Transmission of influenza viruses through the air

At a room humidity of 7–23%RH, the infectivity ofentered germs
after 60 minutes is 77%

Transmission of influenza viruses through the air
‍
The percentage of coughed out flu viruses that were still contagious after one hourin a climate-controlled room at different room air humidity levels was measured.

At a humidity below 23%, more than 70% of the coughed out flu viruses were still infectious after one hour. At a relative humidity of over 40%, less than 20% of the viruses were still infectious after one hour. Low humidity increases the risk of infection from exhaled or coughed out fluviruses, while a humidity level of over 40% reduces the risk of infection.

Original title:
High humidity leads to loss of infectious influenza virus
from simulated coughs

Authors:
‍John D. Noti, Francoise M. Blachere, Cynthia M. McMillen, William G. Lindsley, Michael L. Kashon, Denzil R. Slaughter, Donald H. Beezhold

Published:
2013