Super-spreaders do just that, exhaling large volumes of virus
Modelling study shows infected people with a high viral load are the ones who transmit SARS-CoV-2 via aerosols
Unlike most people with active coronavirus, so-called super-spreaders transmit the virus via aerosols, highlighting the need for doctors to wear high quality respirators, according to a new study.
The researchers employed a mathematical model to determine the number of virus particles that might be released by low, typical and high emitters.
They did this using previously reported data on viral load and exhaled microdroplet distributions for people coughing and breathing normally.
Few of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 have high enough viral loads to transmit the virus via aerosols, said coauthor Professor Michael Riediker, founding director of the Swiss Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health in Switzerland.
