As lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic are winding down in many areas, some workers are returning to their office buildings for the first time in months. Unfortunately, this influx of employees coincides with many buildings buttoning up for winter — potentially reducing ventilation — as well as what is traditionally the start of flu season in the U.S. There are also concerns that COVID-19 infections could spike again later this year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), both flu and COVID-19 viruses are primarily spread through the air. This mainly occurs when tiny droplets expelled by infected people when they cough, sneeze, or talk impact or are inhaled by others who are in close proximity. Those droplets may be concentrated in areas with low ventilation rates, potentially increasing the risk for virus spread, which is why experts are recommending not only increased ventilation, but also better filtration in most commercial buildings.