Beat the Bug This Flu Season

Every fire fighter is aware of the physical demands and risks that come with the job, but one of the most common threats isn’t physical injury or fire—it’s invisible viruses like influenza, colds, and other contagious illnesses. Staying healthy isn’t just about personal well-being; it’s also about protecting your family, your team, and the communities you serve.

Respiratory infections—including influenza and COVID-19—cause widespread inflammation in the body as your immune system fights the virus. This inflammation can make existing plaque in your arteries more likely to rupture, which can trigger a heart attack or stroke. Studies have shown that the risk of a heart attack is 6 to 10 times higher in the week after a respiratory infection. This is especially concerning for fire fighters, who already face elevated cardiovascular risk due to the physical and environmental demands of the job. Preventing infection through vaccination, good hygiene, mask use when needed, and staying home when you’re ill helps protect not just your lungs, but also your heart.

The firehouse, the main environment where fire fighters work, offers many opportunities for viral transmission. Station-based operations involve shared living spaces, close-contact teamwork, and equipment handling, all of which promote the spread of pathogens. Additionally, while assisting people in the community, fire fighters may be exposed to highly contagious infectious diseases. Here’s what you can do to help prevent and reduce the spread of the flu and other infectious diseases.

Viruses can survive on surfaces for hours, so washing your hands thoroughly and regularly is crucial. It’s easy to just quickly wash your hands and move on, but that’s not enough. Here’s a quick reminder on effective hand washing:

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold)—warm water isn’t more effective, though it may feel more comfortable. 
• Apply soap and lather thoroughly, covering all surfaces, including the palms, the backs of the hands, fingers, between fingers, thumbs, wrists, and underneath fingernails. 
• Scrub for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum “Happy Birthday” twice. 
• Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water to wash away germs.
• Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel or air dryer. Moist hands are more likely to transfer germs.

If soap and water aren’t immediately available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Here’s how to use hand sanitizer most effectively:

• Apply enough sanitizer—use a dime-to-quarter-sized amount (enough to thoroughly coat all surfaces of both hands).
• Rub your hands together, covering all areas thoroughly.
• Continue rubbing your hands for approximately 15–20 seconds, or until they are completely dry.
• Do not wipe off excess sanitizer; let it air-dry completely to achieve maximum effectiveness.

High-Priority Decontamination Targets: Concentrate your decontamination efforts on frequently touched surfaces such as tables, chairs, door handles, remote controls, food preparation areas, bathrooms, communication equipment, and vehicle interiors. 

These spots pose the highest transmission risk due to their high contact frequency and pathogen survival traits.

Disinfect with Care: Always use a surface-appropriate disinfectant spray or wipe for cleaning—one that doesn’t damage the surface, but kills potential contaminants. Most commercial disinfectants need specific contact times for effective antimicrobial action. Apply products according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 30-60 seconds, before wiping surfaces to ensure effective pathogen elimination. You can find these specific, product-related instructions in your workplace SDS.

Some people incorrectly think that the flu shot causes the flu. Thankfully, it cannot. The vaccine contains inactivated (killed) influenza viruses or parts of the virus, so it cannot reproduce or make you sick with the flu. Some individuals may experience achiness, tiredness, or a low-grade fever for one to two days afterward. This is your immune system working to protect you, not an infection. Extensive studies show that the flu shot reduces your chances of catching influenza and, if you do get sick, lessens the severity and likelihood of hospitalization. Bottom line: The flu shot is a safe and proven way to minimize illness-related downtime and keep you, your family, and your crew healthy.

Be Vigilant and Support Each Other

Fire fighters operate as a close-knit team, making vigilance and mutual support essential:

• Keep an eye out for symptoms in yourself and others, and encourage teammates to report if they’re feeling ill.
• Encourage a workplace environment that respects and supports taking time off when you’re sick.
• Remind each other regularly about hygiene practices and hold each other accountable for maintaining clean spaces and equipment.

Following the simple yet effective steps outlined in this article can significantly reduce your risk of contracting and spreading infectious viruses. Every fire fighter plays an essential role in keeping the team healthy, operational, and ready to serve the community. Stay healthy, stay safe, and look out for each other.

Terry’s Tip: Stay Home When You’re Sick

This article was written with the help of retired Seattle Fire Fighter Terry Taylor, who authored the “Safety Break” column in Local 27 newspaper, “The Third Rail,” from 1995 to 2007. Content was also provided and reviewed by the Station 2 Clinic.