There are quite a few studies that show air pollution increases the risk of getting viral infections. This study from Utah is one of the more recent ones.
The study was done during a period when there were some forest fires with spikes in particulate air pollution. The researchers compared the chance of getting a viral infection such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) based on the air pollution levels in the 4 weeks before the infection.
They found increased chance of infection in the 4 weeks following an air pollution spike.
The chance of infection per 10 μg/m3 was increased in all ages: 15% higher in those age 0-2 years, 32% higher in those age 3-17 years, and 19% higher in those 18 years or older.
The authors theorize that air pollution damages the airways, or damages airway immunity, making people more susceptible to viral infections.
While we are dealing with coronavirus, it’s important to remember that air pollution can affect our risk for viruses, and that once the emergency has passed we need to continue to work to reduce air pollution levels too.
A news article describing the study:
The scientific study:
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1164/rccm.201709-1883OC
