In the public perception, infectious aerosols appear to be a “product” specific to the hospital environment, as if they were safe from the risks they posed as long as they were far from the hospital. This is not the case, however, and “infective aerosols exist only in hospital settings” is a complete error.
First, let’s see what infectious aerosols are. Aerosol means a gaseous dispersion system consisting of solid or liquid particles suspended in a gas medium. When these particles contain pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, they become infectious aerosols. The particle size is usually small, typically between 0.01 – 100 micrometres, which allows them to remain in the air for long periods of time and spread with the current.
In hospital settings, there are more medical operations that produce infectious aerosols, such as aerosol treatment, intubation, surgery, etc. These operations may result in the release of pathogens in patients in the form of aerosols into the surrounding air, thus increasing the risk of infection among medical personnel and other patients. However, infectious aerosols are also likely to appear in daily life situations outside hospitals.
In public health settings, for example, where people suffer from intestinal infectious diseases, such as the virus, aerosols containing viruses can be generated during vomiting or diarrhoea. These aerosols can spread within the relatively closed space of the bathroom, and those who follow into the bathroom may be infected if they are inhaled. In particular, some old-style public health rooms with poor ventilation are more likely to accumulate aerosols and are more at risk.
In highly populated public places, such as crowded subway cars, closed elevators, etc., infectious aerosols may be released when people with influenza or other infectious diseases cough, sneeze or even breathe normally. The risk of infection among the surrounding population at close range and with prolonged exposure to the aerosols increases significantly. For example, during the high-prevalence flu season, the surfaces of the subway or elevator, such as arming, buttons, etc., may contain aerosol particles with influenza viruses, and others may touch their noses and noses after touching them, and may lead to infection.
Nor can the presence of infectious aerosols be overlooked in the home environment. If a member of the family is infected with respiratory infections, such as new coronary pneumonia, influenza, etc., the aerosols from patients with pathogens are suspended in indoor air without adequate protection and ventilation. In winter, in particular, because of the cold weather, many families close their doors and windows for long periods of time and the indoor air is not flowing, which creates conditions for the accumulation of infectious aerosols and makes other family members more vulnerable to infection.
Infective aerosols are also a potential threat in specific occupational settings. In farms, for example, where animals are infected with infectious diseases common to certain humans and animals, and where animal faeces, urine, respiratory secretions, etc., can produce aerosols containing pathogens, staff members may inhale these aerosols and infect the disease while operating in the breeding area.
Since infectious aerosols may exist in many environments outside hospitals, how should we prevent them? Maintaining good ventilation is key in everyday life. Air should be kept as secure as possible, whether in homes, offices or public places, so as to reduce the concentration of aerosols and the risk of infection. In densely populated locations, the wearing of masks can effectively prevent aerosol inhalation. At the same time, care should be taken to ensure personal hygiene, to wash hands, to avoid touching areas such as mouth and nose, and to reduce the chances of pathogens entering the body. In the family, if a member is ill, the patient should, as far as possible, be allowed to live in a separate room and to perform ventilation and disinfection work in the room, such as regular UV light or disinfectant to wipe the surface of the object.
In short, infectious aerosols do not exist in hospital settings alone, and we can experience them in every corner of our daily lives. Knowledge of their characteristics and their means of transmission, and effective preventive measures are needed to better protect their own health and that of others and to establish a healthy line of defence in an environment fraught with potential risks.
