As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has made us more aware of how viruses can spread through the air. It’s not just the small respiratory droplets that are responsible for spreading the virus but there are many other ways as well.

Here are ten ways that the virus can travel through the air.

1. Respiratory Droplets

The respiratory droplets that are produced when someone talks, sneezes, or coughs are the most common way the virus is spread through the air. These droplets are between 5-10 micrometers in size.

If someone is infected with the virus and sneezes or coughs without wearing a mask, the droplets are released into the air and can be inhaled by someone who is nearby.

2. Aerosols

Aerosols are small respiratory particles that are less than 5 micrometers in size. They can be produced by someone who is talking loudly or singing. These particles can stay in the air for several hours and can travel further than larger droplets.

If someone is infected with the virus, the aerosols can contain the virus and be inhaled by someone who is nearby.

3. Air Conditioning Systems

If someone in a room is infected with the virus, the air conditioning system can spread the virus throughout the room. The virus can attach itself to the dust particles in the air and be circulated throughout the building.

This is why it’s important to make sure that air conditioning filters are changed regularly and rooms are well-ventilated.

4. Heating Systems

The virus can also be spread through heating systems that circulate air throughout a building. If someone in the building is infected with the virus, the heating system can spread the virus throughout the building.

This is why it’s important to make sure that heating filters are changed regularly and rooms are well-ventilated.

5. Talking

If someone is infected with the virus and talks, respiratory droplets and aerosols are released into the air.

This is why it’s important to wear a mask when talking to someone who is infected with the virus or when you are infected with the virus yourself.

6. Sneezing

Sneezing can spread the virus through the air as well. If someone is infected with the virus and sneezes without wearing a mask, the respiratory droplets can travel several feet and infect someone who is nearby.

7. Coughing

If someone is infected with the virus and coughs without wearing a mask, respiratory droplets can travel several feet and infect someone who is nearby. This is why it’s important to wear a mask when you are infected with the virus.

8. Touching Surfaces

The virus can also travel through the air if someone who is infected with the virus touches a surface and then someone else touches the same surface and then touches their face.

This is why it’s important to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

9. Pet Fur

There have been cases where the virus has been found on pet fur. If someone who is infected with the virus pets a dog or cat and someone else pets the same animal, the virus can be transferred through the air.

10. Water Droplets

Water droplets produced by humidifiers or other devices used to add moisture to the air can also spread the virus if someone who is infected with the virus uses the device.