Turn on the Humidifier BEFORE you catch the flu!

Moms all over the country turn on the humidifier when the kids are sick with colds and flu, but new research indicates that using it before anyone gets sick may a preventative.

And if someone in the house does have the flu... get that moist air going for the rest of the family!

Scientists have long known that flu spreads better in dry air - and dry air is exactly what winter brings us.

It turns out that relative humidity is a different thing than absolute humidity, so while hot summer air may seem drier, it can hold more water than cold winter air. 30% relative humidity in summer can equal 60% relative humidity in winter - meaning each holds an equal volume of water. Who knew?

Grandma used to keep a kettle of water on the stove in winter to keep the air in the house moist - perhaps because it made the temperature in the house feel more comfortable and helped alleviate that "winter dry skin" syndrome. But perhaps she instinctively knew something we've since forgotten - flu bugs thrive in dry air.

So if you have a wood stove, put the tea kettle on it and remember to fill it regularly. Otherwise, turn on the humidifier.

Do be careful not to overdo it - mold can be an even more serious problem than the flu.