Skip to main content
Home

Breadcrumb

  1. Coronavirus
  2. Infection and risks

What are aerosols? Can the coronavirus be transmitted via aerosols? What do I have to be aware of?

Answer

Liquid particles from the airways can be divided into two categories depending on their size – droplets and aerosols – although the division is fluid. While droplets fall to the ground after a short distance, aerosols can remain airborne for extended periods of time and spread or accumulate indoors, especially in confined and poorly ventilated indoor spaces. They are emitted when people breathe and talk, particularly when they’re laughing, shouting or singing, or in situations with increased breathing.

The coronavirus generally spreads via droplets and aerosols during close, protracted contact with an infected person. Close contact makes transmission easier because there can be higher concentrations of the virus. Beyond a distance of 1.5 metres, droplets generally sink to the ground and aerosols become diluted in the air of the room. This means the virus is less concentrated, which reduces the risk of transmission – which generally happens as it gets more diluted in the room if it is well ventilated.

You can find out how to protect yourself and others, and how important it is to properly ventilate a room, on the page Protect yourself and others.

You’ll find more information on the different ways the coronavirus is transmitted on the page Disease, Symptoms, Treatment.

 

Related Questions

I’m pregnant and have questions about the coronavirus. Who should I contact?
I am infected with the coronavirus. Can I breastfeed my child?
I am pregnant and I’ve contracted the coronavirus. Is my baby at risk?
I’m pregnant and infected with the coronavirus and the baby is due. What should I do?
Can COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) be treated with antibiotics?
FAQ Software by 10+

Navigation

  • Krankenversicherung
  • Ambulant vor Stationär
  • Gesetzgebung Krebsregistrierung
  • CFQ
    • Strategie und Ziele
    • Finanzierung und Reglement
    • Formulaire de demande
    • Beurteilung der Gesuche
  • Cannabis
    • Cannabis for medical purposes
  • Coronavirus Gesundheitsfachpersonen
    • Allgemeine Informationen zu Covid-19
    • Impfstrategie und -empfehlungen
    • Covid-19-Impfung
    • Covid-Zertifikat (für Gesundheitsfachpersonen)
    • Unerwünschte Impferscheinungen
    • Krankheit und Symptome
    • Schutzmassnahmen
    • Umsetzung in der Praxis
    • Schwangere, Neugeborene und Migrationsbevölkerung
    • Sozialmedizinische Institutionen und Patientenverfügungen
    • Zielgruppen
    • Umgang mit Erkrankten
  • Coronavirus
    • Infection and risks
    • COVID certificate
    • Vaccination
    • Isolation and contact with a person who has tested positive
    • Children and school
    • Disease, symptoms, treatment
    • Masks
    • Travel
    • Pregnancy
    • SwissCovid app
    • Tests

Language:

  • English
  • Deutsch
  • Italian
  • Français
Home

Footer

  • made in ?? by zehnplus