Aerosol transmission and COVID-19: overview

Abstract

SARS-CoV 2, the agent of the disease known as COVID-19, appeared in China at the end of 2019. The virus is transmitted primarily through the air in droplets or microdroplets emitted by symptomatic (through coughing or sneezing or during aerosol-generating procedures) or asymptomatic (through breathing or speaking) infected persons. This article reviews the current knowledge about the sizes of droplets emitted, the quantity of viral particles potentially emitted, the parameters influencing the conditions of transport and survival of these viral particles, including atmospheric conditions, and the impact on the development of the disease. It also discusses the parameters of risk assessment and recommendations for ventilation of indoor spaces. © 2021 John Libbey Eurotext. All rights reserved.