Research has found that, as with SARS-CoV-2, flu virus is exhaled in small particles by infected people while breathing, talking and coughing; and the flu virus has been found in aerosols in indoor environments, including hospitals, children’s day care centers and airplanes. As with the new coronavirus, people can spread the flu even when they don’t have symptoms, which is further indication that transmission can occur without coughing or sneezing and doesn’t require large, wet droplets.
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People who want to prevent flu infection should get their seasonal flu vaccine. They should also now feel more comfortable using masks. The use of masks, along with washing hands, appears to reduce transmission of flu to others within households. Those concerned about flu infections may also want to consider limiting the time spent during flu season in crowded indoor settings, where transmission can happen more easily. - by Dr. Linsey Marr, engineering professor at Virginia Tech, whom studies the airborne transmission of viruses.
Just sharing this article because it's really good in explaning why we should wear masks, along other safety measures and how that benefits us, and causes no harm. It's way more detailed, yet direct and succint, than what I've cut and copied here, so do go take a read.
What We Know About Covid, the Flu and the Air We Breathe
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Re: What We Know About Covid, the Flu and the Air We Breathe
Thanks for sharing that link.
It has always puzzled me that there has been such a push back against masks. A well fitted mask is comfortable to wear and within just a few moments you forget you are wearing it. To be fair, it does take a little time to get used to the feeling and to get used to the slight increase in carbon dioxide we rebreathe.
That slight increase causes a feedback loop where we feel the need to breathe more - thus the 'it's reducing my oxygen' complaint from some upset wearers. For those people who are typically shallow breathers the effect can be unnerving. I really wish there had been a strong push to educate the public about deep breathing techniques that could help them feel more comfortable with a mask. Learning how to breathe slowly and deeply into the belly not only enhances oxygenation, it also stimulates a calming reflex in the body.
I also wish there were public service messages about how to fit your mask. I see people with these great looking masks - but the mask is constantly slipping down off their nose and that means even when it is in place it isn't providing enough protection. There should be contact with the skin to prevent air leakage.
It has always puzzled me that there has been such a push back against masks. A well fitted mask is comfortable to wear and within just a few moments you forget you are wearing it. To be fair, it does take a little time to get used to the feeling and to get used to the slight increase in carbon dioxide we rebreathe.
That slight increase causes a feedback loop where we feel the need to breathe more - thus the 'it's reducing my oxygen' complaint from some upset wearers. For those people who are typically shallow breathers the effect can be unnerving. I really wish there had been a strong push to educate the public about deep breathing techniques that could help them feel more comfortable with a mask. Learning how to breathe slowly and deeply into the belly not only enhances oxygenation, it also stimulates a calming reflex in the body.
I also wish there were public service messages about how to fit your mask. I see people with these great looking masks - but the mask is constantly slipping down off their nose and that means even when it is in place it isn't providing enough protection. There should be contact with the skin to prevent air leakage.
Re: What We Know About Covid, the Flu and the Air We Breathe
I live in Japan, so the masks were never an issue for me. I mean, we nearly all wear them. I got my first vaccination in July, 2nd in August. I got my flu shot last week. I read too many idiotic comments on NPR posts, and tend to ignore them.
Re: What We Know About Covid, the Flu and the Air We Breathe
As you should. What's NPR? I don't recognize the acronym, sorry.
Call me Celina. This forum still have a long way to go until it gets filled with its intended public. And I'll do my best to help us reach that goal. I'm a battleaxe, and when you hear my voice it'll be as loud as a thunder and as clear as a blue sky.
Re: What We Know About Covid, the Flu and the Air We Breathe
NPR stands for National Public Radio. It's a US-based news media outlet that goes out of its way to cite its sources and back news articles with verifiable and often scientific facts. They try to be unbiased though there is a noticeable left-leaning tilt to their political segments; they cover much more than politics. They can be a good source of information for someone looking for reading material that isn't intentionally trying to be inflammatory.
Site
https://www.npr.org/
Wiki for the interested
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NPR
Site
https://www.npr.org/
Wiki for the interested
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NPR
Re: What We Know About Covid, the Flu and the Air We Breathe
oh! I think I've heard of that! Thanks for the explanation! And the links ^^Jax-A wrote: ↑Thu Oct 28, 2021 8:11 amNPR stands for National Public Radio. It's a US-based news media outlet that goes out of its way to cite its sources and back news articles with verifiable and often scientific facts. They try to be unbiased though there is a noticeable left-leaning tilt to their political segments; they cover much more than politics. They can be a good source of information for someone looking for reading material that isn't intentionally trying to be inflammatory.
Site
https://www.npr.org/
Wiki for the interested
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NPR
Call me Celina. This forum still have a long way to go until it gets filled with its intended public. And I'll do my best to help us reach that goal. I'm a battleaxe, and when you hear my voice it'll be as loud as a thunder and as clear as a blue sky.
- RikkiTikkiTavi
- Posts:139
- Joined:Fri Aug 10, 2018 6:12 am
Re: What We Know About Covid, the Flu and the Air We Breathe
Just ran across this. Thought it was a compelling presentation.
https://liberalsarecool.com/post/661940 ... id-1-in-60
https://liberalsarecool.com/post/661940 ... id-1-in-60
Re: What We Know About Covid, the Flu and the Air We Breathe
Very much so!!! I wanna see more women like her <3RikkiTikkiTavi wrote: ↑Mon Nov 01, 2021 5:09 amJust ran across this. Thought it was a compelling presentation.
https://liberalsarecool.com/post/661940 ... id-1-in-60
Call me Celina. This forum still have a long way to go until it gets filled with its intended public. And I'll do my best to help us reach that goal. I'm a battleaxe, and when you hear my voice it'll be as loud as a thunder and as clear as a blue sky.