National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
The increased transferability of the new SARS-CoV-2 variant is thought to be due to a change in the peak protein, which is visible here in yellow under an electron microscope.
A rapidly spreading variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has been found in at least 20 states, and people are wondering: How do I protect myself now?
We have seen what the new variant, known as B.1.1.7, can do, as it spread rapidly through the south-east of England in December, increasing the number of cases and causing stricter closure measures.
It is estimated that the new variant is 50% easier to transmit than ordinary variants, although it looks similar to people’s health. It is believed that the increased transmissibility results from a change in the ear protein of the virus that can more easily enter the virus into cells. These and other studies on the new variant were published before peer review to share their findings quickly.
There is also evidence that patients infected with the new B.1.1.7 variant may have a higher virus burden. This means that they can expel more virus-containing particles if they breathe, talk or sneeze.
As professors studying fluid dynamics and aerosols, we investigate how airborne particles that carry viruses spread. There is still much that scientists and doctors do not know about the coronavirus and its mutations, but there are some clear strategies that people can use to protect themselves.
Airborne particles are still the biggest problem
It is believed that the SARS-CoV-2 variant spreads mainly through the air rather than on surfaces.
If someone with the coronavirus in their airways coughs, talks, sings or even just breathes, infectious respiratory droplets can be forced into the air. These droplets are small, mainly between 1-100 micrometers. By comparison, a human hair is about 70 micrometers in diameter.
The larger droplets fall quickly to the ground and rarely move further than 6 feet from the source. The biggest problem for disease transmission is the smallest droplets – with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers – that can hang in the air for hours on end.
Since humans may have more viruses in their bodies and the virus is more contagious, everyone needs to be extra careful and take precautions. Wearing face masks and social distance is essential.
Spaces and activities previously considered ‘safe’, such as some indoor work environments, may have an increased risk of infection as the variant spreads.
The concentration of aerosol particles is usually the highest right next to the individual that emits the particles and decreases with distance from the source. However, in indoor environments, aerosol concentration levels can build up rapidly, similar to how cigarette smoke accumulates inside enclosed spaces. This is especially problematic in spaces with poor ventilation.
With the new variant, aerosol concentration levels that may not pose a risk before can now lead to infection.
What can you do to stay safe?
1) Note the type of face mask you use, and how it fits.
Most surface coatings on the shelf are not 100% effective in preventing drip emissions. Since the new variant spreads more easily and is likely contagious at lower concentrations, it is important to choose coatings with materials that are most effective at stopping droplet spread.
If available, N95 and surgical masks consistently deliver the best. Otherwise, preference is given to face coatings that use different layers of material. Ideally, the material should be a tight fabric. Cotton linen with high threads is an example. The right fit is also crucial, as gaps around the nose and mouth can reduce the effectiveness by 50%.
2) Follow guidelines for social distance.
While the current guidelines for social distance are not perfect – 6 feet is not always enough, it provides a useful starting point. Because aerosol concentrations and infectivity are highest in the space immediately surrounding everyone with the virus, increased physical distance can help reduce the risk. Remember that people are contagious before they start showing symptoms, and that many never show symptoms, so do not trust that you will see signs of disease.
3) Think carefully about the environment when you enter an enclosed area, both the ventilation and the way people interact.
By limiting the size of events, it reduces the exposure potential. Controlling indoor environments in other ways can also be an extremely effective strategy to reduce risk. These include increasing ventilation speeds to introduce fresh air and filtering existing air to dilute aerosol concentrations.
On a personal level, it is helpful to pay attention to the type of interactions that take place. For example, many people who shout can create a higher risk than one person speaking. In all cases, it is important to limit the amount of time you spend with others indoors.
The CDC warned that B.1.1.7 could become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant in the US by March. Other rapidly spreading varieties have also been found in Brazil and South Africa. Increased vigilance and adherence to health guidelines should continue to be a top priority.
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This story was updated on January 18 with the latest CDC score and map showing B.1.1.7 cases now found in 20 states.
By Suresh Dhaniyala, Bayard D. Clarkson Outstanding Professor of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Clarkson University and Byron Erath, associate professor of mechanical engineering, Clarkson University
This article was published from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.