Respiratory Season Readiness + Recognizing EVS Team
- Missy Travis MSN RN CIC FAPIC
- Sep 26, 2025
- 2 min read
As we step into Fall, now is the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming respiratory season. Fall and Winter bring unique infection prevention challenges, with flu and other respiratory viruses on the rise. Reinforcing infection prevention and control practices now can make all the difference.
🦠 Flu & Respiratory Virus Season: Actions You Can Take Now
A little preparation today can help keep your patients/residents and staff safe tomorrow. Here are some key steps to consider:
1. Review & Update Protocols
Revisit policies for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 to ensure they reflect the most up-to-date guidance.
2. Vaccination Programs
Offer convenient flu vaccination clinics—don’t forget evening and weekend shifts. Encourage uptake among both staff and patients/residents.
3. Enhance Hygiene Practices
Reinforce hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and proper PPE use to reduce transmission.
4. Strengthen Isolation Procedures
Revisit plans for managing flu and COVID-19 cases, including designated care spaces.
5. Supply Management
Check your stock of antivirals, masks, gloves, disinfectants, and hand sanitizers before demand spikes.
6. Staff Training & Education
Provide refresher training on respiratory illness prevention and reinforce when staff should stay home if ill. This is a BIG one!
🧼 Environmental Cleaning Matters
With respiratory season approaching, thorough cleaning and disinfection play a critical role in reducing transmission.
Increase frequency in high-touch and high-traffic areas
Use EPA-approved disinfectants effective against circulating viruses
Pay special attention to waiting rooms, communal areas, and isolation spaces
Reinforce correct cleaning techniques and contact times
Audit regularly to ensure compliance and provide feedback to staff
Keep supplies stocked and accessible
Enhanced cleaning efforts make a measurable difference in protecting both staff and patients.
🙌 Recognizing Environmental Services Teams
Earlier this month, we celebrated Environmental Services (EVS) Week—a time dedicated to highlighting the essential role EVS teams play in infection prevention. Their work keeps healthcare environments safe, and we couldn’t do our jobs effectively without them.
Even though EVS Week has passed, the recognition doesn’t have to stop there. A simple “thank you” or word of encouragement can go a long way, any day of the year. Let’s continue celebrating and supporting our EVS colleagues for the critical role they play in keeping patients, residents, and staff safe.
🌬️ Additional Steps for Respiratory Season
Beyond flu prep and environmental cleaning, Infection Preventionists can strengthen protection with these strategies:
Visitor Management: Screen visitors for symptoms to reduce external exposure.
Communication Plans: Share clear updates with staff, patients/residents, and visitors.
Surveillance: Track illness cases in your facility, paying attention to both staff and patient/residents, to catch trends early.
Ventilation Systems: Confirm proper function to reduce airborne spread.
Collaboration with Public Health: Stay connected for guidance and resources.
Patient/Resident Education: Provide prevention reminders to patients, residents, and families.
💡 Early preparation sets the tone for a safer respiratory season. If you’d like support reviewing or strengthening your infection prevention program, I’m here to help. Set up a free strategy call with me.
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About IP&C Consulting At IP&C Consulting, I help healthcare organizations and infection preventionists strengthen their programs through consulting, education, and coaching. Learn more about my services here.