Low humidity decreases defense against flu viruses

Researchers at Yale University in the US have honed in on low humidity as a key reason why people are more likely to get sick and even die from flu during winter months.

While it is known that cold temperatures and low humidity can promote transmission of the flu virus, less is understood about the effect of decreased humidity on the immune system’s defenses against flu infection.



The study offers insight into why the flu is more prevalent when the air is dry. If the findings in mice hold up in humans, the study could provide a possible mechanism underlying the seasonal nature of flu disease.
