Richard Larson and Stan Finkelstein, engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), have investigated for five years what non-pharmacological measures can minimize the spread of the flu. And they have come to the conclusion that we can prevent the people we live with from transmitting the virus to us by applying five basic measures. Their findings are published in the journal Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness .
Specifically, after thoroughly analyzing all the scientific literature published on the subject, the researchers recommend:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after being in contact with a sick person.
- Wear a mask.
- Install air filters or portable air purifiers.
- Control temperature and humidity: high levels of temperature and humidity kill or "disarm" viruses.
- Installing an antimicrobial UV light in the sick room can also be effective.
