How Your HVAC System Can Help You Stay Healthy this Flu Season

The dreaded flu season is well under way, and we may already be in its peak. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes the nation is at peak flu season, as the disease is now considered to be an epidemic” (ABC News).

The flu, especially for high risk groups such as elderly and young children, is much more than staying in bed and missing a few days of work.  The flu can have serious complications, including death.  Unfortunately, this year seems to be a bad one for the flu with hospitalizations rising and multiple deaths in children.

Because of the dangers associated with the flu, it is so important to take measures to protect yourself and your family from it.  The number one thing to do, according to the CDC, is get an annual flu vaccine.

In addition to that, preventative measures include:

Hand washing– during cold and flu season make sure to watch or use hand sanitizer on your hands frequently.  Especially after being in crowded places like banks and malls, or in places with high volumes of sick people like hospitals and doctors’ offices.

Sanitizing-keep the flu from spreading in your home or office by sanitizing desks, hand rails, counters, door knobs, faucets etc… Anything that people frequently touch.

Covering your mouth and nose– When you are sick, you can stop the spread of germs by covering your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze.  Avoid using your hands to do so, or be sure to wash your hands afterwards.

Humidifier-Have you ever noticed that flu season coincides with dry winter?  That’s because studies have shown that humidity can affect the prevalence of the flu virus.  Alan Mozes for WebMD states, “By raising indoor relative humidity levels to 43 percent or above, investigators reported that they were able to quickly render 86 percent of airborne virus particles powerless.”  Installing a whole home humidifier in your home is a simple way to control the humidity of your entire home, and keep it at a flu fighting level.

UV Germicidal Light–These are installed in your duct work and kill bacteria and can prevent the spread of the flu virus.  Consider having one installed as an extra way to stay healthy this winter.

For more information about keeping your home’s air clean this flu season, contact FLAME!