A new study highlights the important role of aerosol, those small particles (under one micron in size) that are transmitted by air, in the spread of the coronavirus, at least under certain circumstances.
In the magazine Pnas A study has been published that examined the covid-19 outbreak that occurred aboard the Diamond Princess, a cruise ship. In January 2020, there were 3,711 passengers on the ship, of which about 770 were infected with the coronavirus.
The results of the study show that the transmission of the virus through aerosols was particularly conducive to the infection. According to the researchers, half of the infections occurred precisely by airborne transmission, both with close and more distant contacts between the various people present on the ship.
The focus on the role of the masks useful to stem the spread of the virus. To defend against smaller particles, is it better to wear two?
A topic that is talked about more and more often, while Germany is about to make the use of the FFP2 mask mandatory, in many other parts of the world another option is being considered to increase protection against covid-19: precisely to overlap two masks.
A first study had already affirmed the greater protective efficacy guaranteed by a double mask.
Read also: Does wearing two masks really protect us more?
Immediately after came an authoritative opinion, that of CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) americano whose experts, following a study, were convinced of the fact that a double mask (a surgical mask with a fabric on top) is an effective stratagem to block the access of the virus, reaching over 95% protection.
Specifically, according to the CDC study, the double face mask significantly increased protection for the wearer by blocking 83% of small particles from an individual without a face mask. Protection that even reached 96.5% if both people wore the double mask.
What matters, as shown by the CDC study, is that the mask is adherent to the face and therefore there is a correct fit. In this sense, the role of the second fabric mask is precisely to limit the presence of any lateral cracks in which the virus could infiltrate.
Read also: One mask is fine, two “snug” even better. The Cdc updates the guidelines on double masks
The aerosol, however, is obviously more dangerous in closed places (such as the ship) and where many people are present at the same time. The most valid indication in these cases is always to ventilate at best.
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The article incorporates published studies and recommendations from international institutions and / or experts. We make no claims in the medical-scientific field and report the facts as they are. The sources are indicated at the end of each article
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