For a virus that’s been with us for years, you’d think we’d all have a clear understanding of how COVID-19 spreads. Yet, confusion persists—partly thanks to mixed messaging. Remember the government’s early “Wash your hands for 20 seconds” campaigns? Sound advice for hygiene, yes, but not exactly the silver bullet for stopping an airborne virus.
Yes, you read that right—COVID-19 is airborne, and this fact is crucial to protecting yourself and others.
Here’s a clear, evidence-based guide tailored for the UK and Europe. Let’s break down what “airborne” means, how COVID-19 spreads, why this matters, and what practical steps you can take.
What Does “Airborne” Mean?
When scientists say COVID-19 is airborne, they’re referring to how the virus spreads primarily through aerosols—tiny particles released when someone breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes.
• Aerosols vs. Droplets: Early advice focused on larger droplets that fall to the ground quickly (hence the 2-metre rule). But aerosols are much smaller, staying suspended in the air like cigarette smoke, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
• Think of an Example: Imagine you walk into a room where someone has been smoking. Even if the smoker has left, you can still smell the smoke. This lingering effect is similar to how aerosols carrying the virus behave.
How Does COVID-19 Spread?
1. Breathing Shared Air:
If someone infected breathes out virus-laden aerosols, and you breathe them in, you could become infected—especially in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces.
2. High-Risk Situations:
• Crowded spaces: More people = more aerosols.
• Close contact: Standing near someone increases your exposure to the virus.
• Poor ventilation: Without airflow to dilute the aerosols, they build up like smoke.
3. Surface Transmission (Rare):
While the virus can survive on surfaces, catching COVID-19 this way is far less likely than breathing in aerosols. Washing hands is still good practice but won’t protect you from the air you share with others.
Why Washing Hands Isn’t Enough
In early 2020, the focus was on handwashing and surface cleaning. While useful for general hygiene, it’s not the primary way to stop an airborne virus. So, why did governments emphasise it?
• Uncertainty at First: Early in the pandemic, scientists weren’t certain how COVID-19 spread and relied on traditional advice for respiratory illnesses.
• Easier Messaging: It’s simpler to tell people to wash their hands than to overhaul ventilation systems or distribute FFP2 masks.
Now we know better, and it’s time to shift the focus to airborne precautions.
Why Aren’t Governments Shouting This From the Rooftops?
In Europe and the UK, the hesitation to fully embrace airborne precautions boils down to practical and political challenges:
1. Cost of Change: Acknowledging airborne transmission would mean significant investment in ventilation systems for schools, hospitals, and public buildings.
2. Pride vs. Progress: Admitting earlier messaging wasn’t sufficient might feel like losing face, but it’s vital to prevent future illness.
3. Short-Term Thinking: Governments often prefer quick fixes—like encouraging handwashing—over tackling systemic changes that take time and money.
Even the World Health Organization (WHO) was slow to confirm airborne spread, creating delays in policy shifts. But the science is clear: COVID-19 is primarily airborne, and policy should reflect that.
What Can You Do to Stay Safe?
1. Ventilation Is Key:
• Open windows and doors whenever possible. In cold weather, even cracking a window can make a big difference.
• Use extractor fans in kitchens or bathrooms to pull indoor air outside.
• Consider investing in air purifiers with HEPA filters, especially for shared spaces or workplaces.
2. Wear a Proper Mask:
• Opt for high-quality masks like FFP2 or FFP3 respirators, which are widely available across Europe and the UK. These masks filter out aerosols far better than cloth or surgical masks.
• Use them in crowded spaces like public transport, hospitals, or shopping centres.
3. Monitor Air Quality:
• Use a CO2 monitor to check ventilation in indoor spaces. High CO2 levels (over 800 ppm) indicate poor air circulation, increasing the risk of airborne transmission.
4. Avoid Crowded Indoor Spaces:
• Think twice before spending extended time in pubs, restaurants, or cinemas with poor ventilation, especially during peak hours.
Examples of Airborne Transmission in Europe
1. The Skagit Valley Choir Incident (Washington, USA):
While outside the UK, this well-documented case shows how one infected person spread COVID-19 to 52 others during a choir rehearsal in a poorly ventilated space.
2. European Studies on Offices:
Research from Germany found that office buildings with poor ventilation systems had significantly higher transmission rates, even when workers were physically distanced.
3. UK Hospital Outbreaks:
NHS hospitals have faced outbreaks traced back to aerosol spread in wards with inadequate ventilation, despite staff following hand hygiene protocols.
Why Focusing on Airborne Transmission Saves Lives
By recognising and addressing airborne spread, we can:
• Reduce hospitalisations and long-term complications like Long COVID.
• Protect vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and immunocompromised.
• Avoid the disruptive cycle of outbreaks and restrictions.
A Witty Closing Thought
Let’s be honest: telling people to wash their hands to stop an airborne virus is like handing out umbrellas during a flood. Sure, it might help a little, but it won’t stop the water rising.
COVID-19 is still with us, and it spreads through the air we breathe. By focusing on ventilation, masks, and shared responsibility, we can tackle it effectively.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.Â
Long Covid Journey 