National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases
The increase in transmissibility of the new SARS-CoV-2 variant is thought to come from a change in the ear protein, visible here in yellow under the electron microscope.
A rapidly spreading coronavirus variant that causes COVID-19 has been found in at least 20 states and people are wondering: how can I protect myself now?
We saw what the new variant, known as B.1.1.7, can do, as it spread rapidly across the south-east of England in December, causing an increase in figures and causing stricter blocking measures.
It has been estimated that the new variant is 50% easier to transmit than the usual variants, although it seems to affect people’s health in the same way. Increased transmissibility is thought to arise from a change in the virus’s ear protein that can allow the virus to enter cells more easily. These and other studies on the new variant were published before the peer review to share their results quickly.
In addition, there is some evidence that patients infected with the new variant B.1.1.7 may have a higher viral load. This means they can expel more virus-containing particles when they breathe, speak or sneeze.
As teachers studying fluid dynamics and aerosols, we investigate how airborne particles propagate. There are still many things that scientists and doctors don’t know about coronavirus and its mutations, but there are some clear strategies that people can use to protect themselves.
Airborne particles remain the biggest problem
SARS-CoV-2 variants are thought to extend primarily through the air rather than through surfaces.
When someone with coronavirus in the airway coughs, speaks, sings, or even just breathes, infectious respiratory drops can be expelled into the air. These drops are small, predominantly between 1 and 100 micrometers. For comparison, human hair is about 70 micrometers in diameter.
Larger drops fall to the ground quickly, rarely traveling beyond 6 feet from the source. The biggest problem for disease transmission is the smaller drops (those less than 10 micrometers in diameter) that can remain suspended in the air as aerosols for hours.
With the possibility that people have more viruses in their bodies and that the virus is more infectious, everyone should take extra precautions and precautions. Wearing masks and socializing is essential.
Spaces and activities that were previously considered “safe,” such as some indoor work environments, may present a high risk of infection as the variant spreads.
The concentration of aerosol particles is usually higher next to the individual emitting the particles and decreases with distance from the source. However, in indoor environments, aerosol concentration levels can build up quickly, similar to how cigarette smoke accumulates indoors. This is particularly problematic in poorly ventilated spaces.
With the new variant, aerosol concentration levels that previously could not pose a risk could now cause infection.
What can you do to stay safe?
1) Pay attention to the type of face mask you use and how it fits.
Most free facial coatings are not 100% effective in preventing the emission of drops. With the new variant spreading more easily and probably being infectious at lower concentrations, it is important to select coatings with materials that are more effective in stopping the spread of drops.
When available, N95 and surgical masks always have the best performance. Otherwise, facial coatings that use multiple layers of material are preferable. Ideally, the material should be a tight fabric. Cotton sheets with a large number of threads are an example. Proper adjustment is also crucial, as gaps in the nose and mouth can decrease efficiency by 50%.
2) Follow social distancing guidelines.
While current patterns of social distancing aren’t perfect (6 feet isn’t always enough), they offer a useful starting point. Because aerosol concentration levels and infectivity are higher in the space immediately surrounding anyone with the virus, increasing physical distance can help reduce risk. Remember that people are infectious before they start to show symptoms and that many never show symptoms, so do not expect the presence of signs of illness.
3) Think carefully about the environment when accessing an enclosed area, both in terms of ventilation and the way people interact.
Limiting the size of meetings helps reduce exposure potential. Controlling indoor environments in other ways can also be a highly effective strategy to reduce risk. This includes increasing ventilation rates to provide fresh air and filtering existing air to dilute aerosol concentrations.
On a personal level, it is helpful to pay attention to the types of interactions that are taking place. For example, many callers may create a higher risk than a speaker. In all cases, it is important to minimize the amount of time you spend indoors with other people.
The CDC has warned that B.1.1.7 could become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant in the United States in March. Other fast-spreading variants have also been found in Brazil and South Africa. Increased surveillance and compliance with health guidelines should continue to be the top priority.
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This story was updated on January 18 with the latest CDC count and map showing B.1.1.7 cases that are now in 20 states.
By Suresh Dhaniyala, Bayard D. Clarkson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Clarkson University and Byron Erath, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Clarkson University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.