5 ways to tackle flu and allergies in your home
As we enter Fall and in no time, winter calls in. Due to the change in seasons, there is change in the environmental factors that affect our health. For some, it may be an easy transition but for many, it signifies the onset of Flu and allergy season.
Fall Allergies:
Fall allergies, often triggered by ragweed pollen, mold spores, and dust mites, can wreak havoc on respiratory health. Ragweed, a ubiquitous weed, releases airborne pollen grains that can be inhaled, causing allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Mold spores, flourishing in damp environments, become more prevalent as moisture levels rise in fall.
FLU season:
Flu viruses are present all through the year however, flu activity starts to increase in the fall and continues through the spring in a typical flu season. The flu virus thrives in cool, dry conditions, making fall and winter ideal seasons for its transmission. Airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes are primary modes of transmission.
Other respiratory viruses also spread during flu season and can cause symptoms similar to those seen with flu infection. For e.g.: Rhinovirus (one cause of the “common cold”) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human coronavirus which caused the pandemic and many more.
Let’s understand how we can safeguard our health in our homes during these seasons:
- Handwash: One of the effective ways of protecting yourself from viruses is handwash. To rid the virus from your skin, wash your hands vigorously with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This should be done a few times a day and the first thing you do when you come home.
- Control Humidity : A review of nearly 40 peer-reviewed studiesconducted over the last decades shows that homes kept at 40-60% relative humidity are likely to have fewer flu viruses lingering in the air and on surfaces like sink faucets, door handles, and countertops.
- Clean the House: Keep the house clean of dust and disinfect the linens where allergens and viruses can live.
- Keep windows closed during high pollen and mold seasons and ventilate only when the air is clean outside.
- Clean the air: While disinfecting the surfaces and washing hands is important, running an air purifier that contains a germicidal UV lamp will sterilise all airborne flu viruses and a HEPA filter will remove allergens from the air you breathe
Airpura’ s Solution to tackle fall allergies: Particle Filtration
Our advanced HEPA filters, equipped with true HEPA technology, capture particles as small as 0.3 microns at an efficiency rate of 99.97%. This means that even the tiniest pollen grains and mold spores are effectively removed from your indoor air, providing you with a haven from allergens.
Airpura’ s Solution to tackle flu season: Germicidal UV-C Technology
Our air purifiers are equipped with powerful UV-C lamps, scientifically proven to neutralize viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. By exposing them to high-intensity ultraviolet light, we ensure that your indoor air is free from harmful pathogens, reducing the risk of flu and covid transmission.
The Synergy of Filtration and UV-C Technology
An air purifier equipped with both a true HEPA filter and an ultraviolet germicidal lamp is the best defense against a wide range of airborne diseases including the flu. When the air containing the airborne flu virus goes through the UV germicidal lamp ,it sterilizes microorganisms preventing them from being released back into the air.Our real-life results from an independent study* shows the removal rate of the Influenza A virus at 99.999% rate at 340 CFM.
Both the Airpura UV600 and the Airpura P600 contain the UV light technology and a medical grade HEPA
*Dr. Wladyslaw Kowalski, Aerobiological Engineering, LLC, 2015
Conclusion
As fall ushers in allergens and the flu virus, Airpura stands as your ally in creating a clean and healthy indoor environment. Our innovative combination of HEPA filtration and UV-C technology ensures that you breathe easy, even in the face of seasonal challenges. Invest in an Airpura air purifier today, and experience the difference in air quality that only science-backed solutions can provide. Your well-being is our priority.
Article resources:
High Humidity Leads to Loss of Infectious Influenza Virus from Simulated Coughs | PLOS ONE
National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System | CDC