healthcare workers to come into contact with contaminated surfaces, thereby increasing the risk of cross-transmission (3). This makes it especially difficult to control the virus in healthcare settings, where vulnerable patients, such as the elderly and those with chronic conditions, are at greater risk of complications.
In addition to direct patient care, the flu also puts healthcare workers at risk, potentially leading to staffing shortages and increased pressure on the system. Many hospitals have introduced extra beds this year to help combat the rise in admissions resulting from flu and other winter viruses, such as norovirus and Covid (1). With high foot traffic in hospitals, emergency departments, and other healthcare facilities, the virus can spread rapidly unless proactive infection control measures are in place.
The Role of Fantex® IPC Curtains in Infection Control
One of the major challenges in preventing the spread of the flu within healthcare environments is limiting patients’ and staff members’ exposure to contaminated surfaces, including curtains. These surfaces have long been recognised as potential reservoirs for pathogens in hospitals and are cited in the literature as contributors to the spread of infections, including superbugs like MRSA.
Fantex® IPC Curtains are designed to reduce microbial proliferation on their surface, minimising the risk of cross-transmission through environmental contamination in high-risk areas such as hospital wards, emergency rooms, and intensive care units (ICUs). Fantex® IPC Curtains kill 99.9% (Log 3) of harmful pathogens in under one minute and remain highly active for the entire hanging time to provide long-lasting protection against cross-contamination (4).
By using Fantex® IPC Curtains, healthcare facilities can ensure they are implementing the most hygienic surfaces possible, as these are the only curtains scientifically proven to kill pathogens and remain free from contamination. This helps create a safer patient environment and reduces the risk of healthcare professionals and patients contracting life-threatening healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), such as the flu.
Conclusion
As the flu outbreak continues to impact the UK, hospitals must act quickly to limit the virus’s spread. The flu poses a serious risk to patients, healthcare workers, and the wider community, placing immense strain on healthcare systems. Fantex® IPC Curtains provide a proven solution to reduce cross-contamination and protect both patients and staff. By incorporating these curtains into infection control protocols, healthcare settings can play a key role in stopping the flu’s spread.
References:
- NHS England » Hospital patients with flu quadrupled to over 5,000 ahead of New Year
- Hospitals hit by ‘tidal wave’ of winter viruses – BBC News
- Bean B, Moore BM, Sterner B, Peterson LR, Gerding DN, Balfour HH Jr. Survival of influenza viruses on environmental surfaces. J Infect Dis. 1982 Jul;146(1):47-51. doi: 10.1093/infdis/146.1.47. PMID: 6282993
- “The Role of Patient Privacy Curtains in HCAI Transmission: The Effect of a Novel Disinfectant Intervention in Acute Care Hospitals.” .
