Q: How does Coronavirus spread? A: Droplets & Aerosols

How does coronavirus spread?

The coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person to person. This can happen between people who are in close contact with one another. Droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes may land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, or possibly be inhaled into their lungs.

A person infected with coronavirus — even one with no symptoms — may emit aerosols when they talk or breathe. Aerosols are infectious viral particles that can float or drift around in the air for up to three hours. Another person can breathe in these aerosols and become infected with the coronavirus. This is why everyone should cover their nose and mouth when they go out in public.

Coronavirus can also spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects. For example, a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

This information comes directly from the Harvard Medical School website. 

It’s not surprising that Covid-19 is transmitted by droplets and aerosols. It is also not surprising that dentists are now using new devices to avoid transmission of this new coronavirus in their offices. Many dentists are now using the AeroShield™ FLOW aerosol extractor to decrease the risk of disease transmission. This extraoral suction unit helps reduce the amount of bioaerosols in the dentist’s working area and releases clean air into the dental operatory.