Winter means time spent with friends and celebrating the holidays. It’s a time when we open our homes to guests. While friends and family sharing our homes is something we look forward to, we would prefer if some house guests stayed outside: The flu and other viruses.
We’ve recently discovered that lifting indoor humidity levels to an ideal 43% humidity can slow transmission of the flu virus. Keep reading for more information about how you can take steps in your home to prevent transmission of the flu this season.
The Role Humidity Plays in Spreading the Flu
A study from the National Institution for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) concluded that you may be safer from the flu in a room with normal humidity than in a dry one. By using “coughing” and “breathing” mannequins, researchers released the flu virus through a simulated “cough”.
Then devices near each “breathing” mannequin captured the particle count to determine the viability of the flu virus in different humidity settings.
What NIOSH Found
When humidity levels were at 23%, 70 to 77% of flu virus particles were still able to cause an infection an hour after coughing. Raising humidity levels to 43% caused only 14% of flu particles to be able to cause an infection.
Additionally, high humidity was just as effective on small flu particles as large ones. That’s key because small flu particles tend to hang in the air for a longer time, while large particles fall to the ground. Using a humidifier during the winter months can raise the humidity level in your home and combat the risk of a flu outbreak. Keep reading below for some tips and tricks on how to monitor and improve your indoor humidity.
Shop Small Room Humidifiers | Shop All Humidifiers
Check Your Home’s Relative Humidity
Measuring your indoor relative humidity level is an important first step in deciding whether a humidifier will be beneficial. Consider purchasing a hygrometer to easily monitor the climate inside your home and office. The data provided can help you quickly determine whether you need to increase your humidity level.
Shop Hygrometers | Shop All Testing Products
Your Humidity is Low. Now What?
The best possible method to add moisture to your indoor air and increase the humidity level of the rooms you use the most is to use a tabletop humidifier. These appliances force moisture into your indoor air in the form of an invisible mist, and are wonderful to use because they are lightweight and can be moved from room to room.
The Boneco Air-O-Swiss 7142 Humidifier is a great choice for spaces up to 860 square feet. Its weight of only 8.8 pounds makes it ideal for moving from room to room. Unlike conventional humidifiers which may require daily cleaning in order to keep the humidifier germ free, the Boneco 7142 only needs to be cleaned every few days.
Other Tips to Prevent Spreading the Flu and Other Viruses This Winter
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. In addition, good health habits can help stop the spread of germs and prevent illnesses like the flu.
- Avoid Close Contact: Avoid close contact with those who are sick. When you’re sick, keep your distance from others to help protect them too.
- Stay Home When You Are Sick: Whenever possible, stay home from work, school, or other errands.
- Cover Your Mouth and Nose: To help prevent those around you from getting sick, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Practice Other Good Health Habits: Washing your hands often, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, being physically active, and getting plenty of rest can all help prevent the flu from visiting your home this winter.
Enjoy The Winter
Don’t let the flu hold you hostage in your bed this winter. With the right precautions you can protect your family and yourself. Spend time this winter focusing on the activities you want to do and less time sitting in the doctor’s office.
For more information on how humidifiers prevent the flu virus, check out 4 Reasons to Use A Humidifier During Flu Season. Have any other advice for flu prevention? Let us know in the comments below or share them on Facebook or Twitter.
