Cold and Flu Prevention Checklist

Cold and flu season has a way of sneaking up on families, and once one person gets sick, it often feels inevitable that everyone else will follow. At 24 Hour, we work with homeowners every day who want to protect their families, and that starts with awareness—especially if you’re thinking about indoor air quality in Lake in the Hills, because the air inside your home plays a bigger role in illness than most people realize.

We all do what we can to mitigate the spread of germs spreading. We limit sick family members in the kitchen, wipe down surfaces, wash hands constantly, and stay home from work and school when symptoms appear. These habits matter—but there is something more you can do to help prevent the cold and flu from creeping in.

How Germs Circulate Through Your Home

Colds and flu viruses spread through airborne particles and surface contact. When someone coughs, sneezes, or even talks, microscopic droplets can linger in the air. In a tightly sealed home—especially during colder months—those particles can circulate again and again through your HVAC system.

Without proper filtration or air treatment, germs don’t just disappear. They move from bedroom to living room, from kitchen to hallway, increasing the likelihood that another family member will inhale them. This is often why colds seem to “pass around” the household so quickly.

How an Indoor Air Quality System, or Lack Thereof, Impacts How Your Family Navigates Cold and Flu Season

Your HVAC system doesn’t just heat your home—it moves air throughout it. If your system lacks proper air filtration, purification, or humidity control, it can actually contribute to the spread of illness.

High-efficiency air filters can capture more airborne contaminants, including dust, allergens, and some bacteria and viruses. Air purification systems add another layer of defense by neutralizing germs before they have a chance to circulate. Humidity also plays a key role; dry air allows viruses to survive longer and irritates nasal passages, making it easier for illness to take hold.

When these systems are missing—or not maintained—your home becomes a more welcoming environment for germs.

Practical Steps You’re Already Taking (And Why They Still Matter)

You’re already doing the right things:

• Keeping sick family members home and resting
• Disinfecting high-touch surfaces like counters and doorknobs
• Washing hands and avoiding shared utensils

These actions reduce surface transmission, but they don’t address what’s floating in the air. That’s where a whole-home indoor air quality solution makes a difference.

When your indoor air is cleaner, your immune system doesn’t have to work as hard to fight off constant exposure to airborne germs. Investing in better indoor air quality is an investment in fewer sick days, better sleep, and greater peace of mind for your entire family.

How 24 Hour Helps Protect Your Home

At 24 Hour, we help families take control of their indoor environment. From upgraded air filtration and whole-home air purifiers to humidifiers that balance moisture levels, we tailor solutions that work with your existing HVAC system. Our goal is simple: cleaner air, fewer germs circulating, and a healthier home during cold and flu season and beyond.

You can always count on 24-Hour Home Comfort Services, your heating and cooling specialists.