Influenza Virus in Breath
Author Information
Author(s): Fabian Patricia, McDevitt James J., DeHaan Wesley H., Fung Rita O. P., Cowling Benjamin J., Chan Kwok Hung, Leung Gabriel M., Milton Donald K.
Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Lowell
Hypothesis
Can influenza virus be detected in the exhaled breath of infected patients?
Conclusion
Influenza virus RNA may be contained in fine particles generated during tidal breathing, suggesting a potential role in influenza transmission.
Supporting Evidence
- 33% of subjects with confirmed influenza had detectable virus RNA in their exhaled breath.
- Over 87% of exhaled particles were under 1 µm in diameter.
- The study involved 68 rapid flu tests, with 19% testing positive for influenza.
Takeaway
Sick people can breathe out tiny particles that might carry the flu virus, which could help spread the illness.
Methodology
The study involved collecting exhaled breath from influenza-infected patients and analyzing it for virus RNA and particle concentrations.
Limitations
The small sample size and the inability to detect virus RNA in a larger proportion of subjects may limit the findings.
Participant Demographics
55% male, average age 35 years, 9% vaccinated for the 2007 season.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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