With the 2025-2026 Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus seasons launching in the United States, a debated innovation recently recieved positive data on how it can passively reduce respiratory diseases.
The new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine trialled commercially available germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) appliances in senior care facilities, finding they reduced rates of viral respiratory infections by about 12.2%.
GUV appliances, which purify the air with UV-C light rays and deactivate harmful micro-organisms like viruses and bacteria.
“Some of the key advantages of germicidal ultraviolet air-treatment appliances are that they are easily installed into existing facilities and cost-effective to use,” says lead author Dr Andrew Shoubridge from Flinders University and SAHMRI’s Microbiome and Host Health Programme, in a press release on July 28, 2025.
“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.”
This randomized clinical trial tested commercially available LAF Technologies GUV appliances that are already used in a wide range of clinical and commercial settings, including hospitals.
The appliances can be mounted to ceilings or walls, fitted into ventilated AC systems, are harmless to people, and have already proven to reduce levels of airborne pathogens in laboratory and hospital settings.
Senior author of the study, Professor Geraint Rogers, conceived this world-first trial and the transformative adaptation of this technology to reduce respiratory viral outbreaks in vulnerable older Australians.
“Our study aimed to explore new ways in which to protect aged care residents from harmful outbreaks of viruses, without disrupting their day-to-day activities.
“Based on our findings, it’s difficult to see why you wouldn’t install these appliances in aged care facilities.”