--- title: "Terrifying Simulation Shows How Viruses Spread When You Cough" description: "A video by Finnish researchers shows how aerosol particles released by a person in an indoor environment can spread much further than you could imagine." date: "2020-04-09" modified: "2020-04-09" authors: - name: "Victor Tangermann" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor" url: "https://futurism.com/neoscope/simulation-viruses-spread-cough" categories: - "Developments" - "Health & Medicine" - "Medical" - "Pathogens" - "Viruses" tags: - "coronavirus" - "covid-19" - "virus" --- # Terrifying Simulation Shows How Viruses Spread When You Cough ![A video by Finnish researchers shows how aerosol particles released by a person in an indoor environment can spread much further than you could imagine.]() *\Image: Aalto University\* A new 3D-rendered simulation by Finnish researchers shows how aerosol particles coughed out by a person in an indoor environment can spread terrifyingly far. https://youtu.be/WZSKoNGTR6Q The research aims to determine how the coronavirus can spread through the air, and found that "aerosol particles carrying the virus can remain in the air longer than was originally thought, so it is important to avoid busy public indoor spaces," according to [a statement](). The 3D environment is trying to provide an analogue for the average grocery store with run-of-the-mill ventilation. "In the 3D model, a person coughs in a corridor bounded by shelves under representative indoor ventilation air flow conditions," reads the video. "As a result of coughing, an aerosol cloud travels in the air to the corridor. It takes up several minutes for the cloud to spread and disperse." "Someone infected by the coronavirus, can cough and walk away, but then leave behind extremely small aerosol particles carrying the coronavirus," explained Aalto University assistant professor Ville Vuorinen in the statement. "These particles could then end up in the respiratory tract of others in the vicinity." Aerosol particles from a dry cough — a common symptom of COVID-19 — are so small (less than 15 micrometers) that they float through the air rather than sinking to the floor. Air currents can help them spread. According to the researchers, previous studies have shown that influenza A viruses can be found in even smaller particles — less than five micrometers. The model underlines that avoiding crowded places or "nodal points" could be an effective way to curb the spread of the virus. Masks have also proven to be an extremely effective way to curb the spread through aerosol particles and droplets — that is, if a [recent study]() published in the prestigious scientific journal *Nature* is to be believed. ## Author I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()