Coughing is optional: which increases the risk of COVID-19 infection during communication
'05.02.2021'
Source: Yellmed
It has been found that casual conversation, especially in a poorly ventilated area, increases the likelihood of transmission of coronavirus more than coughing. Yellmed.
Under these conditions, the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads over two meters in just a few seconds. This is evidenced by a study conducted by experts from the UK, writes LiveScience.
Using computer simulations, experts found out how COVID-19 behaves in rooms, depending on their size, the number of people, and the conditions for observing security measures. Scientists have found that a prolonged conversation between two people without masks is more likely to spread the infection than a short-term cough.
On the subject: What loss of smell says about the course of COVID-19: the opinion of scientists
The fact is that small aerosol particles are formed during a conversation, which can "hang" in the air for a long time in a room without proper ventilation. And when you cough, larger drops are released, quickly settling on the floor.
For comparison: after coughing, the number of viral particles in the air decreases after 1-7 minutes, and after a half-minute conversation, the concentration of suspended particles decreases to a similar level only after half an hour.
Ventilation is critical to minimizing contamination risks in confined spaces, the researchers said.
It has been proven that in a frequently ventilated room - 10 times per hour - the likelihood of contracting coronavirus is reduced by a third, even upon contact with an infected person.
The material is published for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and does not replace medical advice. ForumDaily Woman is not responsible for any diagnosis made by the reader based on the site's materials, as well as for the consequences of self-medication, and may not share the point of view of the author or expert.
