Humidify to Fight Flu
There's a new line of attack against the flu virus. New research suggests that increasing humidity levels can reduce incidences of flu each season. Humidification is better for your health, home and your budget!
Researchers have long suspected a link between humidity levels and transmission of the flu virus. Oregon State University looked at a 2007 study from Mount Sinai School. This study showed somewhat weak correlations between relative humidity and rates of flu survival (36%) and transmission (12%). Shaman and Kohn reanalyzed the data using absolute humidity. The new approach proved insightful, Shaman and Kohn found much stronger correlations between absolute humidity and flu for virus survival 90% and transmission 50%.
Relative humidity plays an important role in personal comfort. During the coldest winter months outside, humidity typically hovers around 50%. When air is brought inside and heated, the relative humidity can drop to 20% or lower. With relative humidity this low, sinuses, eyes and even breathing are affected.
You can also trim your heating bill because it allows you to reduce your thermostat by several degrees. A room at 68 degrees and 45% relative humidity feels warmer and is more comfortable than the same room at 72 degrees and 15% relative humidity. The energy savings add up— setting the thermostat back just four degrees can reduce your heating bill by as much as 8%.
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