Humidity plays a role IN flu virus survival

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Invest IN a good humidifier

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Higher humidity levels are optimal

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Because flu season strikes at what is, FOR many areas OF THE country, THE driest time OF THE year, you can combine your efforts TO combat THE flu with THE recommended steps TO make your home environment more comfortable. It¡¯s not uncommon FOR winter humidity levels TO dip as low as 20 percent, which can lead TO dry skin, chapped lips, parched throats AND other discomforts. 5227
¡°The flu virus is all around us this time OF year ¨C at THE office, IN schools, on public transportation. If THE flu virus is IN your home due TO a sick family member or visitor, you want TO do everything you can TO shorten its life span,¡± says Dr Ted Myatt, senior scientist at Environmental Health AND Engineering, Inc. AND co-author OF THE new report. ¡°We¡¯ve always known that humidifiers are a great way TO soothe cold AND cough symptoms, but using a humidifier can also help TO maintain proper humidity levels IN your home.¡± 2597
TO help make this year¡¯s cold AND flu season a little more endurable FOR kids AND adults alike, keep IN mind these tips from Dr Jennifer Trachtenberg, pediatrician at THE Mount Sinai Medical Center AND a Fellow OF THE American Academy OF Pediatrics. 7830
Try using a neti pot TO loosen AND rid mucus, thereby clearing nasal passages. Neti pots HAVE BEEN used IN India FOR centuries as one OF THE disciplines OF yoga. FOR nasal congestion IN babies, consider using two TO three drops OF nasal saline drops IN each nostril. This is a gentler approach?in helping to?loosen AND clear mucus. 2129
For more information on preventing colds AND flu this season, visit www.coldandflucentral.com. 5498

1. Don¡¯t get mouthy with me!

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More tips TO keep your family flu-free

• Mom-friendly tips TO ward off colds AND flu?
• Top 10 ways TO avoid THE flu
• Test your cold AND flu prevention IQ

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2. Mind your bedside manner

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THE most essential tool FOR increasing relative humidity levels is a good humidifier. If you think your humidity levels might not BE up TO par ¨C or if you want TO better maintain them ¨C a hygrometer is a handy device available at most drug stores. Hygrometers provide a digital readout OF THE relative humidity IN your home, AND are compact AND low-cost. If you use your hygrometer AND humidifier together TO keep humidity at THE ideal 40 TO 60 percent level, THE research indicates THE flu will HAVE less OF a chance OF surviving IN your home. 5325
Fever is often one OF THE first signs OF THE flu and when you¡¯re most contagious. When temperature-taking, reach FOR what¡¯s trusted. According TO Dr Trachtenberg, THE Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer is used most by pediatricians IN THE US AND features a pre-warmed tip AND guidance system TO ensure consistent readings. 6113
Humidifiers keep THE throat AND nasal passages hydrated, which helps you breathe better AND sleep more comfortably. Throughout THE night, try using a cool mist humidifier TO soothe cold AND cough symptoms. Dr Trachtenberg recommends THE Vicks GermFree Humidifier that kills up TO 99.9 percent OF mold AND bacteria IN THE water. 1093
Replace your child's toothbrush frequently AND keep it separate from other family members' brushes when sick. If penny pinching, try soaking it IN mouthwash after each use. 8809

3. Find a little teapot, short AND stout

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Specifically, THE research showed that homes kept at 40 TO 60 percent humidity are likely TO HAVE fewer flu viruses lurking IN THE air AND on often-touched surfaces like sink faucets, door handles AND countertops. 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. 7140

4. Mommy¡¯s dearest

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¡°The research suggests that a proper level OF relative humidity IN your home can really make a difference IN THE survival OF THE flu virus,¡± adds Jim McDevitt, instructor at THE Harvard School OF Public Health AND a certified industrial hygienist by THE American Board OF Industrial Hygiene. ¡°If you can maintain those levels, THE number OF flu virus particles IN THE air and on surfaces are likely TO decrease.¡± 91
Grandma may HAVE BEEN ahead OF her time when keeping a tea kettle warming on THE stove IN winter TO moisten THE air. A new, comprehensive scientific research paper has given new insight into the lifespan OF THE flu virus AND how humidity plays a significant role IN THE survival OF THE virus on surfaces AND IN THE air. Taking into account THE findings OF a number OF published, peer reviewed studies from over THE last 70 years, an independent team OF scientists AND researchers hailing from such institutions as THE Harvard School OF Public Health, HAVE found that IN more humid environments, THE flu virus survival time is markedly decreased. 4470