BETHESDA, Md. - A new study from the National Institutes of Health suggests that COVID-19 can have more of a severe impact on the lungs if the virus is transmitted through the air versus a contaminated surface.Researchers used Syrian hamsters to highlight the difference.
The scientists exposed the hamsters to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, via aerosol droplets and contaminated surfaces, known as fomites.
Results showed that aerosol exposure directly deposited the virus deep into the lungs. However, fomite exposure resulted in coronavirus being found in the nose.
Scientists said, either way, the virus ended up in the hamsters’ lungs. However, lung damage was more severe in hamsters who were exposed to COVID-19 via aerosol.