- A document prepared by the General Council of Pharmaceutical Colleges and its Public Health representative reviews the main recommendations regarding aerosol transmission and prevention
- “This Christmas, every gesture counts”, is the title of this action which will be disseminated through an infographic and messages on the social media of the Pharmaceutical Collegiate Organization.
These are days for reunions and for sharing moments, family meals, and dinners, but they must also be days of responsibility and common sense so that gatherings are as safe as possible. Therefore, the General Council of Pharmaceutical Colleges has created an infographic with advice to prevent contagion through one of the main routes, aerosols. Twelve simple measures to try to reduce and prevent the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through those tiny particles we expel when talking or coughing, for example. All measures are complementary and equally important, and they must be carried out together; only in this way will we minimize the risk of contagion, because this Christmas, every gesture counts.
First, it is necessary to understand the main risk factors for aerosol transmission, which depend on the emitter, the receiver, and the scenario or environment we are in. Thus, from the emitter's perspective, the risk of contagion will depend on the viral load they may have or the concentration and size of the aerosols. The receiver will be subjected to a greater or lesser risk depending on the volume of air inhaled, the exposure time, the viral load in the inhaled aerosols, or the emitter's position and distance. Finally, the place where we are will have an impact depending on the level of community transmission and the percentage of individuals, the exposure time, or the type of space, since if it is closed and poorly ventilated, the risk increases as the aerosols remain in the environment.
Every gesture counts
The General Council's document philosophy is based on the idea that each of us can contribute to aerosol prevention, as long as we follow all advice, since the sum of all twelve recommendations is what will maximize risk reduction. Wearing a mask remains essential for preventing COVID-19, which is why we must always use it in enclosed spaces, outdoors, and in family settings when there are vulnerable household members; always using it correctly, which includes ensuring it fits perfectly on the face, covering the mouth, nose, and chin, and not exceeding the usage time.
The risk of contagion largely depends on the distance we maintain from other people, which is why we must maintain interpersonal physical distancing to reduce the risk. In gatherings we hold these dates, we must lower our voice tone and avoid shouting or singing, to avoid forcefully expelling our aerosols. Likewise, we must reduce ambient noise levels, as otherwise we will be forced to raise our voices and therefore increase the emission of aerosols.
Regarding the reduction of risk associated with the type of environment, it is advisable to carry out as many activities as possible outdoors and reduce the time spent in enclosed spaces, especially crowded ones (public transport, shopping centers, etc.). These days, we must take special care with air conditioning systems, avoid air recirculation, and promote air intake and renewal. In this regard, it is a good idea to perform natural cross-ventilation to ensure the renewal of indoor air with outdoor air.
Ultimately, if we want to take care of our loved ones, following and complementing these twelve recommendations, along with those advised by health authorities, will greatly contribute to minimizing the risks we take and avoiding infections.
