COVID-19 evolves to become more airborne, recent study finds

People infected with the Alpha strain of COVID-19 exhale 43 to 100 times more virus into the air than those infected with the original COVID-19 strain, according to the study.

Research found that the viral load in the air of patients with an Alpha variant was 18 times higher than what could be explained by the increased amounts of virus in nasal swabs and saliva.

The researchers also found that face coverings such as surgical masks and cloths reduced the amount of virus inhaled in the air by about 50%.

“Because research indicates successive variants continue to improve for air travel, better ventilation and properly fitted masks, in addition to vaccination, may help offset the increased risk,” he adds. he.

At the very beginning of the pandemic, scientists could not confirm whether COVID-19 could be spread through particles in the air, and it was thought to be transmitted through actions such as coughing and sneezing.

A woman wears a protective mask during the coronavirus pandemic (Credit: TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY)

“We already knew that the virus in saliva and nasal swabs was increased in Alpha variant infections. The nose and mouth virus can be spread by large droplet sprays near an infected person. But our study shows that the virus in expired aerosols increases even more, ”said one of the study’s authors, doctoral student Jianyu Lai.

Researchers recommend a “layered approach” to protect people in public jobs and indoor spaces – this includes vaccinations, tight-fitting masks, improved ventilation, increased filtration and UV air sanitation.

“The take-home messages from this article are that the coronavirus can be in your exhaled breath (and) improves in your exhaled breath, and using a mask reduces the chances that you will breathe it in on others,” explains Clinical Assistant Professor Jennifer German, co-author of the study.