Yale researchers have pinpointed a key reason why people are more likely to get sick and even die from the flu during winter months: low humidity.
While experts know that cold temperatures and low humidity promote transmission of the flu virus, less is understood about the effect of decreased humidity on the immune system’s defences against flu infection.
The Yale research team, led by Professor Akiko Iwasaki, explored the question using mice genetically modified to resist viral infection as humans do.
The mice were all housed in chambers at the same temperature, but with either low or normal humidity. They were then exposed to the influenza A virus.
The researchers found that low humidity hindered the immune response of the animals in three ways.
It prevented cilia, which are hair-like structures in airway cells, from removing viral particles and mucus.
It also reduced the ability of airway cells to repair damage caused by the virus in the lungs.
The third mechanism involved interferons, or signalling proteins released by virus-infected cells, to alert neighbouring cells to the viral threat. In the low-humidity environment, this innate immune defence system failed.
The study offers significant insight into why the flu is more prevalent when the air is dry.
“It’s well known that where humidity drops, a spike in flu incidence and mortality occurs. If our findings in mice hold up in humans, our study provides a possible mechanism underlying this seasonal nature of flu disease,” said Prof. Iwasaki.
While the researchers emphasised that humidity is not the only factor in flu outbreaks, it is an important one that should be considered during the winter season.
Increasing water vapor in the air with humidifiers at home, school, work and even hospital environments is a potential strategy to reduce flu symptoms and speed recovery, they said.
Do you use a humidifier at home? Have you found yourself more resistant to the flu than other people you socialise with? Do you think this could be the reason?
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Health disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.
