As cold and flu season approaches, coupled with ongoing concerns about COVID-19, indoor air quality (IAQ) has become more critical than ever. Fellowes, a global leader in air purification, is emphasizing the vital role of effective IAQ management in reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses in workplaces and public spaces. With colder weather pushing people indoors, the concentration of airborne viruses and bacteria increases, making proper air filtration essential to maintaining personal health and business productivity. Fellowes’ solutions, particularly its advanced air purifiers, offer a crucial defense by reducing contaminants in indoor environments.

Health experts have long linked the spike in respiratory infections during fall and winter to several factors. Pathogens tend to thrive in lower temperatures, and the flu virus, in particular, spreads more easily in dry air, a common condition in heated indoor environments. Furthermore, limited air circulation indoors traps viral particles, increasing the risk of infection.  Additionally, human immune systems are less effective this time of year as internal systems prioritize body temperature regulation over immune response.

According to Fellowes’ 2024 IAQ survey of 1,994 adults across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, 61% of respondents reported having contracted a respiratory illness in the last year. In the U.S. alone, that figure rises to 74%. The most commonly cited sources of infection were workplaces (47%), public buildings such as restaurants and stores (46%), and public transportation (39%).

Flu season, typically from October to April, has become increasingly unpredictable in recent years. According to Flu.com, “in recent flu seasons since the start of the pandemic, flu activity hasn’t always followed expected patterns, so the timing and duration of the flu season has been less predictable.” With flu season becoming more unpredictable, and the CDC expecting the upcoming fall and winter respiratory disease season to likely have a similar number of total hospitalizations compared to last year, it has never been more important to take an active approach to indoor air quality to prevent sickness from spreading year-round.  

Improving Business Efficiency Through Better Air Quality

Indoor air quality doesn’t just impact health—it also impacts company productivity. The CDC estimates that a single sick day costs businesses $1,685 per employee. By improving IAQ, companies can reduce sick leave and its associated costs, enhancing organizational efficiency. Fellowes' Array air purifiers, equipped with patented EnviroSmart+™ Technology, are designed to detect and combat airborne contaminants, including viruses, bacteria, and allergens, all of which can lead to illness.

The EnviroSmart+ Technology in the Array system allows the system to operate more efficiently, saving business money. EnviroSmart+ reduces energy consumption by varying the fan state of Array air purification devices based on real-time needs, which means the system reduces energy usage when it isn’t necessary.

"With flu season becoming less predictable in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses need to be proactive in managing their indoor air," said Arti Lyde, global general manager of air quality management at Fellowes. "Our solutions provide real-time responses to changes in air quality, ensuring that environments remain clean and safe through these seasonal fluctuations."

Fellowes' Array: The Solution for Cleaner Air

The Fellowes' networked Array IAQ system continuously monitors air quality and adjusts fan speeds based on occupancy and contamination levels. Its H13 True HEPA filters capture 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns, including viruses such as H1N1, rhinovirus, and SARS-CoV-2. The system's ability to increase equivalent air changes per hour (eACH) significantly reduces the spread of illness. With a powerful fan design, Array units can achieve five eACH, meaning they remove 99.99% of contaminants much faster than standard HVAC systems, which often achieve only 0.3-4.1 ACH depending on the building type.

Air pollutants and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) are especially concerning, as they provide condensation nuclei for viral attachment, increasing the risk of infection. It is crucial to clean indoor air of these contaminants to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Fellowes' EnviroSmart+™ Technology takes IAQ management to the next level by enabling units to sense changes in the environment and respond accordingly. As occupancy increases or a virus is detected, Array units communicate with one another to ramp up cleaning efforts. This networked approach ensures that air remains clean even in larger spaces, such as offices and public buildings.

A Reassuring Choice for Businesses and Communities

For businesses, maintaining a clean and healthy environment is essential for both employee well-being and customer confidence. Fellowes’ Array system not only improves air quality but also offers real-time monitoring through the Viewpoint dashboard. Facility managers can access air quality data, trends, and alerts in real-time, allowing them to respond proactively. Additionally, the Viewpoint Community Dashboard and Lookout displays reassure occupants by providing visible updates on air quality.

As cold and flu season looms, Fellowes is committed to helping businesses safeguard their indoor environments. With solutions like the Array IAQ system, companies can improve employee wellness, reduce sick leave, and foster healthier, more productive workplaces year-round.