Lessons Learned: Preparing for the Future

We know what works. The question is whether we'll act on it.

From 1918 to COVID-19, the same lessons keep emerging: respiratory diseases spread through the air, ventilation matters, early action saves lives. The opportunity now is to build these lessons into our buildings, our policies, and our culture—before the next pandemic arrives.

Just as clean water prevents waterborne diseases, clean air can prevent airborne diseases.

Benefit: Clean air doesn't just prevent pandemics—it reduces flu, colds, allergies, and other everyday illnesses.

Personal Level

• Understand transmission: Know that shared indoor air is a risk factor
• Choose outdoor settings: When possible, meet outdoors
• Use high-quality masks: N95/KN95 when in crowded indoor spaces
• Check ventilation: Use CO₂ monitors to assess air quality
• Portable air cleaners: Use HEPA filters or CR boxes in your space

School Level

• Upgrade HVAC filters: MERV-13 or higher in all ventilation systems
• Install CO₂ monitors: In every classroom to track ventilation
• Add portable air cleaners: HEPA filters or CR boxes where needed
• Open windows when possible: Fresh air dilutes infectious particles
• Outdoor learning: Use outdoor spaces when weather permits
• Pandemic plans: Have protocols ready before outbreaks

Society Level

• Indoor air quality standards: Require minimum ventilation rates
• Building codes: Update to include ventilation and filtration requirements
• Public reporting: Display air quality like we display restaurant health grades
• Research funding: Invest in understanding airborne transmission
• Manufacturing capacity: Stockpile and produce N95 masks domestically
• Education: Teach about airborne transmission in schools

Clean indoor air is one of the best investments we can make.

Benefit	Impact
Pandemic prevention	COVID-19 cost the US economy trillions of dollars; prevention is cheaper
Reduced sick days	Better air quality means fewer colds, flu, and absences
Improved learning	Higher ventilation = better test scores and focus
Worker productivity	Studies show 8-11% productivity gains with better air
Health equity	Everyone benefits, especially those who can't afford their own solutions

It's not if, but when.

Scientists agree that future pandemics are inevitable. New viruses will emerge from animal populations. Some will spread through the air. The question is whether we'll be ready.

What Would "Ready" Look Like?

• Buildings designed with ventilation and filtration as priorities
• CO₂ monitors standard in all occupied spaces
• Stockpiles of N95 masks and air purifiers
• Clear protocols for schools, workplaces, and public venues
• Public understanding that clean air prevents disease
• Rapid response systems for emerging outbreaks

Create a School Preparedness Plan

Working in groups, develop a plan for your school that addresses:

1. Current Assessment: What is the current state of ventilation and air quality in your school?
2. Immediate Improvements: What changes could be made quickly and inexpensively?
3. Long-term Improvements: What larger investments should be considered?
4. Emergency Response: What should happen when a new outbreak is detected?
5. Communication: How should students, teachers, and parents be informed?

Present Your Plan

Share your recommendations with the class. Consider: What would it take to actually implement these changes?