
The outbreak of infectious diseases has been a feature of human history. The COVID-19 pandemic is only one example in a long line. There is a 47% to 57% chance of experiencing another deadly pandemic before 2050, according to the Center for Global Development.
We cannot predict when or where the next pandemic will come from. What has become abundantly clear is that it is essential to take proactive measures to help limit the impact of future events. Installing indoor air disinfection solutions in highly populated indoor spaces can help protect occupants from airborne germs.
Disinfection solutions that use UV light operate automatically and continuously, sensing conditions and adjusting accordingly to destroy over 99% of airborne viruses and bacteria. Stay a step ahead—get protection for your building now with Farlite Solutions. Contact our team today to get a quote.
The Difference Between a Pandemic and Epidemic
The terms pandemic and epidemic are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. An epidemic is a sudden outbreak of a disease that affects a certain population in a limited geographic area. On the other hand, a pandemic is a disease that spreads across multiple countries or continents, affecting a higher number of people.
While epidemics can be equally devastating, pandemics often result in more severe and longer-lasting consequences. Everyone can attest to the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their lives.
There is an annual probability of around 3% that we will experience a pandemic. The key to reducing the severity and impact of pandemics is prevention. Indoor air UV disinfection solutions are a critical tool that can dramatically reduce the spread of viruses. These solutions can effectively sanitize indoor air. This reduces the concentration of airborne pathogens and thereby lowering the risk of disease transmission.
Pandemics Over the Past 100 Years
In the past 100 years, there have been seven pandemics. Beyond the human toll, these pandemics have had profound economic and social effects. They disrupt the economy, strain healthcare systems, and cause widespread panic and fear.
- The 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic was one of the deadliest in history, infecting roughly one-third of the world’s population and resulting in an estimated 20-50 million deaths. This H1N1 influenza virus, as we now know it, struck with unusual severity, with a notably high death rate among young adults.
- The 1956 Influenza Pandemic, also known as the Asian Flu, originated from East Asia, spreading globally and resulting in approximately 2 million deaths. Caused by the H2N2 subtype of influenza A virus, this pandemic had a relatively mild impact compared to the 1918 Spanish Flu.
- The 1968 Influenza Pandemic, or the Hong Kong Flu, was caused by the H3N2 strain of the Influenza A virus. It was first detected in Hong Kong, and within two weeks, outbreaks were reported in Vietnam and Singapore, and within three months it had spread to The Philippines, India, Australia, Europe, and the United States. Globally, it killed an estimated 1 million people.
- The 1981 HIV Pandemic marked the emergence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It was first identified among homosexual men in the United States, but quickly spread globally, affecting millions of individuals. As of 2020, approximately 38 million people have been infected, and over 32 million have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
- The 2002 SARS Pandemic was caused by the SARS-CoV virus. Originating from Guangdong, China, it spread to 26 countries, infecting over 8,000 people and causing around 774 deaths. Its rapid spread was facilitated by international air travel, but quick international cooperation helped to contain the disease.
- The 2009 Flu Pandemic, also known as Swine Flu, was caused by the H1N1 influenza virus. First detected in the United States, it became the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. The World Health Organization estimates that this pandemic resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths globally.
- The 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Originating from Wuhan, China, it has spread globally, causing significant health, economic, and social disruption. As of January 2022, over 300 million confirmed cases and over 5.5 million deaths have been reported worldwide.
By understanding past pandemics, we can learn valuable lessons and prepare better for future crises. It is only through preparedness that we can hope to protect ourselves from the potentially devastating impacts of future pandemics.
Indoor Air Disinfection Solutions Kill Over 99% of Airborne Viruses
Indoor air UV disinfection solutions are an extremely effective tool in curbing the spread of infectious respiratory viruses within indoor spaces. Unlike conventional air purifiers, these solutions utilize the power of ultraviolet light, a type of electromagnetic radiation. This UV light is lethal to many microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. They effectively destroy over 99% of airborne pathogens within minutes.
When airborne particles pass through the UV light, it scrambles their genetic material, preventing them from reproducing and causing infection. With continuous operation, UV disinfection systems maintain a consistently low level of airborne pathogens. This directly reduces the likelihood of respiratory infection transmission.
This makes them an essential part of the arsenal in combating the spread of airborne diseases, particularly in highly-populated indoor environments like large corporate offices, schools or colleges, or transportation hubs.
Get Protection Now – Indoor Air Disinfection Solutions from Farlite Solutions
Installing a UV air disinfection system is a proactive step that you can take to safeguard your operations against airborne diseases. These systems work tirelessly to maintain a low level of airborne pathogens in the environment, thereby reducing the risk of transmission. Ideally, with this system in place, you will be able to operate with minimal disruption, even during periods of heightened disease activity.
Whether your building occupants are employees, students, clients, or visitors, they will have peace of mind knowing that the air they breathe is being constantly sanitized. This investment offers protection against current viral outbreaks. It also serves as a crucial line of defense against potential future pandemics.
Farlite Solutions provides advanced indoor air UV disinfection solutions designed to protect your building from contagions. Our systems are easy to install and start working immediately to disinfect the air. We also offer comprehensive support and maintenance plans to ensure that your system is always running at peak efficiency.
By investing in Farlite Solutions, you are taking the necessary action now to safeguard your operations from airborne disease transmission. Contact us for a free quote today and find out how our solutions can help protect you during future pandemics.