The Hidden Cause Of The Flu Season (And How To Fix It!)

Every winter we're encouraged to get your flu shots for flu season. We're led to believe it's something you just "catch." It's no wonder why few people take the initiative to put their health in their own hands. Instead, most people rely on the flu vaccine, which is toxic and of neglible benefit, in hopes of preventing the flu. Meanwhile, they ignore things like building their innate immune system. The only things the average American knows about preventing the flu are the flu vaccine, washing hands, and taking vitamin C. Yet so many of us still continue to get sick. Why? The reason is because they don't know the hidden cause of the flu season in the winter - low indoor humidity.
Bacteria & Flu Viruses Thrive In Low Humidity

The amount of water vapor in the air has a lot to do with how bacteria and viruses are able to move throughout a room. Bacteria and viruses are much more able to spread in dry indoor environments, making it easier to pass sickness from one person to the other. They're are also able to live longer when it's dry. On top of all that, dry air causes the mucous membrane of the nose and lower respiratory system to dry out, which hinders the body's natural immune system from fighting airborne pathogens.

It's worth pointing out that we don't get vitamin D during the winter time either. Vitamin D has been found to activate our healing genes more than anything else found so far. One of the best ways to prevent the flu is to have high vitamin D levels. But unless you live near the equator and make a conscious effor to get adequate sunshine on your body, you may be lacking vitamin D during the exact time you need it the most. Therefore, it's a good idea to find out when you can get vitamin D from the sun. It depends on where you live, the time of year, and the time of day. I've dedicated an entire podcast and post to sunshine, which is very informative and gives you lots of useful information about how to absorb the healing energy from the sun. If you are opposed to learning about the benefits of sunlight in depth, just know that studies have shown vitamin D is more effective than flu shots. And it's a lot safer!

Other Side Effects Of Dry Air

Besides possibly making you sick, dry air can cause other problems too. If you suffer from dry eyes in the winter time, it may be because of the air being dry. The dry air causes the moisture on the surface of your eyes to dry up.

Dry, scaly, and/or itchy skin during winter months can also be attributed to a dry indoor environment. Once skin is dessicated and cracked from being dry, it loses its protective barrier. Microbes, allergens, and toxins can then get into the body causing infections, allergic reactions, and funky skin diseases.
Heaters & Cold Temperature Lead To Low Indoor Humidity

It gets cold in the winter time so we tend to crank the heater as much as we need to in order to stay warm. There's nothing wrong with that, right? Unfortunately, it causes unintended consequences - dry air. That's why it's wise to monitor the humidity in your house year around. The general consensus is to have the humidity stay somewhere between 40-60%. But some people think that 35-45% is best.

The Solution To Low Indoor Humidity

It may come as a shock but all one has to do to minimize risks of getting a cold or flu is to increase the humidity in your living space. Here's a few ways to do it:

Use a humidifier
Take long, hot showers
Boil water on stove
Set bowls of water out to sit

The best way to increase your indoor humidity level is to use a humidifier. You can use a dedicated humidifier, but you'll probably be happier with an ultrasonic essential oil diffuser. That way you can add essential oils to the air at the same time.

Try using eucalyptus oil or a blend of oils made specifically for improved breathing. There's all kinds of other essential oils too with a wide range of uses, ranging from boosting the immune system to reducing stress. As an added bonus, some of them even clean the air and the surfaces they land on.

Be Cautious About High Humidity Levels Too

High levels of moisture in the air can be troublesome too. High humidity indoors can lead to mold growth. Mold can make you very sick. I know from firsthand experience. Some people are more sensitive to it than others, but it's harmful to everyone. I was very sick for about a year, until I figured out what the cause was and how to fix it. Long story short, after I removed the mold from my environment I figured out that hydrogen peroxide baths made me better.

Since you don't want your indoor humidity to be too high or too low, you really should monitor your humidity all year. If you don't have a way to do so, you can buy a hygrometer for less than $10.