Viable influenza A virus in airborne particles expelled during coughs versus exhalations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

To prepare for a possible influenza pandemic, a better understanding of the potential for the airborne transmission of influenza from person to person is needed.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to directly compare the generation of aerosol particles containing viable influenza virus during coughs and exhalations.

Methods

Sixty-one adult volunteer outpatients with influenza-like symptoms were asked to cough and exhale three times into a spirometer. Aerosol particles produced during coughing and exhalation were collected into liquid media using aerosol samplers. The samples were tested for the presence of viable influenza virus using a viral replication assay (VRA).

Results

Fifty-three test subjects tested positive for influenza A virus. Of

SUBMITTER: Lindsley WG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4947941 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature