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VOLUME 5 , ISSUE 3 ( July-September, 2022 ) > List of Articles

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Importance of Ventilation in the COVID-19 Era

Smita S Chavhan, Prasad T Dhikale, Balkrishna Adsul

Keywords : COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, Ventilation

Citation Information : Chavhan SS, Dhikale PT, Adsul B. Importance of Ventilation in the COVID-19 Era. 2022; 5 (3):84-85.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10082-03163

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-07-2022

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2022; The Author(s).


Abstract

Importance of ventilation in the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) era: The SARS-CoV-2 virus can be transmitted easily indoors than outdoors. In indoors, good ventilation decreases the concentration of virus particles in the air. Good ventilation can also reduce many other air-borne infections like tuberculosis and influenza. Challenges faced during the pandemic with regards to ventilation: The improvement of ventilation has not received adequate importance in Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material for the public, nor in government measures. Recommendations to overcome the challenges: Ventilation in homes can be improved by opening doors and windows, proper placement of fans, and exhaust fans. At workplaces keep windows and doors slightly open while the ACs are running, add gable/exhaust fan in offices, etc. At centralized air management systems like auditoriums and shopping malls, roof ventilators and high-efficiency particulate air filters/regular filters are recommended. Hospitals and health centers must ensure that vaccinations are carried out in well-ventilated and directional airflow controlled areas wherever possible. Ventilation improvement has huge scope and along with other measures, it can reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Air-conditioned (AC) buses, metro trains, malls, and healthcare systems should improve their ventilation system. Improving ventilation should be focused on IEC and government measures with a practically feasible and holistic approach.


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