The rate of transmission of coronavirus by airborne droplets is not associated with its mutation. These are the conclusions reached by the doctor of medical sciences, therapist and immunologist Vladislav Zhemchugov. His words are quoted by “Komsomolskaya Pravda”.
“I want to say that the mutation of the virus cannot affect its ability to be transmitted by airborne droplets. It can affect transmission from species to species, as happened with the first coronavirus, the Wuhan strain, ”explained the Russian immunologist.
According to him, the rate of transmission of coronavirus depends on the physical conditions of the external environment. Viruses and microbes do not fly by themselves, but attach to various particles. “There is always something in the air – dust, smoke, aerosol particles, suspended solids and liquid particles – vapor, fog,” said the immunologist and added that the transmission rate depends on air temperature, humidity, sunlight and many other factors. …
“The infectiousness of the virus may depend on mutations, but not the route of transmission,” summed up Zhemchugov.
The immunologist emphasized that therefore masks and respirators remain an effective means of protecting against the virus. He also believes that indoor ventilation can provide additional protection against coronavirus. If the air exchange rate is increased three to four times, then a person will not be able to become infected, since the air currents will carry the virus into the ventilation.
Earlier, scientists from the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, as part of a study, concluded that new “alpha” and “delta” strains of the coronavirus are evolving to infect more people. As part of the study, they studied data from 49 patients and found that COVID-19 mutates for better transmission by airborne droplets.
