The more mucus in the respiratory system, the more protected the influenza virus

Mucous and sputum secretions accumulating in the respiratory tract create a kind of protection for the influenza virus at its exit from the respiratory system. This conclusion was made by scientists representing universities in Pittsburgh and Virginia. The results of their work they outlined on the pages of the site of the University of Pittsburgh.

In most European countries, as well as in the United States, the influenza virus is activated with each arrival of winter. Part of this can be explained by the fact that people spend more time in enclosed spaces, which greatly simplifies the ubiquitous spread of the virus. In previous studies, scientists have determined that one of the likely factors of mass infection with the influenza virus are fluctuations in air humidity, which is due to the inclusion of heating and clogging the windows. When the particles of the virus are sprayed in a room with medium or elevated humidity levels, the infection dulls its activity. Therefore, until recently, it was assumed that the air dryness allows the influenza virus to persist and develop.
A new project of scientists questioned this fact. It turned out that the secretions that accumulate in the respiratory tract are released into the air during the cough or breathing of the sick person while protecting themselves against viruses. At the same time, the degree of humidity is not particularly important.

The scientists simulated atmospheric conditions identical to the real ones. The researchers wanted to see what would happen to the influenza virus when it was taken out into the air with the breathing of a sick person. Scientists assembled a special cylindrical rotating mechanism of metal, which performed the function of constantly retaining moisture particles in the air. Then they mixed various samples of mucus to separate their respiratory tract, which contained the influenza virus H1N1. The particles of the virus were also passed through a cylindrical mechanism, which simulated the removal of infection through the respiratory organs of a diseased person under normal conditions. Inside the mechanism, a filtration system was pre-built, the function of which is to prevent leakage of the pathogen. The study was conducted directly in a closed box, under conditions of complete biological impermeability.

The cylindrical mechanism during operation changed the mode of spraying and maintaining humidity every 60 minutes. There were seven such regimes. Simulated, as a dry sultry climate, and tropical wet. Following the results of the experiment, the following information was obtained: the influenza virus did not change its activity when the moisture regime changed. As experts explained, the separated, accumulating in the respiratory organs, creates certain protection for viruses that survive, at least, until the moment of changing atmospheric indices. This time is quite enough to get the infection to another person.
What can scientists advise in connection with the information received?

Researchers warn: with approach of the period of mass prevalence of a virus disease in premises it is necessary to use the devices clearing and updating the air composition. Cleaning should be carried out by filtration or ultraviolet irradiation of a constantly circulating air stream. Also, it is necessary to disinfect objects that are most often in the hands of people: chairs, tables, door handles, office supplies, computer mice and keyboards, etc. Are meant.

Details of the study are described at http://www.upmc.com/media/NewsReleases/2018/Pages/kormuth-flu-humidity.aspx