We’ve long known about the transmission of the coronavirus via respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, which is why everyone is encouraged to wear masks and stay six feet away from each other. The question of airborne spread has been contentious for months, with some scientists arguing for preventive guidance, but public health agencies delayed in recognizing airborne transmission. However, we now know that six feet isn’t far enough to prevent inhalation of aerosolized particles.
This acknowledgement, and the fact it took so long, has led to some confusion about the way the novel coronavirus spreads, reinforcing the need for precautionary measures. Learn what experts have to say about the airborne spread of COVID-19 and what it means for you.
“From what we currently know, the preponderance of the evidence is that transmission is mainly through respiratory droplets and aerosols, with contamination of surfaces playing a limited role in transmission,” says Dr. Davidson Hamer, professor of global health and medicine at the Boston University School of Public Health and School of Medicine.
According to the CDC, the coronavirus mainly spreads through direct and close contact, such as talking to someone without a mask in close quarters. It sometimes spreads through airborne transmission and occasionally spreads through indirect contact, such as touching infected surfaces and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes.
What does it mean when a virus is airborne?
Don’t worry, it’s not like the 1995 movie Outbreak.
Warner Bros. Pictures
According to the World Health Organization, “airborne transmission is defined as the spread of an infectious agent caused by the dissemination of droplet nuclei (aerosols) that remain infectious when suspended in air over long distances and time.”
In other words, when a virus is airborne, it spreads through the air via microscopic particles that can be inhaled.
Dr. Joseph Allen, director of the Healthy Buildings program at Harvard and an assistant professor of exposure assessment science at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, says the public simply needs to understand that this means our “safe zone” of six feet doesn’t necessarily exist.
“Of course, it’s a bit more nuanced than that,” he says, “but the public has been told that exposure happens within six feet.” The truth is, Allen continues, we generate particles that can travel further than that. And because of their small size, they also stay in the air longer.
We all release particles of all sizes when we sneeze.
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This is where the confusion starts, says Dr. Philip Tierno, professor of microbiology and pathology at New York University School of Medicine. The term “respiratory droplets” refers only to where the particles come from. A respiratory droplet — something that comes from your respiratory tract and is expelled from your nose or mouth — can “be micro or macro in size,” Tierno explains.
Every time you sneeze or cough, you release large and small particles. The larger particles travel a short way (six or so feet) and then settle to the ground, falling because of gravity. The smaller particles remain suspended in the air, traveling much farther and resisting the effect of gravity, Tierno says.
Both large and small particles can be released when someone coughs or sneezes, but also when people talk, sing and shout — you may remember the cluster of cases linked to a choir practice with one symptomatic person. The aerosolization of particles is related to the volume of vocalization, according to the authors of the case study.
Both types of particles are still respiratory droplets, Tierno says, so yes, technically, some respiratory droplets are truly airborne.
What’s the difference between aerosols and droplets?
Aerosols contain tiny droplets that can travel farther than large droplets.
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The confusion continues. “The problem is that people use these terms interchangeably,” Tierno says, “when in reality they mean different things.”
You may have seen several terms floating around the internet, including droplet, aerosol and microdroplet. Microdroplets and aerosols are synonymous: These terms both refer to fine particles that can exist in the air for long periods of time and travel long distances. Droplets, on the other hand, are larger and do not travel as far.
There’s a longstanding (circa 1930s) standard in the medical and scientific communities that five microns serves as the “fence” between airborne particles and non-airborne particles. Anything larger than five microns is thought to settle to the ground within six feet — this belief informed the six-foot social distance barrier that’s now commonplace.
However, a letter from researchers published on Oct. 5 urges the scientific community to change this definition. A standard of 100 microns would be more appropriate, the researchers wrote, because in confined spaces, viruses in aerosols smaller than 100 microns can live for long periods of time.
Respiratory particles exist on a continuum, Allen says. “The reality is that [people] release particles of many different sizes, from less than five microns to way more. The medical community has long thought that a five-micron particle settles to the ground in less than six feet, but this is not always the case.”
Other factors, like ventilation, environment and velocity can affect how quickly a particle of any size settles, he says. Cigarette smoke might help you visualize this — if you stand 15 feet away from someone smoking a cigarette outdoors and the wind is still, you probably won’t notice the smoke. But with a breeze, the particles of cigarette smoke will quickly travel to you, even with that distance of 15 feet.
“The point for the public is this: There are a range of sizes [of particles], some of which can travel longer than six feet,” Allen says.
Has COVID-19 been airborne this whole time?
According to many scientists and doctors, the CDC has severely lagged in identifying the novel coronavirus as airborne. The same thing happened during the early months of the pandemic, when the CDC and WHO delayed labeling it a pandemic.
Many scientists and doctors began lobbying the CDC as early as February 2020 in an attempt to get the public health agency to classify SARS-CoV-2 as an airborne virus. In July 2020, nearly 250 scientists and doctors wrote an open letter to public health agencies urging them to address airborne transmission.
