A newly-released scientific white paper suggests humidifiers may play an important role in reducing the survival of the flu virus on both surfaces and in the air. The research suggests that homes kept at 40-60 percent relative humidity are likely to have fewer flu viruses lingering in the air and on commonly-touched surfaces like sink faucets, door handles, and countertops. By running a humidifier to raise indoor relative humidity levels, the research indicates that flu virus survival in the air and on surfaces can be drastically reduced in households, schools and offices.
Millions of flu particles can linger in the air and on the surfaces we touch day in and day out, from computer keyboards and TV remotes to the kitchen sink or refrigerator door handle. With flu top of mind this year, there has been increased interest by the scientific community in how the flu virus lives, and history may hold the answers.
“After evaluating a number of published peer reviewed studies conducted over the last 70 years, we’ve learned that monitoring and maintaining proper humidity levels in your home to may reduce survival of the flu virus in the air and on surfaces,” said Jim McDevitt, co-author of the report, instructor at the Harvard School of Public Health, and a certified industrial hygienist by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene. “While the typical flu virus can survive on surfaces and in the air for up to 24 hours, the survival time in a more humid environment is markedly lower.”