Researchers think coronavirus and flu might spread from dust particles

[Chris Smith]

• The novel coronavirus might spread via dust particles, say researchers who studied aerosolized fomites influenza transmission.
• The researchers showed that flu virus from an infected animal subject would spread inside the cage and on the animal’s body, and would remain viable for several days.
• The paper also proved that guinea pigs could generate plenty of particles via movement, and scientists showed that dust particles covered with contagious flu virus could reach the cages of healthy animals, and infect them.

The novel coronavirus is so dangerous because it can spread with ease, regardless of season and weather. That’s why social distancing, face masks, and frequent handwashing are the only measures that can reduce the spread of COVID-19, in the absence of drugs that can prevent or cure the illness. People who are willingly ignoring all or some of these guidelines are responsible for the recent COVID-19 surges, and the outbreaks won’t be contained as long as safety measures aren’t enforced.

Various studies have shown that the virus doesn’t spread just via droplets. Smaller saliva particles that are expelled while speaking can contain viable virus, which can infect other people. On top of that, the virus can survive on some surfaces for days, and infection from surfaces is theoretically possible. When we thought things couldn’t get any worse, a new study delivers a scary conclusion. Viruses like the flu can spread via dust particles, and the coronavirus might behave similarly.

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Researchers think coronavirus and flu might spread from dust particles originally appeared on BGR.com on Wed, 19 Aug 2020 at 21:40:32 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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