Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral illness caused by SARS-CoV-2. Current research suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 infection is primarily spread through droplets and aerosols. As per current literature, the spread through asymptomatic carriers, as well as highly contagious carriers ('super spreader') play an important role in the infectiousness of the virus. It is currently unclear, if the contagiousness of children differs from adults.
In the proposed investigation, measurement of the particle size and concentration in respiratory aerosols will be conducted via the Resp-Aer-Meter (Palas GmbH). First step will be to establish the measurements with this new device. Thereafter, a comparison between PCR SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative participants, as well as between children and adults, will be conducted. In addition to the measurement of aerosols, the clinical symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, lung function (FEV1) and laboratory inflammatory markers, if available, will be analyzed.
