Humidity and Viral Infections

What do you know about humidity and viral infections?

Did you know:

• that a report from the Transboundary and Emerging Disease Journal suggests there is a link between humidity and viral infections including the COVID-19 Virus?
• that research carried out at Yale University* and the University of Sydney** explains that the droplets we exhale become smaller due to less moisture and this results in exhaled potentially infectious aerosols staying suspended in the air for longer?
• at 40 to 60 % humidity that exhaled droplets are heavier and fall out of the air quicker?
• that central heating and poor ventilation in winter months causes the air to become drier?
• that there is an increase in human-to-human transmission of around 7 to 8% for every 1% drop in relative humidity?

The link between humidity and viral infections is therefore clear and it has been suggested that 40% to 60% relative humidity is ideal. By using a humidifier, humidity levels will be increased and relatively good ultrasonic humidifiers are available in shops and on line. Better models even allow essences to be added to the water tanks to produce pleasing aroma therapeutic fragrances.

The New Pureaire Ultrasonic Humidifier could be a welcome addition to your armoury against the COVID-19 Virus. 

This humidifier Gently humidifies your surroundings with a cool refreshing mist. It features a 800ml tank and the outflow can be regulated . In addition it has a switchable rainbow light facility. Essential oils can be added to the reservoir and there is a range of ecofriendly essences available from the manufacturer. 

Note: Viral particles falling out of the air onto surfaces will still be a source of infection if touched. Therefore, washing hands, cleaning surfaces, using masks and social distancing remain very important.

* Seasonality of Respiratory Viral Infections, Miyu Moriyama, Walter J Hugentobler and Akiko Iwasaki

** Humidity is a consistent climatic factor contributing to SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission, Michael P Ward, Shuang Xiao, and Zhijie Zhang