ERTH360’s Guide to Reduce the Spread of Airborne Germs in Cold & Flu Season

The cooler months mark the beginning of cold and flu season. Children are back in school encountering unfamiliar microbes; colder, drier weather increases our susceptibility to airborne viruses; and more people are congregating indoors, where the concentration of airborne impurities tends to be higher.

And while it is often a joyful time of year, it all creates the right conditions for illness to spread, right in our own homes. At ERTH360, we have spent years researching the factors that make our homes healthier; places that nurture our well-being. This cold and flu season, we put together a guide to help you avoid the sniffles.

Airborne Illness 101

The most common illnesses caused by airborne pathogens include: influenza, the common cold, RSV, and COVID-19. All are caused by viruses, and viral particulates can linger in the air — most often in moisture particles expelled when people talk, sneeze or cough — in addition to settling on surfaces.

There is also some evidence to suggest that in drier, colder climates, these viruses are better preserved in smaller, cooler moisture particles that are released when they enter your respiratory system.

These illnesses cause symptoms like congestion, body aches, sore throat, fever, and fatigue. They tend to resolve in most individuals in about a week, though some people can remain contagious for a period after their symptoms dissipate.

Risk Factors for Indoor Settings

There are a few key risk factors in indoor settings. They include:

• Density
• Ventilation
• Time
• Activities

In short, the more time you spend in more crowded, poorly ventilated spaces, especially places where people are trying to keep warm with limiting open windows and doors, perhaps singing or dancing, and especially during times of year when there are higher levels of infection in the community, the greater your odds of contracting an airborne pathogen.

How to Stop the Spread Inside

Here are a few ways to lower your risk of spreading or contracting these viruses at home or places of work.

1. Improve Ventilation: Ventilation refers to the exchange of air between inside and outside, and it is one of the most effective ways to reduce the likelihood of contracting an airborne pathogen. If possible, open a window and door, even if it’s cold outside. Just a few minutes can help make a difference.
2. Get an Air Purifier (Or Change the Filters If You Have One): HEPA, or High Efficiency Particulate Air filters, have been shown to successfully trap viral particulates in the air. This doesn’t make them a fool-proof solution, but running an air purifier with a HEPA filter, particularly in areas where you spend a lot of time like your bedroom, may help reduce your risk. If your home has a furnace, don’t forget to check the filter and change it if necessary. We recommend you speak to your HVAC service provider and let them know you want the highest MERV filter rating that your furnace can accommodate.
3. Manage Humidity: Your body’s natural defenses against airborne pathogens — such as the mucous lining your airways and the cilia (hair-like fibres) used to catch invading particles — become less effective in the drier conditions we experience in cold and flu season. Managing the humidity levels in your home can make a big difference in supporting your body’s natural defenses. Keep the humidity in your home as close to 40% as you can. If you don’t have a humidistat, try focusing on your bedroom with a small space humidifier and just remember to clean it often with non-toxic cleaner.

And One More Thing...

These measures will do more than just help reduce your chances of getting sick, they also help speed your recovery if you’re already under the weather.

An ASHRAE 241 Standard-Approved Whole Home Solution: ERTH360 Air

ASHRAE’s 241 Standard, Control of Infectious Aerosols, establishes minimum requirements aimed at reducing the risk of disease transmission through exposure to infectious aerosols in new buildings, existing buildings, and major renovations. Implementing this standard brings numerous benefits to occupants and promotes healthier environments.

ERTH360 Air is our landmark new home solution for cleaner indoor air. It features six carefully curated, research-backed features to protect your well-being. Recently, homes equipped with ERTH360 Air became the first residences in North America to meet ASHRAE Standard 241 meaning there is robust scientific evidence that your odds of contracting or passing on an airborne illness are reduced.

We invite you to learn more about ERTH360 Air at our solutions page, and be sure to subscribe to keep up with new insights on how to make your home healthier.