Influenza is the name given to a family of viruses that take on similar characteristics and symptoms. However, as each year progresses, viruses mutate and slightly varied forms of the virus are formed. In most cases, influenza makes us feel a miserable, but within a few days to a week we feel better and able to resume normal activities. The problem is that as the flu virus mutates it becomes more difficult to manage, and in rare cases such as the Spanish Flu of 1918-1919 or what is now posing a threat to Asia and expected to spread across the globe is the avian bird flu, also described as the H5N1 flu, can even result in death.



Although people in the United States are taking the threat of the avian bird flu lightly, experts say that when a person is infected by the H5N1 flu, the mortality rate is extremely high-between 50% and 65% infected thus far have died. In comparison, only 2.5% to 5% of those infected with the Spanish Flu died.

Anthony Fauci and some of his colleagues wrote in a commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association, that "pandemic prevention strategies must be based on expecting the unexpected and being capable of reacting accordingly."

Some people want to focus on finding a vaccine to help minimize the risk of an influenza outbreak. However, as people continue to get vaccinations, they are also building up an immunity that may prevent other forms of the vaccine from being effective.

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. based company, is planning on testing a new anti-viral drug called Peramivir in Asia over the next month. In mice and ferrets, the drug is shown to improve survival rates, and experts are projecting that this is the next drug which will combat all types of influenza, including H5N1.

There are already treatments for influenza with drugs such as Tamiflu; however, early treatment, typically within the first 48 hours of symptoms is essential. Because people aren't always able to be diagnosed and treated early-on with medications, we must find a way to prevent the outbreak of all types of influenza viruses. This is critical because as the virus mutates treatment methods are difficult and sometimes impossible to find. Thankfully, UV air purifiers/sterilizers are available to rid the air of viruses and bacteria.

UV sterilizers/clarifiers are far superior to other air purification methods because they utilize the power of AHPCO (Advanced Hydrated Photocatalytic Oxidation) cell technology. Unlike other air purification methods, AHPCO removes particulate matter including pet dander, dust mites, mold and pollen spores, as well as VOC's (volatile organic compounds) which are found in a variety of cleaning solutions, paint, carpet, etc. AHPCO cell technology utilizes the power of a broad spectrum, high-intensity UV light and provides all of the benefits of ozone disinfection. However, ultraviolet air purification systems that emit low-levels of ozone (which are both safe and at a level that is far below what the FDA approves) in the hydrated catalytic cell, create advanced oxidation-a safe and effective method of ridding the air of harmful particulates and odors. This is where certain ultraviolet air purification systems lack. VOC elimination is difficult to come by; however, it is essential in maintaining indoor air quality, and preventing us from contracting illnesses and viruses such as influenza. Due to its effectiveness, it is even believed to prevent mutated forms that could lead to an Avian Flu outbreak in the United States.

Finding a high-quality UV light air purifier is crucial in maintaining good indoor air quality. Since most Americans spend 90% or more of their time indoors, where harmful particulates, illnesses, bacteria, and a variety of allergen triggers surround us continuously, it is imperative that we ensure our surroundings do not support the on-set of illnesses and other health concerning conditions. For this reason, the following items should be considered before purchasing a UV clarifier.

UV disinfection systems are unique and one way to compare one system to another is based on coverage. This is a factor that is primarily dependent upon use and function. Is it being used in a small and confined space such as an office where a smaller unit that covers 500 square feet is efficient? Or do you need something that would provide indoor air purification the size of a typical apartment with up to 1000 square feet of coverage? Or do you feel that the treatment of a full home covering up to 3000 square feet is more suitable to your needs? These are crucial in determining what UV disinfection method is going to give you the coverage and reliability that you need.

Then next thing to consider before purchasing a UV clarifier is cost. One way to view the cost of an ultraviolet air purification system is by considering the health benefits that an effective UV clarifier will be able to offer. Doctor's visits and missed work from illness costs people a lot of money over the course of a year. However, quality UV disinfection systems can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, a very reasonable cost compared to compromised health that could lead to even more serious issues in the long run. In addition, the cost of running the air purification system can cost as little as pennies a day. Because UV air purifiers can rid the air of bacteria (bacteriostatic), mold (mycostatic), viruses (such as influenza and colds), VOC's, odors, and various small particulates that can trigger allergies, the benefits of indoor air purification are far reaching.

The final area of consideration before purchasing a UV light air purifier is noise. Some ultraviolet air purification systems have the ability to keep a fan on or off and still provide clean the air of harmful particulates. Additionally, for some of the better quality UV disinfection systems, they are able to run with virtually no noise.

Since our health is one of the most important aspects that controls quality and length of life, we must protect it. Ultraviolet air purification systems are proven to cleanse the indoor air and remove harmful particulates including mold, viruses, bacteria, and pet dander that can cause illnesses (such as influenza) and allergies.