“PLess than a year into the covid-19 pandemic, we are still debating the role and significance of aerosol transmission for SARS-CoV-2. However, the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 after touching surfaces is now considered relatively minimal. thes people are much more likely to be exposed to the virus by inhaling it than by having it fly through the air in large droplets to land on their eyes, nostrils or lips“recall four British specialists in respiratory viruses, in an editorial published today in the British medical journal.
The latter regret that the ventilation of rooms remains a barrier that is too often neglected. Gold “lThe smallest airborne particles can remain suspended in the air for hours, which is an important transmission route” insist the scientists. These tiny airborne particles can indeed work their way around the gaps between the mask and the face. “Lare people are much more likely to be infected in a room with windows that cannot be opened or without a ventilation system”
Ventilate for 10 minutes, 3 times a day (minimum)
It was in Germany that the “little last” of the barrier gestures against Covid-19, which consists in regularly airing the rooms, appeared. The ventilation of rooms against the coronavirus (lüften gegen corona) has been part of the official health recommendations since the end of the summer. “We can cut the risk in half if we bring in twice as much air,” explained Martin Kriegela German expert in aerosol diffusion.
In France, the ventilation of rooms has officially become one of the barrier gestures recommended by the health authorities in the fall. “Opening the windows wide reduces the concentration of viruses in the air. We know that the contamination depends on the infectious dose. The more you dilute it, the less you risk getting infected.then explained Dr. Anne Casetta, doctor and head of the hospital hygiene service at the Cochin hospital (Paris), to our colleagues from Parisian. At the hospital, we have been putting ventilation measures in place since the start of the crisis and everyone should do the same.“
Manual : “[aérez] at least 10 minutes, three times a day and especially if you live in old housing, with a less efficient VMC” recommends the specialist. In winter, 5 minutes of ventilation is enough if there are large temperature differences between the inside and the outside.
A good habit also against indoor pollution
Airing regularly is not only essential against the coronavirus: it is also a good habit to take to rid the surrounding air of its pollutants – dust but also volatile compounds emitted by candles, cleaning products , cooking… In short, it’s really good for your health!
Against the coronavirus epidemic which has been raging since the beginning of the year, the first 4 barrier gestures remain essential: it is more than ever necessary to wash your hands regularly (with soap and water or hydroalcoholic gel with outside), to cough and sneeze into your elbow or into a handkerchief, to greet each other without touching (no kisses or handshakes) and to use a single-use handkerchief…. All these little gestures of everyday life can indeed limit the transmission of the Sars-Cov-2 virus.
But as the second wave of the epidemic continues to grow, 6 new barrier gestures have been added to this list. “Physical distancing (respecting at least one meter between people), limiting gatherings and also the number of people during private gatherings (which must not exceed six people), wearing a mask and regular ventilation of closed places are essential measures to limit the circulation of the virus” explains Public Health France.
Gestures that block the flu too
During a pandemic but also during an influenza epidemic, these actions are also an effective means of reducing the circulation of viruses. This winter, Health Insurance has also produced, in conjunction with the Ministry of Solidarity and Health, a video spot “Gesturesfences – Virus de l’hiver” which has the challenge of explaining that good respect for gesturesfences is an effective way to reduce the transmission of Covid-19 and winter viruses like influenza.
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