While several studies have already found that wearing face masks is an effective tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19, a new study comparing nasal and bronchial cells has found evidence that the nose is significantly more likely to spread the virus than the mouth The importance of wearing a suitable mask.
The study, which was published last week in Cell magazine, he mapped the human respiratory system and traces of the new coronavirus in the nasal and bronchial airways in an attempt to better understand modes of infection.
In May, Cell They first published a study in which they found that people were more likely to become infected with the new coronavirus through their noses.
By studying the effects of COVID-19 on reconstituted human airway epithelial tissue (HAE) cells, the researchers found that, compared to cells found in the throat and lungs, cells found in the human nose is significantly more likely not only to become infected with the virus, but also for the virus to replicate within them and spread to the outside world. It turns out that in these cells, the virus also has more entry points to sneak into our respiratory system.
– Cell (@CellCellPress) July 24, 2020
“Every time we breathe through the nose, we exhale a higher concentration of polluted air than if we were breathing through the mouth,” explained Dr. Frank McRaiger, an American intensive care physician. Channel 12 News.
He added that what ordinary citizens must do to prevent virus-contaminated air from reaching other people’s respiratory systems is simple: putting a mask on your nose as well, not just your mouth.
The study results appear to validate the conclusions of another study, conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which said a mask should be worn from the chin area to the area. of the nose. The CDC also recommends wearing masks in any case where it is not possible to maintain social distance.
