Transforming Long-Term Care Through Cleaner Air

For residents in long-term care, the air they breathe can mean the difference between a healthy, relaxing life and a life-threatening illness. And with the arrival of respiratory disease season, September-January, increased indoor activity can create the ideal environment for respiratory illnesses such as influenza, RSV, the common cold, bronchitis and COVID-19, to become more prevalent.

For senior living facilities already struggling with limited staffing, keeping up with evolving infection threats has become a relentless challenge. Residents, many of whom are especially vulnerable to airborne illnesses, face a constant, invisible risk in the air they breathe, making air quality one of the most critical and overlooked factors in protecting their health.  

Unfortunately, traditional cleaning, while essential, isn’t always enough. Let’s discuss why air quality is so important and what can be done to help keep residents safe during respiratory disease season, and all year long.

Why Continuous Protection Matters in Long-Term Care

Vulnerable residents in these settings often have weakened immune systems, limited mobility and pre-existing respiratory conditions. Communal living spaces, shared dining areas and group activities are opportunities for bacteria and viruses to spread, and this is only exacerbated by the fact that some residents struggle to follow infection protection measures independently, such as handwashing or mask-wearing.

The consequences of a respiratory outbreak in a long-term care facility can be devastating. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 2024-2025 flu season was the highest severity flu season in more than a decade. Influenza-associated hospitalization rates were highest among people 75 and older, with 598.8 hospitalizations per 100,000 population.

Residents in long-term care face unique challenges that can increase the risk of infection during respiratory disease season, including:

• Inadequate ventilation systems.
• Higher rates of comorbidities.
• Limited ability to manage daily hygiene independently.
• Difficulty adhering to infection-control protocols.
• Ongoing staffing shortages in environmental services.
• High-traffic communal areas prone to cross contamination.

These factors create an environment where viruses, bacteria, and mold can thrive.

The diseases often seen during respiratory disease season can range in severity from mild symptoms like coughing and congestion to serious complications including pneumonia and even death.

The dangers of respiratory illnesses during this season are not limited to individual health. Outbreaks can strain healthcare systems, disrupt schools and workplaces, and create even more challenges for the senior living community.

Proper cleaning and disinfecting are crucial, as viruses can survive on surfaces for hours, including doorknobs, light switches and any frequented communal area. Unfortunately, manual cleaning of surfaces can’t always keep up with the demand and can be lacking in effectiveness.

What Can be Done to Improve Air Quality in Senior Living Spaces?

Improving indoor air quality, especially through advanced ventilation and air purification technologies, can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses in senior living spaces. Let’s look at a solution that can provide 24/7 proactive defense against pathogens.

Synexis’ Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (DHP) system, distributed by Network Distribution, was installed in two of three units at a senior living location. Within the same location, the same staff used the same cleaning techniques and the same HVAC system. The only difference was DHP protection.

• Without DHP, 67% of residents tested positive for COVID-19 in one unit.
• In another unit with DHP, 0% of residents tested positive for COVID-19.
• 13% of residents tested positive for COVID-19 after direct exposure with no further outbreaks in one unit with DHP.

Table 1 below details the descriptive epidemiology of the positive cases.

The incidental exposure of residents within three separate units (A-Unit, Memory Lane, and E-Unit) to staff members with COVID-19 provided a unique opportunity to observe airborne disease transmission patterns in comparable settings where DHP was installed (Memory Lane and E-Unit) and was not installed (A-Unit).

Given that A-Unit and Memory Lane had the same staff, cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation protocols and were exposed by the same staff members to COVID-19 on the same date, the primary observable difference between the two units was the deployment of DHP technology.

How does DHP work?

Synexis converts ambient oxygen and humidity into dry hydrogen peroxide. The DHP, a safe, natural molecule, continuously reduces pathogens in the air and on surfaces. Unlike foggers or sprays, DHP works 24/7 in occupied spaces without disrupting staff or residents.

This technology has been successful in reducing respiratory illnesses in long-term care settings and can be a game changer during respiratory disease season.

Long-term care is focused on creating a safe, healthy and dignified place to live. By reducing unseen environmental risks, Synexis provides peace of mind for administrators, staff, families and most importantly, residents.

Network Distribution makes Synexis technology accessible to long-term providers nationwide, and provides proper product fit, placement and ongoing support. Facilities that have partner with Network Distribution have strengthened infection prevention, minimized mold and odor issues, streamlined staff efficiency with automated solutions and ultimately improve residents’ quality of life.

To learn more about how Network Distribution can help improve the air quality within your facility, contact WellLink GPO.