UV light disinfection is a potent tool in the fight against airborne pathogens in urgent care centers. It works by emitting a specific wavelength of light that breaks down the DNA and RNA of viruses and bacteria. When destroyed internally, these viruses can’t reproduce, minimizing the risk of disease transmission.
Running an urgent care center means you must be proactive about keeping germs at bay. Not only do you want your patients to feel safe and secure while they are there, but avoiding potential illnesses or infections is a must for maintaining a healthy environment.
Read on as we explore five common germs found in urgent care centers and how UV light disinfection technology can help stop them from spreading further. Our UV light devices work automatically and continuously in your facility; contact us for a quote today.
Airborne Pathogens Frequently Found in an Urgent Care Center
As we approach winter, it’s important to be aware of the most common airborne germs that can persist in an urgent care center. These are some of the most common respiratory illnesses that can spread through coughing, sneezing, and talking in close proximity. UV light disinfection technology has proved to be incredibly effective in combating these airborne pathogens, playing a significant role in curbing the spread of these communicable diseases within urgent care centers.
Viruses Targeted by UV Light Disinfection
- Influenza (flu): Influenza is a viral infection that spreads easily from person to person when those infected cough, sneeze or talk, releasing droplets into the air and onto surfaces. It primarily affects the respiratory system and can cause severe illness in certain populations. Young children and older adults are particularly susceptible due to their weaker immune systems, with symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
- Strep throat: Caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, strep throat is transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by touching a surface contaminated by the bacteria. Symptoms are severe sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. While it affects all ages, it is particularly common in children. Older adults may experience milder symptoms but are at risk of complications like rheumatic fever if untreated.
- COVID-19: This highly infectious disease is caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and by touching a surface or object with the virus on it and then touching the face. Young children generally experience milder symptoms like fever and cough but can spread the virus. Older adults and those with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of severe symptoms and complications.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. It spreads via respiratory droplets and direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Most children have been infected with the virus by age two. While usually mild in healthy adults, RSV can be severe in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, potentially leading to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
UV Light Disinfection Effectively Sanitizes the Air in Urgent Care Centers
When it comes to urgent care centers, the cleanliness of the air is especially important. Urgent care centers take extensive measures to maintain clean and sanitized surfaces, but air disinfection is also key to preventing the spread of infection and illness. Airborne pathogens can easily spread and lead to infection among patients and staff.
In a study, researchers discovered that patients who were exposed to influenza-like illness in a medical office were more likely to return to the doctor within 2 weeks with a similar illness, compared to patients who were not exposed.
UV light disinfection is a highly effective form of cleaning the air. UV lights work by destroying the DNA of microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. When a pathogen is exposed to UV-C light, the light penetrates the cell walls and reaches the DNA and RNA within. The UV light is absorbed by the nucleic acids, causing a reaction that interrupts the normal cellular processes. This disruption prevents the microorganism from replicating or functioning, effectively deactivating it and stopping the spread of infection.
Custom, Automated UV Light Disinfection Solutions for You
Our solutions provide effective and efficient airborne pathogen reduction that is tailored to your facility size and requirements. In addition, they are easy to maintain, and operate continuously and automatically. With the help of Farlite Solutions, your urgent care center will be able to provide a safe and healthy environment for both healthcare staff and patients. Contact our team for a quote today.