SIMPLE technology that harnesses ultraviolet light to 'zap' airborne viruses has been shown to significantly lower the number of respiratory infections in aged care facilities, paving the way for smarter infection control.
Adapted by scientists from Flinders University, the technology is based on using commercially available germicidal ultraviolet appliances which purify the air with UV-C light rays and deactivate harmful microbes like viruses and bacteria.
A study testing the appliances in aged care facilities found they reduced rates of viral respiratory infections in vulnerable older Australians by more than 12%.
"The appliances are easily installed into existing facilities and are cost effective to use," said the study's lead author Dr Andrew Shoubridge.
"When used in conjunction with existing infection control measures, they could be transformative in reducing rates of seasonal respiratory viral infections and protecting residential aged care facilities against emerging pathogens."
Senior author Professor Geraint Rogers said the technology could be hugely significant in reducing the burden of viral infections in other contexts and in helping to prepare for future pandemics.
Read the study HERE.
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