Coronavirus Updates
Coronavirus airborne transmission: The latest update
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By Apollo 24/7, Published on - 07 October 2020, Updated on - 18 October 2022
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What does airborne transmission mean?
What are the other types of transmission?
- Contact transmission – When an infection is transmitted through direct contact (usually touch) with an infected person or with a virus-contaminated surface, it is known as contact transmission. The contact with virus-laden surfaces is more often called ‘fomite transmission.
- Droplet transmission – This occurs when the respiratory droplets of an infected person reach the nose, mouth, or eyes of a vulnerable person when they are in close contact, usually within 1 metre. The respiratory droplets may be exhaled when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
So, is the Coronavirus transmission airborne?
- Exposure to the virus-containing respiratory particles for longer times: A healthy person can get infected when they are around a COVID-19 infected person generating respiratory droplets for over 30 minutes in a confined place. These droplets may have been produced by expiratory exertion when carrying out activities like shouting, exercising, running, etc.
- Enclosed spaces – Infections can occur in enclosed spaces where a vulnerable person and an infected person were present at the same time. Even when the COVID-19 person leaves the enclosed space, vulnerable people are likely to get infected if they visit the place right after.
- Places with limited ventilation – Airborne transmission of COVID-19 can occur in places with poor ventilation as such places allow the suspended respiratory droplets to build up in the air.
How to prevent airborne transmission of COVID-19?
- Avoid crowded indoor spaces as these spaces can raise the concentration of virus-laden respiratory particles and droplets suspended in the air.
- Always wear masks when stepping out or when you are in a public setting where maintaining physical distance is difficult.
- Practice social distancing by keeping a physical distance of at least 6 feet from other people.
- Follow hand washing etiquettes such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alternatively, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands.
- Ensure cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, especially the frequently-touched ones.
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