3 Ways to Reduce Office Allergens
It’s that time of year again. With flu season upon us, it’s important to keep your business’s workspace safe for your employees and customers. According to the American Academy of Asthma and Immunology, allergic rhinitis, or inflammation of the nose caused by an overreaction of the immune system to breathing in allergens, affects between 10 and 30 percent of the population worldwide.
Your HVAC system does a lot to filter the air you breathe and keep your body healthy, but there are a number of steps you can take to facilitate the air filtration process and also go the extra mile in ensuring an even cleaner and safer work environment. Below are three ways you can reduce and control allergens in your office workplace.
Encourage the Flu Shot
This may seem like common sense, but each flu season, it’s worth reminding and encouraging your employees to get their flu shot if they haven’t already. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than 50 percent of adults in the United States had received their flu shot during the 2018-2019 flu season.
During this time of COVID-19, the flu shot is even more important, as “reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses is important to protect vulnerable populations at risk for severe illness, the healthcare system, and other critical infrastructure,” according to the CDC.
Control Seasonal Allergens with Your HVAC System
Here’s where your HVAC really comes into play. By optimizing your HVAC during peak flu seasonal months, you’ll better prepare your office from the effects of seasonal allergens. At Air Ideal, we can help you choose the air filter that’s right for your building’s needs, and we can work with you to establish a maintenance routine that will keep your system healthy and efficient.
To give your air filter an additional boost, consider investing indoor air purifiers. Your air purifier will trap the peskier allergens that your HVAC system can’t handle or capture on its own.
Establish and Enforce Healthy Office Practices
One of the most effective ways to combat office allergens is to practice healthy workspace habits. Make sure you communicate to the individuals that frequent your building of the importance of maintaining a clean workspace, both personally and office-wide. Simple habits such as a wiping down desks and tables, washing and sanitizing hands frequently, and establishing designated areas for eating can drastically improve the health and safety of your space.
For more information on ways to reduce office allergens and how you can optimize your HVAC system for the best possible performance this flu season, contact us today.