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.

Conclusion