It's not so bad - IR sensitive films of today go only up to 750nm - very far from thermal, thus the temperature doesn't matter. Just keep it in the dark as with any other film.
Extra caution is only needed after that AH layer is removed - just load in darkness and spool that leader in too - it'll be great.
But yes - I'd rather respool my squeegee torture free film in 10 minutes instead of 2 hours.
Any film will fog easier when washed. You are essentially doing a light hypering and is washing out dry chemistry that aids keeping. IR sensitizers are always special. Film with those incorporated always keep less well than other film.