Explainer

Your cough: How fast, far and furious does it go?

Coughs, sneezes play a big role in the transmission of respiratory diseases, say experts

Published: March 17, 2020 15:06 Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor

1 of 10

HIGH SPEED: Coughs travel at a maximum of 80 km/hr, about the same speed as a lion (also at 80km/hr), though a bit slower than a cheetah (at 93 km/hr). Image Credit: Gulf News / Jay Hilotin

2 of 10

Scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), used a device to dispense an aerosol that duplicated the microscopic droplets created in a cough or a sneeze. The research was aimed to mimic the virus deposited from an infected person onto everyday surfaces in a household or hospital setting, such as through coughing or touching objects. Image Credit: Source: NIH / CDC https://bit.ly/2U66eQQ

3 of 10

Image Credit: https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(20)30046-3/fulltext (published March 2020)

4 of 10

SPEED OF COUGH OR SNEEZE DROPLETS: A cough or sneeze can travel at up to 80 km/hr. They can contain a mixture of mucus, phlegm, irritants and fluids. It can also carry viral infections. Image Credit: https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(20)30046-3/fulltext (published March 2020)

5 of 10

Source: https://bit.ly/2xG4lTr Image Credit: Gulf News / Jay Hilotin / Data: Journal of Hospital Infection

6 of 10

Source: https://bit.ly/3d7iauA Image Credit: Gulf News /Jay Hilotin

7 of 10

Image Credit: Gulf News /Jay Hilotin

8 of 10

UP TO 9 DAYS: The highly contagious novel coronavirus that has exploded into a global pandemic can remain "viable" and infectious in droplets in the air for hours and on surfaces up to days, according to a new study that should offer guidance to help people avoid contracting the respiratory illness called COVID-19. Image Credit: *https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(20)30046-3/fulltext (published March 2020)

9 of 10

Image Credit: Gulf News / Jay Hilotin

10 of 10

Source: https://bit.ly/2U66eQQ Image Credit: Gulf News / Jay Hilotin / CDC

World

Your cough: How fast, far and furious does it go?

More From World

Acwa Power obtains $3 billion for Saudi projects

Turkey says Israel trade halted until permanent Gaza ceasefire

China launches first probe to collect samples from far side of Moon

Jawazat chief visits NEOM Bay airport

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

Your cough: How fast, far and furious does it go?

More From World

Acwa Power obtains $3 billion for Saudi projects

Turkey says Israel trade halted until permanent Gaza ceasefire

China launches first probe to collect samples from far side of Moon

Jawazat chief visits NEOM Bay airport

GULFNEWS SECTIONS