Combating the Flu with Technology

3 min read

Every year, businesses, schools, and churches face a common yet costly challenge: the flu. Influenza spreads rapidly, affecting productivity, increasing absenteeism, and causing significant disruptions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that flu-related illnesses cost U.S. businesses billions of dollars annually, not just in healthcare expenses but also in lost productivity and wages. Schools experience higher absenteeism rates among students and staff, while churches struggle to maintain attendance and community engagement during flu season. Traditional cleaning and disinfection methods have long been used to combat the spread of the virus, but advancements in technology have introduced more effective solutions, such as electrostatic sprayers.

Victory Innovations’ electrostatic sprayers, available through Saffelle, Inc., represent a breakthrough in disinfection technology. Designed for efficiency and maximum coverage, these sprayers are available in handheld and backpack models. They offer an innovative approach to fighting flu outbreaks, ensuring comprehensive protection for businesses, educational institutions, and places of worship.

Understanding Flu Transmission

Influenza spreads primarily through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. These droplets can land on surfaces, where the virus remains active for hours or even days. High-touch areas such as desks, doorknobs, keyboards, pews, and light switches become prime locations for transmission. The traditional methods of cleaning—spraying and wiping—are often inadequate because they rely on human application, which can be inconsistent and leave areas untreated.

The flu virus can survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours, making thorough disinfection a necessity. Conventional spray-and-wipe techniques often fail to address all surfaces evenly. Additionally, custodial staff members are required to spend extended periods applying disinfectant manually, leading to increased labor costs and potential exposure to harmful pathogens.

The Science Behind Electrostatic Disinfection

Victory Innovations’ electrostatic sprayers use a revolutionary approach to disinfection. By charging disinfectant particles as they are sprayed, the solution wraps around surfaces, covering areas that traditional methods miss. This electrostatic attraction ensures that every surface, even those that are difficult to reach, receives complete coverage.

The handheld Victory Professional Cordless Electrostatic Sprayer (VP200ES) and the backpack model (VP300ES) provide a superior method of applying disinfectants. Unlike traditional sprayers, these devices utilize an electrostatic charge to create a fine mist that clings to surfaces, ensuring thorough and even distribution. This means that in a classroom, office, or church pew, all sides of desks, chairs, and fixtures receive full coverage, eliminating the risk of missed areas.

This technology has been proven effective in reducing pathogen loads on surfaces, significantly lowering the chance of transmission. A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control demonstrated that electrostatic spraying could achieve 360-degree coverage, reducing contamination by up to 99.9%. When combined with EPA-approved disinfectants, Victory electrostatic sprayers create an environment where flu transmission is significantly reduced.

The Business Cost of Influenza Outbreaks

The financial impact of flu season on businesses is staggering. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that influenza-related absenteeism costs employers approximately $16 billion annually in lost productivity. Employees calling out sick disrupt workflows, delay projects, and lead to decreased efficiency. When multiple employees are out simultaneously, businesses struggle to maintain operations, often requiring overtime pay or temporary replacements, further increasing costs.

For small businesses, even a handful of flu cases can have a disproportionate impact. Unlike larger corporations that can redistribute workloads, small businesses often rely on a few key individuals. When those individuals fall ill, it can halt business operations entirely. Preventative measures, including the use of advanced disinfection technology, can help mitigate these risks.

Schools also suffer significantly from flu outbreaks. When students miss class due to illness, their learning is disrupted, and teachers must spend additional time helping them catch up. Absenteeism among staff means schools must find substitute teachers, adding to operational costs. The same challenges apply to churches, where congregation members and clergy may be unable to attend services or participate in community activities.

The Efficiency and Cost-Saving Benefits of Victory Electrostatic Sprayers

Investing in Victory electrostatic sprayers through Saffelle, Inc. offers a cost-effective solution for flu prevention. Traditional cleaning methods are labor-intensive, requiring staff to manually wipe down each surface. This process is not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. Electrostatic sprayers, on the other hand, significantly reduce labor costs by covering large areas quickly and efficiently.

For example, a manual spray-and-wipe process for a 10,000-square-foot facility may take hours to complete. With an electrostatic sprayer, the same area can be disinfected in a fraction of the time. The Victory backpack sprayer, capable of holding 2.25 gallons of disinfectant, allows for extended use without frequent refilling, further improving efficiency.

Moreover, the even distribution of disinfectant reduces product waste. Traditional sprayers often lead to over-application in some areas and under-application in others, making them less effective and more expensive in the long run. Electrostatic sprayers ensure that every droplet of disinfectant is utilized effectively, maximizing the return on investment.

Implementing a Proactive Disinfection Strategy

Rather than reacting to flu outbreaks after they occur, businesses, schools, and churches should adopt a proactive approach. Implementing a scheduled electrostatic disinfection routine can prevent the flu virus from gaining a foothold in high-traffic environments. By regularly using Victory electrostatic sprayers, organizations can ensure that their spaces remain safe, reducing the risk of absenteeism and maintaining operational continuity.

Beyond flu season, electrostatic disinfection is valuable for preventing other illnesses, such as COVID-19, norovirus, and bacterial infections. Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness year-round fosters a healthier environment for employees, students, and congregation members.

Final Thoughts

The cost of the flu extends far beyond missed days at work or school. It disrupts businesses, hinders learning, and impacts the ability of churches to serve their communities. By investing in Victory Innovations’ electrostatic sprayers, organizations can take a proactive approach to disinfection, reducing the spread of flu and other illnesses. The scientific backing, efficiency, and cost savings associated with this technology make it a smart choice for any facility looking to maintain a safe and healthy environment.

Saffelle, Inc. is committed to providing top-tier cleaning solutions, and Victory electrostatic sprayers are at the forefront of modern disinfection technology.

Contact us today to learn more about how these advanced sprayers can protect your business, school, or place of worship from the flu and beyond.