The common cold and Flu reach epidemic proportions during winter months, likewise for SARs and other viruses like COVID 19. Why?
According to Prof Iwasaki from Yale University, cold, DRY, unventilated air is the culprit, along with living in close quarters.
When cold winter air is warmed, the humidity drops to around 20%. Also, the Cilia, or cells that line the body’s airways, do not function as well in dry conditions, and impair lung cell repair, as it relates to damage caused by influenza…a perfect storm indeed.
High humidity (over 60%) can allow viruses to live longer on surfaces such as counter tops.
The study concluded that 40-60% relative humidity was ideal for containing viruses, and good viral clearance as well as immune response.
Washing hands and surfaces is and will always be indispensable. But proper circulation and proper indoor relative humidity can be significant factors in mitigating viral propagation.
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