Humidity helps your nose eliminate viruses

The nose and sinuses are designed to protect us from viruses using small, finger-like projections called cilia that literally beat back infections. Cilia love humidity; when your sinuses and nasal passages get too dry, the cilia have a hard time doing their job and microbes get stuck in there. This is why pediatricians love humidifiers and saline nasal spray. Help your cilia help you: avoid decongestants, irrigate your nostrils and humidify your air.