Air purifiers will help you stay well during flu season

Stockholm, 22 January 2018: For the first time in 13 years, this year’s seasonal flu is affecting the entire USA according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the UK, in the first week of 2018, GP flu consultation rates rose 78%, with influenza-confirmed hospitalisations increasing by 50% from previous week according to Public Health England.

Vaccination still remains the most effective method for flu prevention according to health professionals, but there is also evidence that air purifiers using HEPASilent™ filtration technology can help you stay well during the flu season.

“The HEPASilent filtration technology used in all Blueair air purifiers remove 99.97% of airborn particles such as viruses and bacteria”, says Johan Skåntorp, Chief Technology Officer at Blueair, a world-leader in air purification solutions. “According to a recent test carried out by the independent, accredited test institute CAS Test Technical Services in China, the Blueair Classic 280i and 205, removed H1N1 influenza A/PR8/34 with a clearance rate of over 99.99% after 60 minutes, as well as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus”, added Skåntorp.

Every year, millions of work and school days are lost because of colds and flu. The CDC estimates the annual direct costs (hospitalization, doctors' office visits, medications, etc) of influenza at US$4.6 billion and causes the loss of almost 111 million workdays. In Europe, one estimate has put the health cost of influenza across the EU at between €6 billion to €14 billion annually, depending on the severity of the season. WHO says annual flu epidemics are thought to result in about three and five million cases of severe illness every year around the world.

More often than not, humans are the main source of infectious diseases. With the cold and flu season in full swing, we need to use all the aids available to help battle becoming infected, from boosting immune systems to cleaning the air of germs.

Tips that could help you avoid the seasonal flu

1. Wash your hand frequently

2. Disinfect keyboards, phones and surfaces regularly

3. Avoid close contact with sick people

4. Avoiding touching your mouth, nose, and eyes

5. Get sufficient sleep, as it can boost the immune system

6. Avoid stress as it can lower immunity defences

7. Keep rooms at home and work well ventilated

8. Use an indoor air purifier rated for 99.97% of virus and bacteria removal.