Indoor air quality (IAQ) is often overlooked, yet it's vital for maintaining good health—especially as flu season hits. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we spend about 90% of our time indoors where pollutants can abound, sometimes reaching levels two to five times higher than outdoors. As the flu spreads, poor indoor conditions might contribute to increased transmission and hinder recovery.

Sources of Indoor Pollutants

Pollutants in homes or offices can arise from various sources. Biological contaminants like viruses, mold, bacteria, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites are common. Chemical pollutants, including carbon monoxide, radon, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning agents, paints, furniture, and building materials, also accumulate indoors.

Everyday activities add to this issue. Cooking, heating, and movement within the home can stir up and maintain these particles in the air. Without adequate ventilation or filtration, these contaminants persist, impacting health.

Impact on Health

Exposure to polluted indoor air can lead to various health issues. Short-term exposure can cause eye irritation, sore throats, dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. Long-term or repeated exposure increases the risk of severe illnesses, including respiratory diseases, heart problems, and cancer.

During colder months, when people are indoors more often, bad air quality can exacerbate flu symptoms and make individuals more susceptible to infections. Particularly, fine particles can irritate the respiratory system, weakening the body's defenses against viruses.

Air Quality Testing

Testing the air within your home is a key step to understanding and improving your IAQ. It involves measuring pollutants like mold, pet dander, carbon monoxide, dust mites, and VOCs. Identifying these allows targeted action, for instance, addressing mold spores that trigger respiratory problems.

Importance of Filter Maintenance

Air filters in HVAC systems are crucial as they trap pollutants before they circulate in the home. However, clogged filters lose efficiency, leading to higher system strain. Checking and replacing filters every one to three months, depending on the system and household conditions, keeps air clean and systems efficient.

Why Clean Ducts?

With time, air ducts gather dust, hair, allergens, and even mold. When HVAC systems run, these particles disseminate throughout the house. Cleaning ducts is particularly essential if there's evidence of mold, pests, or excessive debris. Regular inspections prevent these issues and support efficient system operation.

Controlling Humidity

Indoor humidity significantly influences air quality. The ideal range is 30% to 50%. Higher levels can boost mold and dust mite growth, while low humidity can dry out nasal passages, increasing virus susceptibility. Humidifiers or dehumidifiers can help maintain optimal moisture, promoting comfort and health.

Air Purification Solutions

Air purifiers offer extra protection by capturing particles not caught by standard filters, with HEPA filters being particularly effective. While not a substitute for proper ventilation and maintenance, purifiers reduce airborne pollutants significantly.

The Role of Ventilation

Introducing fresh air into your home dilutes pollutants, disperses contaminants, and enhances respiratory health. During flu season, good ventilation helps reduce viral transmission by dispersing droplets released during coughs or sneezes, which linger longer in poorly ventilated spaces.

Simple Improvements for Better Air

Simple lifestyle changes can greatly enhance indoor air. Avoid indoor smoking to keep harmful chemicals at bay. Use exhaust fans while cooking to eliminate steam and fumes. Opt for gentler cleaning products when possible. Regularly using a HEPA-filter vacuum helps capture fine particles.

As flu season peaks, remember that your indoor environment strongly influences health. By improving air quality—whether through testing, filtration, or ventilation—you can reduce the spread of viruses and support better health at home.