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

Last updated:
Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor
2 MIN READ
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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).
Gulf News / Jay Hilotin
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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.
Source: NIH / CDC https://bit.ly/2U66eQQ
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https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(20)30046-3/fulltext (published March 2020)
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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.
https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(20)30046-3/fulltext (published March 2020)
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Source: https://bit.ly/2xG4lTr
Gulf News / Jay Hilotin / Data: Journal of Hospital Infection
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Source: https://bit.ly/3d7iauA
Gulf News /Jay Hilotin
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Gulf News /Jay Hilotin
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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.
*https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(20)30046-3/fulltext (published March 2020)
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Gulf News / Jay Hilotin
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Source: https://bit.ly/2U66eQQ
Gulf News / Jay Hilotin / CDC
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