Airborne viruses travel through the air in aerosolized and highly contagious particles. The common cold and even the coronavirus can be transmitted this way. These viruses are commonly spread through coughs or sneezes. Thus, indoor air cleaning should remain a top priority to mitigate these health threats. Learn more about the top 3 airborne viruses and how to prevent them with proper indoor air quality strategies and hygiene habits.
The Top 3 Airborne Viruses
There are many airborne viruses surrounding you and your loved ones. Unfortunately, these pathogens are invisible to the naked eye. Although viruses are not the same as dust or VOCs (indoor air pollutants), note that exposure to poor indoor air could increase the severity of respiratory infections. That’s why indoor air quality sensors are essential to scan for indoor air pollution to prevent the worsening of these airborne viruses. Check out the three most common ones below:
Common cold: The rhinovirus leads to sniffles, congestion, watery eyes, and coughs. It is the top reason for school or work absences.
Influenza: Most people have experienced the dreaded flu virus at least once. It comes with joint pain, lethargy, and fever. It spreads very quickly, especially for people with weak immune systems.
Chickenpox: This comes with a telltale rash and fever due to the varicella-zoster virus. You can only get this once, and then the virus goes dormant. In the worst cases, a trigger can lead to shingles later in life.
How to Prevent Infection
Although you cannot wholly avoid airborne viruses, you can lower your chances of getting sick by staying vigilant. Since you spend most of your time indoors, following good indoor air quality guidelines will help mitigate infection and transmission. Check out these preventive tips:
- Use a Monitor
Use an indoor quality monitor to check for pollutants. After all, having dirty air can bring down your immunity even more, making you susceptible to viruses. IAQ products can alert you when you need to sanitize your home.
- Regularly Ventilate Rooms
When your IAQ sensor alerts you, open all entryways and windows to circulate fresh air into your home. You can also use blowers and fans to promote maximum airflow and get as much fresh air as possible.
- Have Indoor Plants
Have plants in your home if you’re serious about maintaining IAQ standards. Having indoor plants in all corners of your home is one of the best IAQ solutions because it can filter pollutants and purify the air. All plants provide oxygen, so they enhance indoor air quality.
- Clean HVAC Systems Regularly
Avoid the spread of viruses by cleaning out HVAC or aircon filters regularly. A clean filter promotes efficiency and reduces the risk of having impure air circulating around you and those you live with.
- Follow Hygiene Habits
If you’re serious about keeping airborne viruses away, do proper handwashing, as it’s your first line of defense. Avoid touching your face and mouth, especially when outside. Most of all, minimize contact with sick people. If exposure is unavoidable, wear an N95 mask.
Final Word
Follow correct ventilation methods and other safety precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful particles and prevent infection and transmission. Stay alert with a smart air monitor to constantly check the quality of the air that enters your lungs.
