I was recently reading that one reason colds and flus are more prevalent in winter is that the relative humidity goes down. The virus stays airborne longer and so spreads faster.

We have a couple fish tanks in our home, so the humidiity in our home might be a little higher to begin with.

In any case, if we buy a humidifier, is it better to get a cold or warm air humidifier?

Some people think cold is the way to go, because if you use a warm one, and then go outside, you are shocking your system and actually increasing your chances of getting a flu.

Thoughts?

your humidity in your home is higher to begin with and you want a humidifier? If it's already higher, you want a dehumidifier not a humidifier. So I'm a little confused about the question.

You can get a check thermostat from even radio shack that will tell you the relative humidity.

A lot of people think it's the lack of vitamin D due to the sun being much further south.

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I'd rather meander for the prevention than race for the cure.

Humidifier: Cold or Warm Air?

I've always had cool mist humidifiers because of safety concerns with the kids. Although I think the warm mist would be better for treating congestion, etc if you have a cold.

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Humidifiers are best used for signficant congestion when ill. It can help to thin secretions. Warm mist is best and placing the head over the steam with a towel over is helpful as it doesnt work too well unless concentrated. Kids with whooping cough bet put in the bathroom with the hot shower running full tilt.

Lots of people run a humidifier if the air is naturally dry. Cool or warm doesn't make any difference in this case. Do what is most comfortable. People with dry skin like this.. but for most people its not really necessary.

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