Each year, influenza and other contagious illnesses contribute to widespread absenteeism in schools across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2024–2025 flu season was the most severe in 15 years, resulting in over 33 million illnesses nationally. This has a significant impact on student learning and operational budgets in educational settings, where close contact, shared surfaces, and limited cleaning capacity can accelerate virus transmission.

Beyond student absences, teacher sick days carry major financial and academic consequences. An estimated 8% of the 3.2 million public school teachers in the U.S. are absent on any given day, resulting in daily costs of up to USD 25.6 million due to substitute pay and administrative burdens. Over time, this equates to roughly USD 4.4 billion annually. Research also shows that frequent use of substitute teachers can negatively affect student performance, particularly in core subjects like mathematics.

To mitigate the impact of illness-related absenteeism, schools are increasingly focusing on smarter, more consistent cleaning of floors and high-contact surfaces as a first line of defence. Nilfisk, a global provider of professional cleaning equipment, supports educational institutions in implementing CDC-recommended cleaning protocols to reduce virus transmission in schools.

Key cleaning practices enabled by Nilfisk include:

• High-efficiency floor cleaning using professional machines designed to remove contaminants faster and more consistently than manual methods
• Standardised cleaning routines powered by reliable equipment to ensure repeatable hygiene outcomes across large school facilities
• Reduced cleaning time and labour costs through mechanised solutions that improve coverage while minimising disruption to school operations
• Safer, more hygienic waste and debris handling supported by advanced vacuum and floor care systems

By equipping schools with effective cleaning solutions, Nilfisk enables institutions to reduce environmental transmission risks and create healthier learning environments.

School districts that follow consistent cleaning and disinfection protocols can reduce illness-related absenteeism among both students and staff, limit operational disruptions, and protect educational outcomes.

For example, in January 2025, the Godley Independent School District in Texas was forced to close several days after more than 650 students and 60 staff members fell ill. The case underscores the importance of proactive hygiene strategies in schools. Implementing structured cleaning routines based on CDC guidance provides a low-cost, high-impact measure to improve public health resilience in the education sector.