Every year, millions of people get sick with the flu. It spreads quickly, especially in places like schools, offices, and public spaces. While we have vaccines and good hygiene practices, experts are always looking for new ways to stop the flu from spreading.
One idea that scientists are exploring is using ultraviolet (UV) light. Certain types of UV light can kill viruses in the air and on surfaces. But how does this work? And is it safe to use around people?
In this article, we’ll explain:
- How the flu spreads
- What UV light is
- How UV light kills flu viruses
- New, safer types of UV light
- How UV light is being used in real places
- What this means for the future
Let’s break it down.
How Does the Flu Spread?
The flu spreads through the air. When someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes, tiny drops full of virus float in the air. These drops are called aerosols. You can breathe them in without even noticing — and get sick.
The flu also spreads by touching surfaces with the virus and then touching your face. That’s why washing your hands and keeping spaces clean helps.
But since the flu spreads so easily through the air, cleaning the air is a big focus. This is where UV light comes in.
What Is UV Light?
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a kind of light that we can’t see with our eyes. It comes from the sun, and it can also be made with special lamps.
There are three main types of UV light:
- UV-A – the weakest kind, causes tanning
- UV-B – stronger, can cause sunburn
- UV-C – the strongest, kills germs like viruses and bacteria
UV-C light is the type used to kill flu viruses. It’s been used for many years to clean water, surfaces, and even the air in hospitals.
Can UV Light Kill the Flu Virus?
Yes, it can!
Scientists have found that UV-C light can destroy the flu virus. It works by damaging the virus’s genetic material (its RNA), so it can’t infect people anymore.
Even tiny amounts of UV-C light can kill flu viruses in the air. This means that if we use UV-C the right way, it could help stop the spread of the flu in schools, hospitals, and other public places.
A Quick Example:
In one lab study, scientists sprayed flu virus particles into the air and then exposed them to a special kind of UV-C light. Over 95% of the virus was killed in just a short time.
That’s a big deal — especially during flu season.
What Is Far-UVC Light?
Here’s where things get even more interesting.
Traditional UV-C light can be dangerous for people. It can hurt your skin and eyes, so it’s usually only used in empty rooms or in ways that don’t shine directly on people.
But a newer type called far-UVC light is different.
- It uses a special wavelength of light — around 222 nanometers
- It does not go deep into the skin or eyes, so it doesn’t cause harm
- It’s safe to use in rooms where people are present
Researchers tested far-UVC light and found it was just as good at killing flu viruses in the air as regular UV-C — but without the health risks.
This opens up a lot of new possibilities for keeping public spaces safer.
How UV Light Is Being Used Right Now
Even though UV light has been around for a long time, it’s mostly used in places like hospitals. That’s starting to change.
1. Upper-Room UV Systems
These are UV lights installed near the ceiling. They shine UV-C light across the top part of a room, where air flows. As warm air rises (with virus particles), the UV light kills the germs before the air comes back down.
These systems are already being used in some hospitals and schools.
2. Far-UVC Lights in Public Spaces
Because far-UVC light is safe for people, it can be used in busy places like:
- Classrooms
- Airports
- Waiting rooms
- Restaurants
The lights quietly kill viruses in the air while people go about their day.
3. UV in Air Systems
Some buildings install UV lights inside their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These lights clean the air as it flows through the system, helping stop viruses before they spread.
Is UV Light Safe?
It depends on the type.
- Regular UV-C light (254 nm) is strong and good at killing viruses, but it can damage human skin and eyes. That’s why it’s only used where people aren’t directly exposed.
- Far-UVC light (222 nm) is much safer. It can kill viruses without harming people, according to many lab studies.
Even so, more testing is being done to make sure it’s totally safe over long periods.
What Are the Downsides?
UV light is a great tool, but it’s not perfect.
1. It Can’t Replace Vaccines
Vaccines help your body fight the flu if you get exposed. UV light can’t do that — it only kills viruses in the air or on surfaces. So it should be used with vaccines, not instead of them.
2. It Needs Good Installation
UV systems have to be set up the right way. If the light doesn’t reach the virus, it won’t work. That means you need good design and regular maintenance.
3. It Costs Money
High-quality UV systems aren’t cheap. Schools and businesses might need help paying for them. But over time, they could save money by reducing illness and absences.
What’s Next for UV and the Flu?
Scientists are still learning more about how UV light can help fight the flu and other viruses, like COVID-19.
In the future, we might see:
- Far-UVC lights in most public buildings
- UV-cleaned air systems in homes and offices
- Smarter UV devices that turn on automatically when needed
As technology gets better and cheaper, UV light could become a normal part of how we protect public health.
Final Thoughts
Yes — UV light can help fight the flu.
- It can kill flu viruses in the air
- It’s already used in hospitals and some schools
- New kinds of UV light (like far-UVC) are safe to use around people
- It works best when used with vaccines and other healthy habits
While UV light isn’t a cure-all, it’s a powerful tool that can make indoor spaces safer — especially during flu season.
If you’re a school leader, business owner, or just someone who wants cleaner air at home, it’s worth looking into how UV technology could help.
https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/23972651/ultraviolet-disinfection-germicide-far-uv