People Might Be Spreading Coronavirus Simply Through Talking and Breathing

Photo credit: onurdongel - Getty Images
Photo credit: onurdongel - Getty Images

From Oprah Magazine

Over the past few months, experts have consistently emphasized that there is a lot we don’t know about the novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. But one thing is becoming increasingly clear: It’s highly infectious.

In fact, it may be “three times as infectious as flu,” according to Robert Redfield, M.D., director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who spoke on transmission of the virus with NPR.

Now, a new report from the CDC offers new clues on just how easily it may be spreading from person to person. The report zeroed in on novel coronavirus transmission between January 23 and March 16 in Singapore specifically, looking at seven different clusters where presymptomatic transmission happened. (Presymptomatic transmission means that people were infected by others who had the virus, but didn’t have symptoms yet.)

The report concluded that presymptomatic people are spreading COVID-19—and 6.4% of new local cases resulted from the seven clusters, increasing the challenge of containing the virus.

These findings contribute to a growing pile of evidence from several other studies with similar findings around the world. “One of the [pieces of] information that we have pretty much confirmed now is that a significant number of individuals that are infected actually remain asymptomatic. That may be as many as 25%,” Dr. Redfield told NPR.

Generally, the CDC has explained that the novel coronavirus virus spreads via respiratory droplets, which are projected into the air after a person coughs or sneezes. Being in close contact with someone (within 6 feet) or touching a contaminated surface and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes can also lead to infection.

However, other modes of transmission may be responsible for the spread of novel coronavirus, including talking, singing, and maybe even breathing.

The CDC report states that “presymptomatic transmission might occur through generation of respiratory droplets or possibly through indirect transmission. Speech and other vocal activities such as singing have been shown to generate air particles, with the rate of emission corresponding to voice loudness.”

Translation: COVID-19 might spread by people who have no apparent symptoms through something as simple as talking and singing. And, apparently, loud talkers will spread the virus even more.

This is definitely information worth remembering, says William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “It reinforces the notion that feeling healthy doesn’t mean you’re not infected, and that you don’t know that the person with whom you’re speaking or singing with could also be infected,” he says.

Not covered in the CDC report, but equally worth noting: A scientific panel told White House officials on Wednesday that the virus may even spread through breathing. “While the current [coronavirus] specific research is limited, the results of available studies are consistent with aerosolization of virus from normal breathing,” according to a letter obtained by CNN that was written by Harvey Fineberg, Ph.D., M.D., chairman of a committee with the National Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Schaffner agrees that this is definitely possible, but it’s hard to say how much these modes of transmission—simply talking and breathing–lead to new infections compared to the other proven ways of spreading the virus. However, he adds that the importance of asymptomatic transmission is more significant than what scientists previously understood.

So, how can you protect yourself right now?

Reports surfaced earlier this week that the CDC is considering walking back on their recommendation against wearing face masks and face coverings in public if you’re exhibiting no signs of illness. The argument: “Is the mask something that protects me or ... if I wear a mask, is it something that protects others from me?” Dr. Redfield explained to NPR. He says the CDC is now reviewing its guidelines on who should wear masks, but has made no formal updates.

Dr. Schaffner thinks this new report sheds even more light on the face mask argument. “Respiratory protection in the community is worth considering, even though the protection may be modest,” he says.

He insists that people still should not buy medical face masks (even if you can find them) because they’re desperately needed by healthcare workers who lack personal protective equipment on the front lines.

Dr. Schaffner does note that if you are venturing outdoors in an area with a high number of COVID-19 cases, covering your face with a homemade mask or bandana is “probably better than nothing” at this point. Just be mindful that “now is not the time to put on bandanas and invite people over for a game of poker,” he says.

Instead, you should do everything you can to follow other preventive measures, including the following:

  • Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

  • Avoid close contact with anyone who appears to be sick.

  • Wash your hands well and frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water isn’t readily available.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

  • Stay home if you develop cold or flu-like symptoms.

  • Follow social distancing guidelines and maintain a six-foot distance from other people.

  • Stay home if your local government has issues shelter-in-place orders.

  • Avoid nonessential travel to areas with active COVID-19 outbreaks.

  • Visit the website for your local health department to make sure you are getting accurate updates.


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