Keeping indoor humidity levels at a "sweet spot" may reduce spread of COVID-19

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2022-11-17 04:15 GMT | Update On 2022-11-17 04:15 GMT

The term relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air compared to the total moisture the air can hold at a given temperature before saturating and forming condensation.

In a study appearing in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, it reports that maintaining an indoor relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent is associated with relatively lower rates of Covid-19 infections and deaths, while indoor conditions outside this range are associated with worse Covid-19 outcomes. To put this into perspective, most people are comfortable between 30 and 50 percent relative humidity, and an airplane cabin is at around 20 percent relative humidity.

The findings are based on the team's analysis of Covid-19 data combined with meteorological measurements from 121 countries. Their study suggests a strong connection between regional outbreaks and indoor relative humidity.

Indoor ventilation is still critical, however, the researchers found that maintaining an indoor relative humidity in that sweet spot - of 40 to 60 percent - is associated with reduced Covid-19 cases and deaths.

Reference:

Keeping indoor humidity levels at a "sweet spot" may reduce spread of COVID-19; MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Journal of The Royal Society Interface.

Full View

Article Source : Journal of The Royal Society Interface

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Dr. Nandita Mohan

Dr. Nandita Mohan is a practicing pediatric dentist with more than 5 years of clinical work experience. Along with this, she is equally interested in keeping herself up to date about the latest developments in the field of medicine and dentistry which is the driving force for her to be in association with Medical Dialogues. She also has her name attached with many publications; both national and international. She has pursued her BDS from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore and later went to enter her dream specialty (MDS) in the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry from Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences. Through all the years of experience, her core interest in learning something new has never stopped. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Keeping indoor humidity levels at a "sweet spot" may reduce spread of COVID-19

Similar News

How COVID-19 Pandemic Increased Mental Health Issues, Malaria, and Heart Disease? Study Sheds Light

Alkem Launches 'PRAYAS': A Bold Step Toward Accessible Cancer Care

Microplastics Detected in Human Reproductive Fluids, Raising Fertility Concerns: Study Suggests

Early Bedtimes May Boost Physical Activity: Study Finds

Overemphasis on Weight Loss May Harm Patients: BMJ Study Finds

Weight-Loss Surgery Doubles Self-Esteem Scores: Study Finds

New HIV Vaccine Combines Adjuvants for Stronger, Longer Immune Response

Study Reveals How Coffee May Improve Longevity