biostudies-literatureUnknownCadnum JLMerit ReviewDepartment of Veterans Affairs<h4>Background</h4>Hospitalized patients are at risk to acquire severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from roommates with unrecognized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We hypothesized that airflow patterns might contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission in double occupancy patient rooms.<h4>Methods</h4>A device emitting condensed moisture was used to identify airflow patterns in double occupancy patient rooms. Simulations were conducted to assess transfer of fluorescent microspheres, 5% sodium chloride aerosol, and aerosolized bacteriophage MS2 between patient beds 3 meters apart and to assess the effectiveness of privacy curtains and portable air cleaners in reducing transfer.<h4>Results</h4>Air flowed from inlet vents in the center of the room to an outlet vent neaClinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of Americaciac334https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9129113biostudies-literatureAirflow patterns in double occupancy patient rooms may contribute to roommate-to-roommate transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.PMC9129113CX001848Cadnum JLDonskey CJZabarsky TFAlhmidi HJencson ALfalseAirflow patterns in double occupancy patient rooms may contribute to roommate-to-roommate transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.<h4>Background</h4>Hospitalized patients are at risk to acquire severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from roommates with unrecognized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We hypothesized that airflow patterns might contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission in double occupancy patient rooms.<h4>Methods</h4>A device emitting condensed moisture was used to identify airflow patterns in double occupancy patient rooms. Simulations were conducted to assess transfer of fluorescent microspheres, 5% sodium chloride aerosol, and aerosolized bacteriophage MS2 between patient beds 3 meters apart and to assess the effectiveness of privacy curtains and portable air cleaners in reducing transfer.<h4>Results</h4>Air flowed from inlet vents in the center of the room to an outlet vent nea2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Apr2025-05-29T19:02:47.638Z2024-10-19T07:41:28.593ZS-EPMC91291133547602010.1093/cid/ciac334