ESPA bold flu experiment shows that good airflow, fewer coughs, and the right protection can stop the virus cold—even indoors.
In a striking real-world experiment, flu patients spent days indoors with healthy volunteers, but the virus never spread. Researchers found that limited coughing and well-mixed indoor air kept virus levels low, even with close contact. Age may have helped too, since middle-aged adults are less likely to catch the flu than younger people. The results highlight ventilation, air movement, and masks as key defenses against infection.
The study, published on January 7 in PLOS Pathogens, represents the first controlled clinical trial to closely examine airborne flu transmission between people who were naturally infected, rather than intentionally infected in a laboratory, and people who were not infected. Milton and his colleague Dr. Jianyu Lai explored several reasons why none of the volunteers became ill.
"Our data suggests key things that increase the likelihood of flu transmission -- coughing is a major one," said Dr. Jianyu Lai, post-doctoral research scientist, who led data analysis and report writing for the team.
Know more: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260110211204.htm
IMAGE: © <a href='https://www.123rf.com/profile_rawpixel'>rawpixel</a>, <a href='https://www.123rf.com/free-images/'>123RF Free Images</a>
'
