Influenza viruses can spread through the air on dust, fibers and other microscopic particles, according to new research from the University of California, Davis and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai. The findings, with obvious implications for coronavirus transmission as well as influenza, are published Aug. 18 in Nature Communications.
"It's really shocking to most virologists and epidemiologists that airborne dust, rather than expiratory droplets, can carry influenza virus capable of infecting animals," said Professor William Ristenpart of the UC Davis Department of Chemical Engineering, who helped lead the research. "The implicit assumption is always that airborne transmission occurs because of respiratory droplets emitted by coughing, sneezing, or talking. Transmission via dust opens up whole new areas of investigation and has profound implications for how we interpret laboratory experiments as well as epidemiological investigations of outbreaks."
Thanks for info 2 Grey's was aware some bugs can live in dust but thought it was limited to bacteria not viruses .
Useful to know ,bless you .
Looks like rest of this month we need to make the most of because certainly sounds like full isolation again for the duration of the winter months. I have known bug season to start as early as September even without covid-19 hooooo hummmmmmm
"I have known bug season to start as early as September even without covid-19 hooooo hummmmmmm"
Not really surprising, it is when the schools start. When we took our son out of the school system, to home educate him, it was a very healthy period for us. Sharon was at home and I only had three employees. We never had colds, flu or stomach bugs at all for the duration.
I don't mix with kids, but they are notorious bug sharers, corner shop, any shop really any contact really. I tipped over into emphysema after working with kids and got a virus that gave me a 8 months long lasting chest infection that wouldn't respond to any antibiotic and the prolonged chest infection results in lung damage, hence the reason we need to act quickly to treat lung infections.
Kids I avoid em now especially when they are not family.
I remember on first being diagnosed there was a poor chap sitting outside cardiac waiting room (as I was) * he could hardly talk because his breathing was so bad. But he did tell me something that I have always remembered that was;
*then routine cardiac check after emphysema diagnosis
Every Christmas his grandchildren visit, every year they bring a cold or virus. After and sometimes during their stay, he would end up in hospital and each year he would sustain further lung damage. He said the doctors told him he must ask his family to keep away if they are infected with any cold or flu virus as his lungs / breathing deteriorate each time he is exposed. He told me he didn't want to stop them coming at Christmas.
His love for his grandchildren (in his case) resulted in further lung damage and deteriorate in health / breathing.
I have to admit I have told all of my family and friends I cannot see them if they are infected with a cold or the flu virus. Th ey don't always remember this, occasionally I have to remind them. Contact with people, during bug season has always been limited but even doing that hasn't stop exposure entirely. but then I did still do my own shopping. From here on though, I shall stick with the home deliveries, especially during bug season and just hope any risk I take to go anywhere I can avoid exposure.
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