Why more flu in winter? U.S. scientists test new idea

William Atkins
Wednesday, 11 February 2009 20:28

Science - Health

The higher the level of absolute humidity in the air could, according to their research, help to reduce the incidence (and likelihood) of the flu virus.

They state in their paper, “In the studies presented, 50% of IVT variability and 90% of IVS variability are explained by AH, whereas, respectively, only 12% and 36% are explained by RH.”

Shaman and Kohn explain further: “In temperate regions, both outdoor and indoor AH possess a strong seasonal cycle that minimizes in winter."

They add, "This seasonal cycle is consistent with a wintertime increase in IVS and IVT and may explain the seasonality of influenza.”

They conclude, “Thus, differences in AH provide a single, coherent, more physically sound explanation for the observed variability of IVS, IVT and influenza seasonality in temperate regions.”

Although not yet proven, they hope their hypothesis will be further tested to prove its validity.

Learn more about humidity at The Weather Doctor.

And, find out more about influenza (flu) at MedicineNet.com.