Unveiling How the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Spreads from Noses to the Air and Surfaces
In our world today, where viruses are a major concern, understanding how they spread is of utmost importance. One significant way viruses spread is through the air we breathe.
We have summarized a recent study on the subject, showing that viral emissions correlated strongly with the level of virus detected in people’s noses and highlighting it as a significant route for infected people shedding virus.
The article¹ is offering valuable insights into how viruses are emitted and their connection to noses, breathing, and the environment.
Insights from the COVID-19 Human Challenge Program
The COVID-19 Human Challenge Program, led by Imperial College London and its partners*, has revealed new findings that shed light on how people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus release the virus into their surroundings. This research goes beyond the surface to provide detailed insights into how the virus spreads.
In a controlled clinical setting at the Royal Free Hospital in London, 36 healthy participants with no prior immunity to the virus were intentionally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in February 2021. This allowed careful monitoring of their infection journey until they were no longer able to spread the virus.
Researchers took advantage of this unique setting by swabbing participants’ noses and mouths daily, as well as collecting air and surface samples within their living spaces.
The important role of the nose in viral emission
Out of the initial 36 participants, 18 were infected by the virus. Analysis revealed that a couple of individuals released a lot more virus into the air compared to others, even though their symptoms weren’t very severe. This phenomenon suggests the concept of “superspreading,” where a small number of people might be highly infectious.
The research showed significant amounts of viral RNA in air samples, exhaled breath, and on participants’ hands and the surfaces around them. This includes frequently touched areas like doorknobs and remote controls, showing how an infected person can contaminate their environment and help the virus spread.
The amount of viral emission was closely related to the amount of virus in participants’ noses, more than in their throats. This emphasizes the important role of the nose in releasing the virus into the air and the environment.
Most virus emissions occurred after symptoms
The new findings outline how the virus spreads from person to person: directly into the air, landing on nearby surfaces, and transferring from contaminated hands to frequently touched surfaces. This underscores the importance of reinforcing public health practices such as wearing masks correctly, thorough handwashing, and regular cleaning of surfaces.
Positive rapid tests and visible symptoms proved to be reliable indicators of being contagious and emitting the virus into the surroundings. Most virus emission occurred after the initial symptoms appeared, with very little virus released before that stage. Importantly, the severity of symptoms wasn’t significantly linked to the amount of virus released.
Implications for Knowledge and Action
Dr. Anika Singanayagam, an NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer at Imperial College London and a co-author of the study, highlighted the importance of these findings:
“Our data indicate that much of the virus people shed comes from the nose, further highlighting the importance of face masks covering the nose as well as the mouth when they’re used. But it also shows how virus can be transferred from hands to contaminate surfaces, like door handles or remote controls, which become a source of infection.”
Dr. Jay, Jie Zhou, another co-author of the study, emphasized the practical side:
“Understanding when infected people are contagious and how to detect when they are contagious is important – it can help us to use interventions like face masks or social distancing more effectively. The data in our study highlights that being aware of, and acting on, the first minor symptoms that signal an infection, coupled with frequent selftesting with lateral flow tests, can effectively reduce onward spread.”
Preparedness for the Future
Professor Wendy Barclay, Head of the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London, recognized the essential role of such studies in understanding infectious diseases and preparing for future pandemics.
In conclusion, this study provides crucial insights into how viruses are emitted from noses into the air and the surroundings. By understanding these pathways, we can strengthen preventive measures and improve our defenses against the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses.
NOSA has developed a medical device that reduces the exposure to viruses and bacteria by inhalation through the nose. The product design forces the air to pass through the lamella structure of the device where it inactivates viruses and kills bacteria that come into contact with the product. External lab tests have shown that coronavirus, rhinovirus, and norovirus are reduced by up to 93%, and bacteria such as staphylococcus (MRSA), pneumococcus, and E. coli are reduced by up to 99%. A reduced exposure to viruses and bacteria decreases the risk of respiratory infections.
