According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, influenza activity is currently on the rise across the state. Lab testing has shown an increase in the percentage of specimens testing positive on a weekly basis.
We all know that washing your hands frequently and taking precautions such as staying home if you’re sick can help.
But did you know your own home can help too?
Indoor air quality can be a factor in preventing the spread of season-related illness, including flu, cold and allergies.
UV lighting
According to Columbia University Irving Medical Center, ultraviolet light is lethal to the flu while not being harmful to human tissue. That means your business could diminish customer and employee exposure to the flu with properly installed UV lighting.
Meanwhile, poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues, which weakens your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to colds, flu and allergies.
While not as quick and simple as a flu shot, there are steps you can take to build a barrier.
Change your air filters
Even if you dab – not just the dance move, but the health care industry’s advice to Destroy All Bacteria (DAB) by sneezing into the crook of your elbow instead of your hand – a single sneeze can release droplets of virus across an entire room. High-quality air filters, changed on a regular basis, can trap some of that nastiness.
Install an air purifier
Air purifiers circulate air several times per hour, removing the smallest airborne microbes and germs such as dust, mold, pollen and flu viruses. If your filter doesn’t catch it, the purifier steps up to the battle.
Clean the air ducts
Germs love air ducts. It’s warm and cozy, but these are not visitors you want to welcome to your home. A professional air duct cleaning kicks those critters out, cleaning and sanitizing your home or workplace.
The Daikin way
Hal Watson Air Conditioning Company is a Pro-Elite dealer with Daikin, the largest air conditioning manufacturer in the world, with products and systems that can help you through flu, cold and allergy season.
