Big UK trial finds HEPA filters don’t cut viral infections in care homes
A National Institute for Health Research-funded trial in 91 care homes found HEPA air filters in communal areas did not reduce respiratory infections or staff illness compared with homes without filters. The unblinded design and prior mixed evidence suggest air filtration does not reliably lower viral infection risk in real-world settings, likely because close-range transmission dominates and people move between spaces. While filters may help prevent invasive aspergillosis, policy should rely on established prevention measures rather than air filtration alone in care homes or schools.