If you’re living with long COVID, you already know how important your environment is in managing symptoms. But have you ever stopped to think about the air you breathe?
Clean air might not be the first thing that comes to mind when managing long COVID, but it plays a surprisingly big role. From reducing inflammation to supporting better sleep, air quality can make a noticeable difference in your day-to-day life.
Why Does Air Quality Matter with Long COVID?
Inflammation and Irritants
Long COVID is often linked to systemic inflammation, and poor air quality can worsen this. Pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5), dust, and smoke irritate the respiratory system, potentially triggering or exacerbating symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or brain fog. Breathing in dirty air is like trying to heal a wound while constantly irritating it.
Indoor Air and VOCs
Did you know we spend about 90% of our time indoors? Unfortunately, indoor air isn’t always cleaner. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products, furniture, or even new carpets can worsen symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. That “new furniture smell” may feel luxurious but is far from healthy.
Mould and Allergens
If you’ve noticed heightened sensitivity to mould or pollen since developing long COVID, you’re not alone. Poor ventilation or hidden mould in your home could silently contribute to ongoing symptoms, making your recovery even harder.
Breathing and the Nervous System
Long COVID frequently affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions like breathing. Poor air quality can stress this system, leading to episodes of dysautonomia or worsened post-exertional malaise (PEM).
Clean Air for Schools and Children
The importance of clean air doesn’t stop at home. Schools, where children spend most of their day, are often overlooked in air quality discussions. Long COVID can affect children too, and poor air quality in classrooms—caused by dust, mould, or inadequate ventilation—can worsen their symptoms and learning difficulties. Advocating for air purifiers, regular ventilation, and reduced use of VOC-emitting products in schools can benefit all children, particularly those recovering from long COVID.
How Clean Air Helps with Long COVID
Clean air isn’t a cure, but it can support your recovery in several ways:
- Reducing Stress on Your Body
Your body is already dealing with long COVID; clean air reduces unnecessary irritants, allowing it to focus on healing. - Improving Sleep
Air quality, especially in your bedroom, affects your sleep. Better sleep means your body can recharge more effectively—a crucial factor for managing long COVID. - Supporting Brain and Lung Health
Cleaner air supports better lung function and may improve cognitive symptoms like brain fog.
What You Can Do to Improve Air Quality
Indoors:
- Invest in an Air Purifier: Choose one with a HEPA filter to remove tiny particles. Ensure it’s appropriate for your room size.
- Ventilate Regularly: Open windows, especially during cooking or cleaning. Fresh air dilutes indoor pollutants.
- Avoid Synthetic Fragrances: Opt for unscented or natural cleaning products to reduce VOC exposure.
- Control Humidity: Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent mould. Use a dehumidifier if necessary.
- Vacuum Often: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce allergens like dust and pet dander.
Outdoors:
- Check Air Quality Index (AQI): Stay indoors when air quality is poor. Apps like AirVisual can help.
- Use Masks: N95 or KN95 masks filter out fine particles and pollutants, especially in polluted areas. ( This is suggested also to wear indoor to minimise risk of infections)
- Choose Cleaner Routes: Walk in parks or green spaces away from heavy traffic to minimise pollution exposure.
The Role of Clean Air in Recovery
While air quality isn’t a magic cure for long COVID, improving it can make your environment less taxing on your body. Early research and anecdotal evidence suggest that addressing air quality—through air purifiers, mould removal, and better ventilation—can improve how patients feel daily.
Final Thoughts: Clean Air, Lighter Living
Living with long COVID means navigating invisible challenges every day, but many small changes can make a difference. By focusing on clean air—both indoors and outdoors—you create a healthier space that supports your recovery, reduces symptom triggers, and helps your body heal.
And let’s face it: when life feels heavy, the least we can do is lighten the air.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your condition.
Long Covid Journey 