One in five viral infections are caused by air conditioning
Air conditioning is the origin of one in five viral infections according to the head of the Otorhinolaryngology Service at the Ribera Povisa Hospital (Vigo), Dr. Roberto Valdés, who said: “Up to 20% of colds, laryngitis, pharyngitis, and bronchitis at this time of year occur as a result of air conditioning”.
In a press release, Dr. Lorena Sanz, head of the Otorhinolaryngology Service of Torrejón Hospital, agreed saying: “Temperature variations between closed spaces, the high temperatures of the street, and the abuse of the use of air conditioners increase throat problems during these months of the year”.
Almost half of homes in Spain have air conditioning, but this percentage undoubtedly increases in regions with the most extreme temperatures in summer.
“Air conditioning decreases the humidity in the environment and dries out the throat, and misuse causes health problems,” said Marta Romero, while Dr Valdes said that “the hotter the air, the more humidity it admits, and the more amount of dust, germs or other types of organic substances that accumulate on air conditioning filters”.
Periodic cleaning of filters is recommended to avoid irritation, inflammation or infection of the respiratory tract.
Our respiratory and immune systems are the main victims of air conditioning. “The cold has an impact on the body’s defences and its ability to fight diseases,” said the neurologist from Ribera Virgen de la Caridad, who explained that “viruses such as the common cold spread more easily through the body when the temperature in the nasal cavity is lower than that of the lungs, which is about 36.5°C, normal body temperature.
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