It’s unlikely anything fundamental — like the mode of transmission — has changed about the novel coronavirus since it began spreading in early 2020. It’s more likely that now, seven months in, the evidence is clear enough to definitely say COVID-19 can spread through airborne particles.
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Why didn’t the CDC tell us the coronavirus was airborne?
Some say the CDC was trying to avoid adding to public fear or anxiety about the coronavirus, but this logic is faulty, Allen says. “This is risk communication 101,” he says. “You don’t hold back information. You have to be transparent about what’s happening to establish trust and allow people to act accordingly to protect themselves and others.”
Allen, who first wrote about airborne transmission of the coronavirus in February, says he doesn’t know what took the CDC so long to acknowledge airborne spread. “We [doctors] were excited a few weeks ago that they acknowledged it, and then they walked it back,” he says.
“The result is a confused public,” Allen says. “The science is what the science is,” and people can’t make informed decisions without knowing the truth. Allen says he supposes many more people would’ve taken basic precautions early in the pandemic had public health officials declared the virus airborne.
Others say the CDC’s lack of acknowledgement was of the presidency’s accord. “The CDC unfortunately is affected by the White House,” Tierno says. “Anything the CDC does can be politically infused. They may not have done this had they had no pressure on them.”
Does this mean the coronavirus is more infectious?
The coronavirus isn’t any more contagious than it already was, but this does reinforce the need for masks.
James Martin/CNET
No, the identification of airborne transmission doesn’t mean the novel coronavirus is more infectious than it already was.
“There’s a fundamental misunderstanding that all airborne viruses are highly infectious through airborne transmission,” Allen says. “Not all airborne viruses are like tuberculosis or measles,” both of which have high and rapid infection rates.
It does mean, however, that the standard of six feet isn’t always enough to prevent infection, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
It’s still not clear how many cases have occurred due to airborne transmission, and without a solid contact-tracing infrastructure, that’s something we may never know, says Allen.
How long does the coronavirus live in the air?
There’s no finite number of minutes or hours known yet. Estimates range from just a few hours up to 12 hours or more. Tulane University, for instance, reported that COVID-19 can remain in the air for up to 16 hours.
“‘Hours’ is typical, but remains largely undefined,” Tierno says, “which is an important consideration.”
Dr. Roshni Mathew, associate medical director of infection prevention and control at Stanford Children’s Health, says it’s important to remember that finding the virus’s RNA in air doesn’t automatically equate to transmission.
“Just having aerosols or finding virus particles does not equate to transmissibility, as there are other factors to consider,” she says, notably whether or not the virus is actually viable, meaning able to infect you. The WHO reports that in several studies that found virus particles in the air, the researchers did not find viable particles.
How far can the coronavirus travel in the air?
“The virus that causes COVID-19 is still under intense research,” Hamer says, “but it is understood that [larger] respiratory droplets from infected individuals can travel at least a few feet through the air to other persons within close contact.”
Aerosolized particles are lighter, so they are able to travel further through the air, Hamer continues, noting that some evidence has shown aerosols containing viruses can travel up to 18 feet. One study conducted in China suggests that aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 can spread up to four meters, or about 13 feet. Another report from April estimates the virus can spread up to 10 meters, or about 32 feet.
Again, environmental factors must be considered. Wind can carry particles, even larger ones, farther than six feet.
What this means for you
This means prevention practices are more important than ever.
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Most importantly, everyone should be aware that airborne transmission of COVID-19 means six feet isn’t a magic number. The novel coronavirus can spread farther than that, and it’s important to keep that in mind, especially when indoors.
The current best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19 are still our best protection, Hamer says. “The same personal protective measures should be adhered to, including wearing of face masks, good hand hygiene and practicing social distance measures,” he says, emphasizing that social distancing means at least six feet apart.
Knowing the novel coronavirus is airborne, people should pay more attention to the ventilation and air quality of their homes and other environments they frequent, Allen says.
“This reinforces the need for masks; it reinforces the fact that we shouldn’t be spending time indoors in crowded conditions or unventilated areas,” Allen says. “And it matters that the CDC said this.”
“It matters,” Allen emphasizes, “because before, it was just scientists saying it. It wasn’t official. Now it’s official, and going against this is going against [CDC] guidance.”
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Skinstitut Holiday Gift Kits take the stress out of gifting
Toronto, October 31, 2024 – Beauty gifts are at the top of holiday wish lists this year, and Laser Clinics Canada, a leader in advanced beauty treatments and skincare, is taking the pressure out of seasonal shopping. Today, Laser Clincs Canada announces the arrival of its 2024 Holiday Gift Kits, courtesy of Skinstitut, the exclusive skincare line of Laser Clinics Group.
In time for the busy shopping season, the limited-edition Holiday Gifts Kits are available in Laser Clinics locations in the GTA and Ottawa. Clinics are conveniently located in popular shopping centers, including Hillcrest Mall, Square One, CF Sherway Gardens, Scarborough Town Centre, Rideau Centre, Union Station and CF Markville. These limited-edition Kits are available on a first come, first served basis.
