Poor Indoor Air Quality Fuels Flu Spread Across US Homes, Workplaces

Flu season brings increased risk of virus spread, particularly indoors where air quality often suffers. According to the CDC and EPA, flu viruses can linger in the air as tiny airborne aerosols that remain suspended for hours, and poor ventilation during colder months exacerbates this issue by allowing virus particles to build up indoors. Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential for flu prevention, with recommended measures including opening windows briefly for fresh air, using HVAC systems with MERV 13+ or HEPA filters, and employing UV-C light or air ionization technology to neutralize viruses. Since people spend about 90% of their time indoors where air can be more polluted than outside, addressing IAQ can significantly reduce airborne viruses and improve overall health and well-being. Enhanced IAQ also supports better focus and sleep, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. These strategies collectively form a critical part of controlling flu transmission in homes and workplaces during the flu season.