What is it about?
The spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 depends on complex fluid dynamics interactions between pathogens and fluid phases, including individual droplets and multiphase clouds. Understanding these interactions is crucial for predicting and controlling disease spread. This applies to human and animal exhalations, such as coughs and sneezes, as well as bursting bubbles that create micron-sized droplets in various indoor and outdoor environments. By exploring case studies in this regard, this study examines the emerging field of fluid dynamics in disease transmission, focusing on multiphase flows, interfacial flows, turbulence, pathogens, human traffic, aerosol transmission, ventilation, and breathing microenvironments. These results indicate that increased ventilation rates and local ventilation methods can effectively reduce the concentration of SARS-CoV-2-laden aerosols in the immediate breathing spaces between individuals. In a displacement-ventilated room, both neutral and unstable conditions were more effective in removing breathed SARS-CoV-2-laden aerosols from the air, regardless of the presence of test subjects. However, stable conditions may increase the risk of infection in individuals living in confined spaces. Thus, the findings of this study are useful for providing practical guidance for managing the spread of airborne infections.
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Why is it important?
The transmission of contagious infections like COVID-19 is contingent upon intricate fluid dynamics interactions between pathogens and fluid states, encompassing individual droplets and multiphase clouds. Grasping these interactions is vital for anticipating and managing disease proliferation. This principle applies to human and animal exhalations, such as coughing and sneezing, as well as bursting bubbles that generate micron-sized droplets in various indoor and outdoor settings. Through an examination of case studies in this context, this research investigates the nascent field of fluid dynamics in disease transmission, with a focus on multiphase flows, interfacial flows, turbulence, pathogens, human movement, aerosol transmission, ventilation, and breathing microenvironments. The findings suggest that heightened ventilation rates and localised ventilation techniques can efficiently diminish the concentration of SARS-CoV-2-laden aerosols in the immediate breathing zones between individuals. In a room with displacement ventilation, both neutral and unstable conditions proved more effective in eliminating exhaled SARS-CoV-2-laden aerosols from the air, irrespective of the presence of test subjects. However, stable conditions may heighten the risk of infection for individuals in confined spaces. Consequently, the outcomes of this study offer practical guidance for managing the spread of airborne infections.
Perspectives
The spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 relies on complex fluid dynamics interactions between pathogens and various fluid states, including individual droplets and multiphase clouds. Understanding these interactions is crucial for predicting and controlling disease spread. This principle extends to human and animal exhalations, like coughing and sneezing, as well as bursting bubbles that create micron-sized droplets in diverse indoor and outdoor environments. By examining case studies in this context, this study explores the emerging field of fluid dynamics in disease transmission, emphasising multiphase flows, interfacial flows, turbulence, pathogens, human movement, aerosol transmission, ventilation, and breathing microenvironments. The research indicates that increased ventilation rates and targeted ventilation strategies can effectively reduce the concentration of SARS-CoV-2-laden aerosols in the immediate breathing zones between people. In a room with displacement ventilation, both neutral and unstable conditions were found to be more efficient in removing exhaled SARS-CoV-2-laden aerosols from the air, regardless of the presence of test subjects. However, stable conditions may increase the risk of infection for individuals in enclosed spaces. As a result, the findings of this study provide practical guidance for managing the spread of airborne infections.
Soumyajit Koley
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Role of Fluid Dynamics in Infectious Disease Transmission: Insights from COVID-19 and Other Pathogens, Trends in Sciences, June 2024, College of Graduate Studies, Walailak University,
DOI: 10.48048/tis.2024.8287.
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