Can the new coronavirus be transmitted through the air? Why should we open windows for ventilation when airborne viruses are transmitted?

Recently, the new coronavirus has many ways of transmission, including through the air. Some people do not understand why opening windows is a problem. Some people even ask: Since the home is safe, why open windows for ventilation? Will opening windows for ventilation allow the virus to float in through the windows?

Can the new coronavirus be transmitted through the air?

1. Direct transmission: This means that the virus is present in the droplets from the patient's sneezes, coughs, and conversations, and even in the exhaled gas. Direct inhalation through close contact can lead to infection.

2. Aerosol transmission: When patients sneeze, cough, or talk, droplets float in the air. Large particles will settle, while particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 pm will mix in the air to form aerosols. Once inhaled, they will cause infection.

3. Contact transmission: contact with patients' sneezing, coughing droplets, saliva, sputum, saliva and other secretions, as well as hands contaminated with various secretions touching daily necessities, all contain viruses and are easy to be infected. Among the currently infected people, many patients have a history of staying in Wuhan, and were latently infected when visiting relatives and friends or on business trips in Wuhan; some friends or family members were infected by contact with patients; and some medical staff were unfortunately infected while treating patients. Therefore, this virus can be transmitted through the air.

Why open windows for ventilation when airborne viruses are transmitted

Many experts have warned us that to prevent virus infection, we should not only wear masks when going out, wash hands frequently, and exercise more, but also ventilate more and ensure indoor air circulation. Many people are puzzled. Doesn't it say that the virus can be transmitted through the air?

Shouldn't we close the windows to isolate the virus from circulating? Why are we now saying that we should open the windows for more ventilation? Isn't this a contradiction? Actually, it is not. Whether it is bacteria or viruses, they must reach a certain concentration to make people sick. Opening windows for ventilation can not only effectively reduce the virus content in the room and achieve a dilution effect, but also more ventilation, air circulation, and fresh air are more beneficial to health and enhance the body's resistance. Moreover, viruses must have parasites to replicate and survive, and viruses are more likely to die if they are exposed to the air for a long time.

What should you pay attention to when opening windows for ventilation

1. Opening windows for ventilation is not the more the better, nor is it good to keep windows open all the time. Generally speaking, it is enough to open windows for ventilation three times in the morning, noon and evening. Each time should not be too long, otherwise it is easy for the elderly and children to catch colds and other upper respiratory tract infections in winter.

2. If the room is small and the outside environment is cold, it is recommended to shorten the window opening time to avoid a significant drop in room temperature and affect health. Studies have shown that for an 80-square-meter house, it is sufficient to open the windows for ventilation for 10-20 minutes, depending on the specific situation.

The elderly, children and people with weak bodies should remember to add clothes before opening windows for ventilation to avoid illness caused by a drop in room temperature.

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1. Pay attention to reducing gatherings and other activities that involve large gatherings of people, stop paying New Year’s greetings, and reduce the chances of going to crowded places.

2. Remember to wear a mask when going out and wash your hands frequently.

3. Pay attention to rest and maintain normal immunity of the body.

4. If you have been in contact with a suspected patient or have developed suspected symptoms, be sure to seek help from a professional organization.