According to the CDC, the flu season typically reaches it peak between December and February. Many other respiratory viruses spread during the winter such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV which affects young children and older adults. Then add that COVID-19 just will not go away and will most likely become a continuing problem similar to the flu.
What is the flu?
The flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. These viruses attack the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, leading to a range of symptoms.
Here are some key facts about the flu:
- Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, chills, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
- Transmission: Spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Incubation period: 1-4 days after exposure to the virus.
- Complications: Pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and worsening of chronic health conditions.
- Treatment: Rest, fluids, over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.
- Prevention: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu. Other preventative measures include frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick people, and staying home when sick.
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719
- Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/information/flu-vaccination-appointments
It’s important to note that while the flu is a relatively common illness, it can be very serious for some people, especially young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is another common and contagious respiratory illness. Like the flu, it infects the lungs and breathing passages, leading to a range of symptoms.
Here are some key facts about RSV:
- Symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose, cough, sneezing, wheezing, fever, decreased appetite, irritability, and fatigue. In infants, symptoms may also include apnea (pauses in breathing) and bluish skin.
- Transmission: Spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Incubation period: 4-8 days after exposure to the virus.
- Complications: Bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs), pneumonia, ear infections, and croup (a barking cough caused by inflammation of the larynx and trachea).
- Treatment: For most healthy children, treatment focuses on managing symptoms like rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and pain. For severe cases, hospitalization and oxygen therapy may be necessary.
- Prevention: No vaccine is currently available for RSV. However, preventative measures include frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick people, and staying home when sick.
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353098?p=1
While RSV can be serious for young children, it is usually a mild illness that resolves on its own within a week or two.
How can your home HVAC system help against the flu and other airborne viruses?
Your home’s HVAC system can play a significant role in reducing your risk of contracting the flu and other airborne viruses by:
1. Filtration:
- Air filters capture airborne particles, including viruses, as the air circulates through your HVAC system. Higher MERV-rated filters (MERV 13 or higher) are more effective at capturing smaller particles, including viruses.
- Regularly replacing your air filters (every 1-3 months depending on usage and filter type) is crucial to maintain optimal filtration efficiency.
2. Air circulation and dilution:
- By circulating air throughout your home, your HVAC system can dilute the concentration of viruses in the air, making it less likely you will breathe them in.
- Running your HVAC system for at least 20 minutes per hour, even when you’re not home, can help maintain good air circulation.
3. Ventilation:
- Bringing in fresh air from outside helps dilute the concentration of indoor air pollutants, including viruses.
- Most modern HVAC systems have built-in ventilation features, such as an economizer cycle or a dedicated ventilation fan.
- Opening windows and doors for short periods throughout the day can also help improve ventilation.
4. Air purification:
- Some HVAC systems can be equipped with air purification technologies, such as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) or air ionizers.
- These technologies can kill or inactivate airborne viruses, providing an additional layer of protection.
5. Humidity control:
- Maintaining proper humidity levels (between 40% and 60%) can help inactivate viruses and prevent their transmission.
- Humidifiers can be added to your HVAC system to increase humidity levels during dry winter months.
While your HVAC system can be a valuable tool in preventing the spread of airborne viruses, it’s important to remember that it’s not a foolproof solution. Combining these measures with other preventive practices, such as vaccination and good hygiene, is your best defense against the flu and other respiratory illnesses.