The mode of transmission of the so-called aerosol coronavirus is being studied very closely by scientists. Although it is not the first vector of contamination, what are the precautions to be taken?
by Mathilde Wattecamps
There had been evidence from WHO that the virus can persist in the air and therefore be transmitted through the air: "The possibility of transmission by air in particularly crowded public places cannot be excluded ", according to Benedetta Allegranzi, a doctor and WHO official. A study by the American medical journal NEJM released on March 17 showed that the coronavirus could survive three hours in suspension in the air.
Other studies of respiratory viruses have shown the possibility that virus particles are present in the exhaled air of an infected person, without the need for them to cough or sneeze.
Today, "most infectious disease specialists agree that the airway is a component of transmission, although we are still debating its importance," said Joshua Santarpia, a professor at the University of Nebraska who released a study on the subject last week. Professor Linsey Marr, an airborne virus transmission specialist at Virginia Tech, commented on the Monday, July 20 study, adding: "There is infectious virus in the air. It remains to be seen how much you have to breathe to get infected.".
Uncertainty therefore hangs over the importance of this mode of contamination.
How to protect yourself from this?
Viral particles are transmitted even during conversations, with an increased risk in closed, frequented environments where people stay for a long time.
Arnaud Fontanet, from the French Scientific Council insists on the importance of the mask and ventilation in a closed environment: the message is "Aerate, aerate, aerate".
Also watch out for air conditioning and fans: if several people are present, if one is contagious, this spreads the virus particles even more into the room.
The mask is therefore more than ever necessary in closed places, transport, shopping malls, places of passage inside.
Finally, it is necessary to go to be tested when one presents symptoms, and to always respect barrier gestures, the first mode of contamination remaining touching with soiled hands.