Physics of the virus and why it matters

Abstract:

Since the start of the pandemic, the main precautions recommended by heath authorities around the world against contracting COVID-19 have been to wash hands and keep distance of 1 to 2 meters, arm’s length. However, scientists have been pointing to a large body of evidence about the significance of the airborne transmission by virus-laden respiratory aerosols that are generated during all human respiratory activities. Aerosolization in the various parts of the respiratory tract is how they are generated, and once in the air their fate depends on their size and the forces acting on the. While the concept is simple, the processes are complex, with an additional complication created by confusion in terminology and different interpretations within the various scientific disciplines involved. The presentation will explore the physics of airborne infection transmission, and the importance of controlling it, beyond COVID-19, with a broader view of infection prevention.