Humidifiers Can Help Prevent Flu

In recent weeks this blog has really focused on humidifiers.  I know the subject can get a little dry (pun intended…get it?) but I keep finding out new and useful things about them.  It is like the Incredible Edible Egg and today I have more news about humidifiers.  After our crazy January weather, I decided to check out one of my favorite websites, www.weather.com, in order to learn about what is to come.

While there, I stumbled across a video about the flu, “Why Does Flu Love Winter?”  Since the flu is also fairly topical right now, I watched the video and learned that the flu virus thrives in environments above 98% humidity and below 50% humidity.  The latter is the reason why it is so abundant in the winter.  One of the recommendations made by the Wall Street Journal via The Weather Channel was to have a humidifier in your home.  Having one installed within your heating and cooling system was recommended so that you could accurately check the level of humidity in your home.  You want to aim for humidity levels between 50 and 60% in order to avoid both the flu and mold growth.

This is obviously not a fool proof plan to not get the flu but it could help.  Flu vaccines were still advised as well as asking your doctor about anti-viral medications within the first 48 hours.  Also, as we all know, you should continue to wash your hands often and keep up healthy eating and sleeping habits.

If you are interested in learning more about humidifiers, please contact FLAME.  Or if you are interested in watching this video, please click the link below.  I am thinking this will be the last humidifier centered post for a while, but you can’t tell me this wasn’t worthwhile information…right?

Why Does Flu Love Winter?