Simple technology using ultraviolet light to combat airborne viruses has shown significant success in reducing respiratory infections in aged care facilities, offering a promising advancement in infection control.
UV light technology cuts respiratory infections in seniors
This tech significantly lowers viral respiratory infections in vulnerable older Australians.
Scientists have adapted germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) appliances to purify air with UV-C light rays. These rays deactivate harmful microorganisms like viruses and bacteria. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine trialled these GUV appliances in aged care settings. The results revealed a reduction of more than 12% in viral respiratory infections among vulnerable older Australians.
- UV light appliances significantly reduced respiratory infections in aged care facilities.
- The technology is cost-effective and easy to install.
- It offers a new way to protect residents without disrupting daily life.
“Outbreaks of viruses such as COVID-19 are absolutely devastating for older people, significantly increasing the risks of hospitalization and death,” said Professor Geraint Rogers, the study’s senior author. “Our study aimed to explore new ways in which to protect aged care residents from harmful outbreaks of viruses, including COVID-19, without disrupting their day-to-day activities.”
The world-first trial, conceived by Professor Rogers, focused on adapting this technology to curb respiratory viral outbreaks in this vulnerable population. Dr. Andrew Shoubridge, lead author from Flinders University and SAHMRI’s Microbiome and Host Health Programme, added, “Based on our findings, it’s difficult to see why you wouldn’t install these appliances in aged care facilities.”
The trial utilized commercially available GUV appliances, already in use in various clinical and commercial settings, including hospitals. These appliances can be mounted on ceilings or walls, integrated into ventilation systems, and are known to be harmless to people and effective against airborne pathogens.
The study involved installing and testing these appliances in communal areas of four aged care homes across metropolitan and rural South Australia. These are areas with high foot traffic, typically experiencing greater transmission of airborne viruses.
“We designed a randomized clinical trial to compare the same environments with and without the appliances, tracking infection rates over two years,” explained Dr. Shoubridge. “While the appliances didn’t seem to lower infection rates during short study periods, they did help reduce overall numbers of respiratory infections by 12.2%, or roughly 0.3 fewer cases per week.”
Dr. Shoubridge emphasized the potential impact: “This means GUV technology could make a noticeable difference in protecting people in aged care facilities, especially when we consider there are 250,000 Australians currently living in them.”
Professor Rogers noted that while older adults are particularly susceptible to respiratory diseases, this technology could substantially reduce the burden of viral infections in other settings and aid preparedness for future pandemics.
The research involved collaborations between Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) and SAHMRI.
Source:
Journal reference:
Shoubridge, A. P., et al. (2025). Germicidal UV Light and Incidence of Acute Respiratory Infection in Long-Term Care for Older Adults. JAMA Internal Medicine. doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.3388
