How to use humidifier, thermostat to contain viruses spread, study claims

A review study by scientists at the University of Alberta has found that the survival rate of coronavirus and influenza virus in the air is minimal at average humidity levels, PLoS ONE reported.

The results of 24 studies showed that increasing relative humidity from an average level (40-60%) to a high level (> 60%) was associated with a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 virus survival. However, not all coronaviruses behaved in the same way. According to some studies, increasing relative humidity from medium to high (>60%) increased virus survival.

A new review study looked at influenza A and B strains because of their similarity to coronaviruses. Influenza transmission was significantly reduced when room temperature was maintained at 20°C at medium (50%) or high (80%) relative humidity. Interestingly, an increase in relative humidity followed by a decrease in temperature, in contrast, improved virus survival.

Knowledge of these parameters will allow future effective adjustment of room temperature and humidity in order to reduce the spread of viruses during epidemics of a particular virus.

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