Keeping moist has not been a problem this winter – outdoors at least – but indoors too dry an atmosphere is not healthy. If you can maintain a level of relative humidity of between 40% and 60% it could reduce the survival of flu viruses on the surfaces and in the air. Essential if you are trying to avoid all those around you breathing their germs out into the atmosphere and straight into you.
I have managed to avoid flu this winter and in addition to my usual hefty doses of vitamin C and echinacea I added one new element;. a Honeywell Cool Mist Ultrasonic humidifier and I also passed it on to a friend to try as well. Because of our love of central heating our homes now tend to be very dry and a humidifier can help you breathe easier as it helps keep throat and nasal passages hydrated, and that is particularly important to help you sleep more comfortably.
So how has it helped me avoid flu? Well apparently research suggests that flu germs live longer on surfaces outside the body and spread more easily when the humidity level is as low as it is in our snug and warmly heated homes. HOwever, if you can maintain an indoor humidity level between 40-60%, the survival of flu viruses can be reduced.
So have I avoided flu? WEll yes, and there were a couple of side bonuses as well: I have been waking up with a really dry mouth recently due to my storage radiators and that didn’t happen, plus my plants kept more healthy too and there was none of the usual static electricity I seem to generate in winter – not life threatening, but certainly a nuisance. I found the gentle sound of water very soothing and as it runs for 24 hours on one filling it wasn’t hard work either, and cheap to run so yes I will be getting it out again next winter to keep me – and my plants – properly moisturised.
AnnA_R
AnnA Rushton is an experienced author and speaker on health, personal development and creativity. With a background in television, theatre and advertising she is a natural communicator with a particular interest in womens health and holistic medicine. Her books include 'Natural Progesterone', How to Cope Successfully With Stress', 'Tips For Hot Flushes', 'Dealing With Procrastination' and 'How To Write Your Life Story' all of which are available at http://www.creativecatalyst.co.uk
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Thanks for sharing this good post!
on July 3, 2013 at 12:39 am Elizabeth AustinI think i need a humidifier now.
Humidifiers are one of the tiny devices but have considerable benefits for our health. Among some types of devices, I choose to utilize cool mist humidifier.
on August 16, 2017 at 6:13 am Lynelle Arrigone