Study Reveals Flu Germs Can Travel Up to Six Feet in the Air



A study challenged previous assumptions about how far flu germs can travel in the air, revealing that the virus can spread up to six feet—greater than previously thought. Researchers from the Wake Forest School of Medicine conducted an in-depth study to analyze how far flu particles can travel from infected individuals. They collected air samples from patients with flu-like symptoms at various distances: one foot, three feet, and six feet.

The study involved 94 patients, who were assessed based on the severity of their symptoms, including how often they coughed or sneezed and the duration of their illness. Remarkably, 65 percent of the patients tested positive for the flu. Among them, a quarter of the patients released flu-containing particles into the surrounding air.

The findings were particularly striking for those with the most severe symptoms. These individuals emitted the highest levels of flu particles, and the germs were found in small droplets that traveled up to six feet from the source. This discovery is significant, as it suggests that flu transmission can occur over a greater distance than previously believed.

Given these findings, healthcare providers, caregivers, family members, and friends are urged to exercise even more caution when in close contact with anyone showing flu-like symptoms. Maintaining physical distance, wearing masks, and practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of flu transmission, especially in environments where people are in close proximity to one another.

Source:

Bischoff W, Swett K, Leng I, Peters T. Exposure to influenza virus aerosols during routine patient care. Journal of Infectious Diseases. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jis773.



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