“These kits combine our best-selling products, bundled to address the most relevant skin concerns we’re seeing among our clients,” says Christina Ho, Senior Brand & LAM Manager at Laser Clinics Canada. “With several price points available, the kits offer excellent value and suit a variety of gift-giving needs, from those new to cosmeceuticals to those looking to level up their skincare routine. What’s more, these kits are priced with a savings of up to 33 per cent so gift givers can save during the holiday season.
There are two kits to select from, each designed to address key skin concerns and each with a unique theme — Brightening Basics and Hydration Heroes.
Brightening Basics is a mix of everyday essentials for glowing skin for all skin types. The bundle comes in a sleek pink, reusable case and includes three full-sized products: 200ml gentle cleanser, 50ml Moisture Defence (normal skin) and 30ml1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum. The Brightening Basics kit is available at $129, a saving of 33 per cent.
Hydration Heroes is a mix of hydration essentials and active heroes that cater to a wide variety of clients. A perfect stocking stuffer, this bundle includes four deluxe products: Moisture 15 15 ml Defence for normal skin, 10 ml 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum, 10 ml Retinol Serum and 50 ml Expert Squalane Cleansing Oil. The kit retails at $59.
In addition to the 2024 Holiday Gifts Kits, gift givers can easily add a Laser Clinic Canada gift card to the mix. Offering flexibility, recipients can choose from a wide range of treatments offered by Laser Clinics Canada, or they can expand their collection of exclusive Skinstitut products.
Brightening Basics 2024 Holiday Gift Kit by Skinstitut, available exclusively at Laser Clincs Canada clinics and online at skinstitut.ca.
Hydration Heroes 2024 Holiday Gift Kit by Skinstitut – available exclusively at Laser Clincs Canada clinics and online at skinstitut.ca.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.
The Canadian Paediatric Society says doctors should regularly screen children for reading difficulties and dyslexia, calling low literacy a “serious public health concern” that can increase the risk of other problems including anxiety, low self-esteem and behavioural issues, with lifelong consequences.
New guidance issued Wednesday says family doctors, nurses, pediatricians and other medical professionals who care for school-aged kids are in a unique position to help struggling readers access educational and specialty supports, noting that identifying problems early couldhelp kids sooner — when it’s more effective — as well as reveal other possible learning or developmental issues.
The 10 recommendations include regular screening for kids aged four to seven, especially if they belong to groups at higher risk of low literacy, including newcomers to Canada, racialized Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. The society says this can be done in a two-to-three-minute office-based assessment.
Other tips encourage doctors to look for conditions often seen among poor readers such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; to advocate for early literacy training for pediatric and family medicine residents; to liaise with schools on behalf of families seeking help; and to push provincial and territorial education ministries to integrate evidence-based phonics instruction into curriculums, starting in kindergarten.
Dr. Scott McLeod, one of the authors and chair of the society’s mental health and developmental disabilities committee, said a key goal is to catch kids who may be falling through the cracks and to better connect families to resources, including quicker targeted help from schools.
“Collaboration in this area is so key because we need to move away from the silos of: everything educational must exist within the educational portfolio,” McLeod said in an interview from Calgary, where he is a developmental pediatrician at Alberta Children’s Hospital.
“Reading, yes, it’s education, but it’s also health because we know that literacy impacts health. So I think that a statement like this opens the window to say: Yes, parents can come to their health-care provider to get advice, get recommendations, hopefully start a collaboration with school teachers.”
McLeod noted that pediatricians already look for signs of low literacy in young children by way of a commonly used tool known as the Rourke Baby Record, which offers a checklist of key topics, such as nutrition and developmental benchmarks, to cover in a well-child appointment.
But he said questions about reading could be “a standing item” in checkups and he hoped the society’s statement to medical professionals who care for children “enhances their confidence in being a strong advocate for the child” while spurring partnerships with others involved in a child’s life such as teachers and psychologists.
The guidance said pediatricians also play a key role in detecting and monitoring conditions that often coexist with difficulty reading such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, but McLeod noted that getting such specific diagnoses typically involves a referral to a specialist, during which time a child continues to struggle.
He also acknowledged that some schools can be slow to act without a specific diagnosis from a specialist, and even then a child may end up on a wait list for school interventions.
“Evidence-based reading instruction shouldn’t have to wait for some of that access to specialized assessments to occur,” he said.
“My hope is that (by) having an existing statement or document written by the Canadian Paediatric Society … we’re able to skip a few steps or have some of the early interventions present,” he said.
McLeod added that obtaining specific assessments from medical specialists is “definitely beneficial and advantageous” to know where a child is at, “but having that sort of clear, thorough assessment shouldn’t be a barrier to intervention starting.”
McLeod said the society was partly spurred to act by 2022’s “Right to Read Inquiry Report” from the Ontario Human Rights Commission, which made 157 recommendations to address inequities related to reading instruction in that province.
He called the new guidelines “a big reminder” to pediatric providers, family doctors, school teachers and psychologists of the importance of literacy.
“Early identification of reading difficulty can truly change the trajectory of a child’s life.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2024.
