01.21.2020

Take Control of Influenza Outbreaks with Proper Humidification

The spread of Coronavirus around the world is unsettling, to say the least. At Condair, we know how critical it is to prevent that spread as much as possible, and the right airborne infection control strategy can potentially save lives in the long run. Don’t underestimate the power of planning, especially when it comes to flu season and fighting Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)!

One of the most significant benefits of proper indoor humidity control is that it helps you get the very most out of your influenza prevention protocol in terms of effectiveness, employee protection and patient safety. Using a healthcare environment as an example, let’s help you take control of influenza outbreaks with proper humidification.

Check Your Moisture Source

Do you have a water supply for your humidifier that is properly filtered? If not, now’s the time to ensure it is. Clean water means clean air, which can make a world of difference when it comes to airborne infection control. Aerosols dispersed by occupants containing moisture follow the airflow in a space, though at a much shorter distance if the relative humidity isn’t too low. Not only is maintaining levels between 40 and 60 percent RH important in this regard, but so is keeping your air free of toxins and pathogens as best as possible. In the case of Coronavirus and other influenza strains, such a beneficial and healthy environment can protect against breathing difficulties, infections and other health complications.

Circulation

Next up, consider whether the circulation of your environment’s air filtration system is up to snuff. Improperly planned airflow can introduce a bevvy of other problems that could prove costly, such as room-by-room temperature and air moisture content fluctuations that could encourage the growth of unwanted bacteria. In addition, getting fresh outside air in and cycling older, “stagnant” air out of your property is imperative to keeping occupants happy and healthy. Tests can be conducted to verify the parameters which you have to work with. Above all else, working with an experienced team of humidification experts can pave the way in streamlining the design of your ventilation systems, ensuring optimal circulation.

Which Humidification Solution is Right for You?

Focusing on the aforementioned example of a healthcare environment such as a hospital or nursing home, there are two suitable means of proper humidity control to consider: Isothermal humidification and adiabatic humidification.

The term isothermal humidification has been established to describe a steam humidification process in which air temperature essentially remains constant.

Depending on the system, a humidification process which uses stream can be controlled to a very precise degree. Such a process also shows an excellent level of hygiene quality because it uses a medium which is at a temperature above 100°C. A steam humidifier's mode of operation can be electrical or gas-fired.

In the case of humidification through atomization, water is provided to the air to be humidified as small droplets of water, via mechanical vaporizers or with the help of nozzles. Since this method causes the state of water to change and requires energy from the surrounding air, adiabatic humidification systems in environments with high heat generation can also contribute to cooling in addition to their basic function of humidification.

Consult the Sterling Chart

The Sterling Chart is your most powerful tool in addressing airborne infection risks with proper humidity control. Many Condair clients use it to estimate the RH percentage of their operations, as it’s quite useful in illustrating how relative humidity affects general health and wellbeing. From the presence of bacteria, viral pathogens, fungi and mites to tracking respiratory infections and even chemical interactions, this chart is handy at helping you determine where exactly your operations sit in the grand scheme of things. Are you dealing with low relative humidity or an excess of air moisture content that introduces other unique problems? If you’re unsure, take a look at the Sterling Chart to paint a clearer picture of the issues at hand. Your airborne infection control strategy will thank you for it!

Keep Patients and Employees Safe

By caring for your operations with an energy efficient, highly dependable humidification solution that covers every room on a property, you’re also caring for your hardworking employees and trusting patients. With absenteeism days dropping in count faster than the rate of those stubborn pathogen-laced aerosols, you’re contributing to a healthier, happier and more resilient environment that can better withstand flu season.

A key to this boosted wellness is the capabilities of the human nose and throat. They each contain mucus membranes that help to stave off invasive bacteria such as influenza, but in low-humidity conditions, they dry out and become less efficient. Along with the potential for airborne allergens, dust mites and more, there’s every need to reiterate that keeping your relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent is critical here. That way, should an outbreak occur, your staff, visitors and patients’ immune systems have a better chance at avoiding infection.

If you’re ready to take control of influenza outbreaks, Condair is here to help. With our wide range of isothermal, adiabatic and other high-efficiency humidification solutions readily available in various load sizes, we’re sure to accommodate for your specific requirements. Protecting not only your investment but your patients and employees with optimal airborne infection control has never been more cost-effective or efficient! Contact our team today to learn more about our available products.