Swine flu, also known as H1N1, is a new strain of flu that is contagious but in most cases mild. Not like the seasonal flu, Swine flu can be more serious for healthy young people. Seasonal flu viruses are more of a threat to those under 5 years old or over 60 years or those who already have health problems. If you're worried about contracting Swine Flu there are precautions you can take such as washing your hands or using a hand sanitizing gel.
Viruses are not alive the way a plant or an animal is alive. They do not consume, excrete waste product, grow, or react to their environment. They do however reproduce themselves, but only in a host cell. The virus is dormant outside the host cell and can live on inanimate articles for several days. A specific type of virus will only reproduce in a specific type of host cell. There are viruses that affect just about every type of organism. It may be better to think of viruses as active and de-activated rather than alive or dead.
Viruses are the cause of Swine Flu (H1N1), other types of influenza, ebola, HIV, rabies, herpes, common cold, measles, chicken pox, polio, and more. Viruses are dangerous because they mutate. The mutation means that previous vaccines are useless against the new strain. It also means the new strain can be far more devastating in the damage it cause. The flu of 1917 started out as a flu with mild symptoms, mutated, and killed millions of people worldwide in a relatively short period of time.
Ultraviolet light used in water purifiers and air filters does deactivate or kill viruses. Ultraviolet light represents the frequency of light between 200 nanometers (nm) and 400 nm. You can't see it with the naked eye. The most effective frequency for killing viruses and bacteria is between 254 nm and 265 nm.
The viruses are deactivated because the light causes genetic damage. The virus can no longer reproduce itself. Ultraviolet lights used in home filters need to be wiped off every six months. Some systems are closed and signal that the bulb needs to be changed. They use about the same amount of energy as a 40 watt incandescent bulb.
Should you use an air filter that uses ultraviolet light? That depends on how often you're exposed to people who may be sick, how much the air in your home is circulated, and other factors. Many modern homes are virtually sealed air systems in the winter when the heat is on or during the summer with air conditioning. This closed system doesn't allow the viruses to dissipate but keeps them trapped within your home.
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