Journal of medical virology
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Aerosol transmission routes of respiratory viruses have been classified by the WHO on the basis of equilibrium particle size. Droplet transmission is associated with particles sized >5 µm in diameter and airborne transmission is associated with particles sized ≤5 µm in diameter. Current infection control measures for respiratory viruses are directed at preventing droplet transmission, although epidemiological evidence suggests concurrent airborne transmission also occurs. ⋯ On coughing, 57% of participants produced large particles containing viral RNA and 82% produced small particles containing viral RNA. Forty five percent of participants produced samples positive for hRV viral RNA and 26% of participants produced samples positive for viral RNA from parainfluenza viruses. This study demonstrates that individuals with symptomatic respiratory viral infections produce both large and small particles carrying viral RNA on coughing and breathing.