Airborne transmission of respiratory viruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 : Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine

Secondary Logo

Journal Logo

INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Edited by Alimuddin Zumla and David SC Hui

Airborne transmission of respiratory viruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

Tang, Julian W.a,b; Marr, Linsey C.c; Tellier, Raymondd; Dancer, Stephanie J.e

Author Information
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine 29(3):p 191-196, May 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/MCP.0000000000000947

Abstract

Purpose of review 

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has had a wide-ranging and profound impact on how we think about the transmission of respiratory viruses This review outlines the basis on which we should consider all respiratory viruses as aerosol-transmissible infections, in order to improve our control of these pathogens in both healthcare and community settings.

Recent findings 

We present recent studies to support the aerosol transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and some older studies to demonstrate the aerosol transmissibility of other, more familiar seasonal respiratory viruses.

Summary 

Current knowledge on how these respiratory viruses are transmitted, and the way we control their spread, is changing. We need to embrace these changes to improve the care of patients in hospitals and care homes including others who are vulnerable to severe disease in community settings.

Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

You can read the full text of this article if you:

Access through Ovid