College dorms are a breeding ground for germs. Shared spaces, close quarters – it’s the perfect storm for contagious illnesses. Colds, flu, even meningitis can spread like wildfire.
Farlite Solutions is your partner in creating healthier shared spaces on your campus. Our custom indoor air disinfection solutions are powered by UV light technology to target and eliminate harmful pathogens in the air. Contact our team today for a free consultation.
One Building, Hundreds of Students
On average, a college dorm building houses hundreds of students. Some smaller dorms might have a few hundred residents, while larger ones can accommodate over a thousand.
College dorms include multiple shared spaces, including bathrooms, lounges, kitchens, laundry rooms, and even game rooms and gyms. These shared spaces are where the dorm community comes alive, but they’re also where germs can easily spread. With so many people breathing the same air, it’s no wonder illnesses can spread quickly.
Top Pathogens That Spread in Dorms
Some of the most contagious culprits include:
- Colds and Flu: These viruses are masters of transmission, spreading through coughs, sneezes, and even just talking. Symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, and fever can quickly sideline students from their studies and social lives.
- Mononucleosis (“Mono”): This viral infection is often called the “kissing disease.” While it most commonly spreads through saliva, there is evidence that the virus that causes mono can also be transmitted through aerosolized droplets spread by sneezing, coughing, talking, or singing. Those stricken with mono often experience fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Mono can linger for weeks or even months, making it a major disruption to college life.
- MRSA: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph bacteria that’s resistant to many antibiotics. It can cause skin infections, pneumonia, and even bloodstream infections. MRSA can be spread many ways, including through the air, spreads through skin-to-skin contact, and contaminated surfaces, making it a particular concern in shared dorm environments.
- Meningitis: While less common, meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that inflames the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can also be spread through respiratory droplets in close contact. Meningitis requires immediate medical attention.
- Tuberculosis: Unfortunately, tuberculosis, or TB, is experiencing a resurgence in some parts of the country. It is spread through the air when a person infected with TB coughs, sneezes, or spits. It usually attacks the lungs but can attack some other organs, as well, including the brain. Symptoms include coughing, fever, chest pain, fatigue, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. The main treatment for TB is several months of antibiotics.
UV Light – an Effective Indoor Air Disinfection Solution
When it comes to combating germs in shared spaces, UV light is a powerful and effective indoor air disinfection solution. It harnesses the germicidal properties of ultraviolet light to neutralize a wide range of airborne pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. This type of disinfection is a safe and proven technology, with no harmful chemicals or byproducts.
As air circulates up to the top of the room, it’s exposed to broad rays of UV-C light which destroy the DNA and RNA of pathogens. This makes them unable to reproduce and spread. Because these UV lights operate continuously and automatically, they can help significantly reduce the transmission of illnesses throughout the student population. Plus, since they are relatively low maintenance, they’re a convenient option for long-term disinfection.
Get a Custom Indoor Air Disinfection Solution for Your Building
The battle against contagious germs on a busy college campus is an ongoing one. But with the right strategies, we can create healthier and safer living environments for students.
Farlite Solutions is committed to helping you create healthier shared spaces in your dorm buildings. Our custom indoor air disinfection solutions are tailored to your needs and to your unique indoor space. Contact us now to learn more.