Buying an air purifier for COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the ‘novel coronavirus’, is classified as one of the worst viral pandemics in over a century. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it has claimed the lives of almost 7 million people around the world with 767 million confirmed cases¹. From 2020 (the start of the pandemic) to the present day, many people have invested in an air purifier for the coronavirus as a way to protect themselves from germs (bacteria and viruses) at home and in public spaces. Can an air purifier, in fact, help shield you from the dangers of epidemics and pandemics like COVID-19? Read on to learn more below.

What is COVID-19?

The novel coronavirus (widely known as COVID-19, COVID, or SARS-CoV-2) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Symptoms of COVID-19

After exposure, the incubation period of COVID-19 is typically around 5 days before a person will start experiencing symptoms. The timeframe of symptoms can vary, but symptoms usually last from one to 14 days. Some of the most common symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 are:

• Fever
• Cough
• Tiredness
• Loss of smell or taste

Other less common symptoms may include:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Diarrhoea
• A skin rash or discoloration of fingers or toes
• Red or irritated eyes

Symptoms of a serious COVID-19 infection requiring medical attention are:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Loss of speech or mobility
• Confusion
• Chest pain

For some individuals, contracting SARS-CoV-2 can also lead to ‘long COVID’ which is when symptoms last longer than 12 weeks. Typical symptoms include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, anosmia (loss of smell), and muscle aches. People who experience long COVID can have a host of varying symptoms ranging from problems with memory and concentration and insomnia to depression and anxiety³.

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How and where is it transmitted?

COVID-19 is highly contagious when inhaled through the respiratory system. Transmission occurs from an infected person’s nose or mouth via small liquid particles. These particles range in size from larger droplets to smaller aerosols and can be spread when a person talks, coughs, sneezes, or breathes. You become infected when you come in contact with these particles: this can occur if you are in the presence of an infected person and are breathing in the aerosols, if droplets land on your face, or if you touch an infected surface and then touch your mouth, eyes, or nose.

The coronavirus spreads rapidly in rooms, homes, or spaces that have poor ventilation where infected people spend long periods of time together in close proximity. Crowded, indoor settings where people talk, shout, breathe heavily, or sing have a high particle transmission risk. Some places known for a high risk of coronavirus transmission include restaurants, choir practices, fitness classes, nightclubs, offices, and places of worship.

Transmission rates are also high in places like nurseries, kindergartens, and secondary schools. In schools where children are present, it may be particularly difficult to enforce physical distancing measures, posing major risks of viral transmission to families.

Office buildings are also high-risk and require the use of high-performance air filtration, natural ventilation, and social distancing measures during COVID-19 pandemics.

Whilst there are certain groups of people who are more vulnerable, people of any age can contract and become seriously ill or die from the coronavirus. Most healthy people experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring treatment. However, some individuals will become seriously ill and require medical attention. The most vulnerable population groups include the elderly and people with underlying health conditions like cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, cancer, and/or diabetes².

How to prevent COVID-19 transmission

To avoid COVID particle transmission, it is recommended to avoid the 3 Cs: crowded places, close-contact indoor and outdoor settings, and closed spaces with poor ventilation.

Additionally, to reduce transmission, it is recommended to follow the 3 Ws: wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance⁴:

• Wear a mask that is properly fitted that covers your nose, mouth, and chin.
• Wash your hands regularly or use an alcohol-based rub.
• Stay at least 1 metre apart from others.

It is important to practice respiratory etiquette. If you have to sneeze or cough, use the ‘vampire cough’ method by covering your nose and mouth with the material near your elbow. If you feel unwell, stay home and self-isolate until you recover.

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The benefits of an air purifier for COVID-19

Installing an air purifier for COVID-19 in the home and in public spaces can be a crucial step in protecting vulnerable populations from severe illness or death. An air purifier can also protect even the non-vulnerable populations from contracting the coronavirus or other airborne viral or bacterial diseases. By installing an indoor air purifier for COVID in schools, for example, students, teachers, and their families can all be better protected from COVID-19 transmission. An air purifier is notably useful for protecting the elderly in places like nursing homes, medical offices, and hospitals. These locations house large numbers of vulnerable individuals who are at the highest risk of mortality from the coronavirus.

Furthermore, air purifiers eliminate air pollution particles and improve poor air quality. Air pollution particles present in the ambient air can carry SARS-CoV-2, protect it from UV rays, and, thus, extend its lifespan. Results of a study performed by Harvard’s School of Public Health found that breathing polluted indoor air can worsen the effects of SARS-CoV-2 with air pollution exposure causing an 11% increase in mortality from COVID-19⁶.

Some air purifiers can be useful in measuring the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the ambient air in your home or space. This metric is a good indicator of the quantity of contaminated air: a high CO2 level in the air can lead to a high risk of transmission of bacteria and viruses. This could also be useful information to have in schools, especially those with a high-density of students.

How to choose an air purifier for COVID-19?