September 29, 2010
Updated Sep 29, 2010 at 5:39 PM EDT
(WKBW) Flu season is here, and each year we hear the same advice: get your flu shot, wash your hands and cover your mouth when you sneeze, but there's another way to protect yourself from the virus.
Get a humidifier. Most homes in the winter months can reach as low as 20% relative humidity, but researchers say homes kept at 40-to-60% relative humidity are likely to have fewer flu viruses lingering in the air and on surfaces.
The typical flu virus can survive in the environment at least 24 hours. In more humid conditions, the survival time is much shorter.