*Note: The Human Challenge Programme is a partnership between Imperial College London, the Vaccine Taskforce and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), hVIVO, and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
Source:
¹ Zhou, J., Singanayagam, A., Goonawardane, N., et al. (2023) Viral emissions into the air and environment after SARS-CoV-2 human challenge: a phase 1, open label, first-in-human study. Lancet Microbe 2023; 4: e579–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666- 5247(23)00101-5
The important role of the nose in viral emission
Unveiling How the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Spreads from Noses to the Air and Surfaces
In our world today, where viruses are a major concern, understanding how they spread is of utmost importance. One significant way viruses spread is through the air we breathe.
We have summarized a recent study on the subject, showing that viral emissions correlated strongly with the level of virus detected in people’s noses and highlighting it as a significant route for infected people shedding virus.
The article¹ is offering valuable insights into how viruses are emitted and their connection to noses, breathing, and the environment.
Insights from the COVID-19 Human Challenge Program
The COVID-19 Human Challenge Program, led by Imperial College London and its partners*, has revealed new findings that shed light on how people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus release the virus into their surroundings. This research goes beyond the surface to provide detailed insights into how the virus spreads.
In a controlled clinical setting at the Royal Free Hospital in London, 36 healthy participants with no prior immunity to the virus were intentionally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in February 2021. This allowed careful monitoring of their infection journey until they were no longer able to spread the virus.
Researchers took advantage of this unique setting by swabbing participants’ noses and mouths daily, as well as collecting air and surface samples within their living spaces.
The important role of the nose in viral emission
Out of the initial 36 participants, 18 were infected by the virus. Analysis revealed that a couple of individuals released a lot more virus into the air compared to others, even though their symptoms weren’t very severe. This phenomenon suggests the concept of “superspreading,” where a small number of people might be highly infectious.
The research showed significant amounts of viral RNA in air samples, exhaled breath, and on participants’ hands and the surfaces around them. This includes frequently touched areas like doorknobs and remote controls, showing how an infected person can contaminate their environment and help the virus spread.
The amount of viral emission was closely related to the amount of virus in participants’ noses, more than in their throats. This emphasizes the important role of the nose in releasing the virus into the air and the environment.
Most virus emissions occurred after symptoms
The new findings outline how the virus spreads from person to person: directly into the air, landing on nearby surfaces, and transferring from contaminated hands to frequently touched surfaces. This underscores the importance of reinforcing public health practices such as wearing masks correctly, thorough handwashing, and regular cleaning of surfaces.
Positive rapid tests and visible symptoms proved to be reliable indicators of being contagious and emitting the virus into the surroundings. Most virus emission occurred after the initial symptoms appeared, with very little virus released before that stage. Importantly, the severity of symptoms wasn’t significantly linked to the amount of virus released.
Implications for Knowledge and Action
Dr. Anika Singanayagam, an NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer at Imperial College London and a co-author of the study, highlighted the importance of these findings:
Dr. Jay, Jie Zhou, another co-author of the study, emphasized the practical side:
Preparedness for the Future
Professor Wendy Barclay, Head of the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London, recognized the essential role of such studies in understanding infectious diseases and preparing for future pandemics.
In conclusion, this study provides crucial insights into how viruses are emitted from noses into the air and the surroundings. By understanding these pathways, we can strengthen preventive measures and improve our defenses against the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses.
NOSA has developed a medical device that reduces the exposure to viruses and bacteria by inhalation through the nose. The product design forces the air to pass through the lamella structure of the device where it inactivates viruses and kills bacteria that come into contact with the product. External lab tests have shown that coronavirus, rhinovirus, and norovirus are reduced by up to 93%, and bacteria such as staphylococcus (MRSA), pneumococcus, and E. coli are reduced by up to 99%. A reduced exposure to viruses and bacteria decreases the risk of respiratory infections.
Learn more about the product here.
Read the full study at thelancet.com
*Note: The Human Challenge Programme is a partnership between Imperial College London, the Vaccine Taskforce and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), hVIVO, and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
Source:
¹ Zhou, J., Singanayagam, A., Goonawardane, N., et al. (2023) Viral emissions into the air and environment after SARS-CoV-2 human challenge: a phase 1, open label, first-in-human study. Lancet Microbe 2023; 4: e579–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666- 5247(23)00101-5