One of the most significant challenges in combating the coronavirus is that there is still a lot of necessary research to be done to fully understand how the virus is transmitted and how it can be treated. The World Health Organization and other major health organizations have indicated that COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets released when a person coughs or sneezes. However, there is increasing evidence that the virus is airborne—or at least that it behaves more like an airborne virus than previously assumed.
There’s not yet a clear picture of how coronavirus spreads.
For a virus to be airborne, it must be able to travel via tiny aerosols that are lighter and more likely to linger in the air than droplets released when coughing or sneezing. Aerosols enter the air when someone merely breathes or talks. The presence of symptomless transmission of COVID-19 supports that aerosols may be one method of transmission. More research is necessary to understand how and when the virus spreads. It may also be necessary to update how the medical community defines airborne transmission. While coronavirus does not behave the same way as other airborne viruses like measles, it may still be transmitted through aerosols in the air.
A growing body of evidence supports the aerosols theory.
There is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates the possibility of aerosol transmission of coronavirus. However, other factors, such as poor indoor ventilation may increase the rate of infection within certain environments.
Masks are your best line of protection.
Better understanding how COVID-19 is transmitted will have a significant impact on public policies regarding healthcare and business re-openings. In the meantime, the best line of protection you can use beyond social distancing is wearing a cloth mask. In group residences and public facilities, better indoor air quality through UV filters and improved ventilation may also be necessary to reduce outbreaks.
Because information about coronavirus is constantly changing, it’s helpful to have quick access to a physician when you need it. MeMD can easily connect you with a medical professional 24/7.
