Airborne diseases: what are they? What are the risks of contagion and what are the health risks?

Airborne diseases: what are they?

What is an airborne disease?

Airborne diseases are infections caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi) that are spread by airborne particles. These pathogens can be inhaled by uninfected people, leading to the spread of the disease. These diseases represent a major public health challenge because of their potential for rapid, large-scale transmission.

How are these diseases transmitted through the air?

This airborne spread can take place in different ways, each with its own mechanisms, but it is important to note that airborne transmission of a pathogen can involve all three modes of transmission. This depends on the type of virus and the environmental conditions

• Respiratory droplets: These particles are expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes. They can be deposited on the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth or eyes of someone nearby. This is the most common mode of transmission for many respiratory viruses. This is particularly true of the influenza and measles viruses.
• Aerosols: Smaller particles than droplets, aerosols can remain suspended in the air for prolonged periods and be inhaled over greater distances. As well as being transmitted by droplets, the Covid virus is also believed to be transmitted by aerosols.
• Contaminated dust: Some diseases can be spread when dust particles containing pathogens become airborne again. Contaminated dust is the least common mode of transmission, but is still possible in certain specific environments.

What conditions favor airborne transmission?

Certain parameters favor the transmission of airborne diseases. Understanding these factors can help prevent and control the spread of infections.

• Enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces : Enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces favor the accumulation and prolonged suspension of airborne particles, such as respiratory droplets and aerosols, thus increasing the risk of inhalation by uninfected people. This problem is of particular concern in poorly ventilated meeting rooms and hospital wards.
• Crowded places: Places where large numbers of people gather increase the risk of airborne disease transmission. Proximity between people facilitates the dispersion of droplets and aerosols, increasing the chances of contact with pathogens (public transport, schools, offices, shopping centers and supermarkets).
• Cold climatic conditions: Cold climates favor the transmission of respiratory viruses for several reasons. In winter, windows are often closed, reducing ventilation. What’s more, some viruses, such as influenza, survive and spread more easily at cold temperatures. Heated but dry indoor environments can also prolong the survival of airborne viruses.

For real-time monitoring of indoor air quality, an air quality monitor can be extremely useful. It tracks concentrations of pollutants responsible for airborne transmission of viruses, providing live data on humidity, CO2 levels (a ventilation indicator) and fine particles.

Common airborne diseases: risks of contagion, health and mortality

Airborne diseases represent a major challenge in terms of contagion, public health and mortality. Here’s an overview of the most common airborne diseases, their risks and health impacts:

COVID-19

• Risk of contagion: Very high, especially in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces. Long-distance aerosol transmission possible.
• Health risks: Fever, cough, breathing difficulties, loss of taste/odor. Can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndromes and heart problems.
• Mortality: Variable according to epidemic waves and populations, but globally estimated at around 1-2%, with significant variations according to age and underlying conditions.

Influenza

• Risk of contagion: High, especially in winter. Influenza is spread by respiratory droplets.
• Health risks: Fever, muscle aches, cough, fatigue. May lead to complications such as pneumonia, secondary bacterial infections and exacerbation of chronic diseases.
• Mortality: Approximately 0.1%, with higher mortality peaks in the elderly, young children and people with chronic diseases.

Bronchiolitis (Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV)

• Risk of contagion: High, especially in young children and the elderly. Spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions.
• Health risks: Symptoms of colds, bronchiolitis, pneumonia. Can be severe in infants and the elderly.
• Mortality: Low mortality rate in developed countries, but higher in vulnerable populations. Hospitalization and death are more frequent in infants and the elderly.

Whooping cough (Pertussis)

• Risk of contagion: Very high, especially among the unvaccinated. Spread by respiratory droplets.
• Health risks: Severe coughing, coughing fits, vomiting after coughing. Can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, convulsions and apnea in infants.
• Mortality: Low mortality rate in developed countries thanks to vaccination, but still significant in unvaccinated infants.

Tuberculosis

• Risks of contagion: a person is contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the appearance of the rash. The virus can remain active in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Measles is spread by respiratory droplets and is highly contagious, with a reproduction rate (R0) of between 12 and 18.
• Health risks: otitis media, pneumonia and severe diarrhea. Can lead to serious complications such as encephalitis (1 in 1,000 cases), subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (rare but fatal). At-risk groups include: Young children, non-immune adults, pregnant women, immunocompromised people.
• Mortality: around 1 to 3 deaths per 1,000 cases in developed countries, higher in regions with low vaccination coverage

Measles

• Risks of contagion: contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the appearance of the rash. The virus remains active in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Measles is spread by respiratory droplets, being extremely contagious with a reproduction rate (R0) of 12 to 18.
• Health risks: otitis media, pneumonia, severe diarrhea. Can lead to serious complications: encephalitis (1 in 1,000 cases), subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (rare but fatal). At-risk groups include : Young children, non-immune adults, pregnant women, immunocompromised people.
• Mortality: around 1 to 3 deaths per 1,000 cases in developed countries, higher in regions with low vaccination coverage.

Find out more about respiratory diseases : COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory viruses – 2023-2024 autumn and winter season

Why choose an EOLIS Air Manager professional air purifier?

Protecting patients and medical staff

Ensuring the safety of patients and medical staff is a priority in all healthcare establishments. The transmission of airborne diseases is a constant challenge, and preventive measures must be rigorously applied to minimize the risk of infection. Air purifiers, such as the Eolis Air Manager, play a crucial role in this context, offering additional protection against airborne pathogens. Here are some of the key ways in which these devices contribute to protection in medical environments:

Airborne Pathogen Reduction

Air purifiers like the Eolis Air Manager are equipped with HEPA filters that capture fine particles, including viruses, bacteria and fungi. This reduces the concentration of airborne pathogens in enclosed spaces, lowering the risk of transmission.

Improved air quality

By eliminating allergens, dust and chemical pollutants, these devices improve indoor air quality, which can benefit all occupants, especially those suffering from respiratory diseases.

Prevention of Nosocomial Infections

In healthcare establishments, the use of air purifiers can help prevent nosocomial infections, a major problem in the hospital environment. By reducing the viral load in the air, we limit the risk of cross-contamination between patients and medical staff.

Support for Safety Protocols

Complementing preventive measures such as masks, regular disinfection, hand hygiene and ventilation, air purifiers add an extra layer of protection, especially in densely populated areas or where natural ventilation is limited.

The importance of prevention and hospital hygiene

Rigorous hygiene management and the implementation of effective preventive measures are crucial to limiting the spread of infections in healthcare facilities. Here are some of the key practices that play a decisive role in infection prevention:

• Hand hygiene: Hand washing and the use of hydroalcoholic gel are essential to prevent the spread of infectious agents.
• Disinfection and Sterilization: Regular disinfection of surfaces and sterilization of medical instruments reduce the risk of contamination.
• Epidemiological Surveillance and Training: Epidemiological surveillance and ongoing training of medical staff in hygiene protocols are crucial to infection control.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The use of masks, gloves, gowns and other personal protective equipment is essential to protect patients and staff from infectious risks.

The integration of professional air purifiers like the Eolis Air Manager, to complement hygiene measures and infection control protocols, is crucial to protect patients and medical staff from airborne diseases. These devices improve air quality, reduce infectious risks and support nosocomial infection control efforts, thus contributing to patient safety and overall hospital hygiene.