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Original poster

Can someone explain transmission

66 replies

Colbs · 06/08/2021 21:07

Hi

Is someone please able to explain how Covid is transmitted?

It was my understanding that it spreads if you’re in close contact with a positive case ie within 2 meters for a prolonged period of time.

I’ve invited my friend over for dinner next weekend and she’s turned down the offer unless we sit outside.

We can’t sit outside as I’m currently having work done in the garden.

She has asked that we keep our distance indoors and keep all windows open.

She’s also asked that if I get up and move around I wear a mask Confused

I know about ventilation but surely if I’m sat 2 meters away from my friend I’m of no risk to her (if I even had Covid)

I’m starting to think I actually don’t know much about transmission and she knows more than I do.

I’ve had a quick Google and there’s suggestions it’s air borne. What exactly does this mean?

OP posts:
Katie517 · 06/08/2021 21:20

Your friend sounds ridiculous and needs to get a grip in my opinion. I assume she is comfortably working from home while everyone else delivers things to her, blissfully un aware that life is pretty much back to normal outside of her covid obsessed little bubble, and that some people have been out at work everyday since March 2020?! If people aren’t comfortable now they never will be but it is a really sad state of affairs to ask a friend to wear a mask in their own home and make demands on windows being open etc. she’s also assuming you have covid which I’m pretty sure you don’t!

nannynick · 06/08/2021 21:21

This is quite old now but explains how droplets travel through air.
english.elpais.com/society/2020-10-28/a-room-a-bar-and-a-class-how-the-coronavirus-is-spread-through-the-air.html

Neverrains · 06/08/2021 21:21

I’d cancel… doesn’t sound like an enjoyable evening for anyone.

Griefmonster · 06/08/2021 21:24

I wouldn't try apply logic to her "rules". They may or may not be based on scientific probability. That's not the point though. Those are the circumstances under which she will be comfortable coming to your house. You either accept them or decline/suggest a different activity.

bonbonours · 06/08/2021 21:30

I thought it was widely understood to be airborne, I'm quite amazed thus is news to anyone. The 2 metre thing is bollocks really. If you are sharing an enclosed, unventilated space with someone for a prolonged period of time (more than 15 mins) you are obviously breathing the same air. Opening windows is probably the easiest and most helpful thing you can do to reduce risk.

parietal · 06/08/2021 21:33

Covid is airborne. That means if you are in an enclosed space with another person the virus can build up in the air. But fresh air from an open window is enough to stop any buildup.

The 2m rule is useful only for passing encounters (eg supermarkets).

Are you & your friend both vaccinated? If not, there is no need to be so anxious. Lunch in a well ventilated room is fine.

tothelakes · 06/08/2021 21:36

There isn't a bubble 2m around you that Covid can't penetrate. If one of you unknowingly has Covid and you sit indoors together, there's a good chance you'll pass it on.

You might think your friend is over cautious but she's setting her own limits. It's up to you whether to go along with it.

user1471518104 · 06/08/2021 21:38

My god. I dread to think what the effects on society will be for decades because of this

Why don't you just tell your friend to fuck off ?

Dementedswan · 06/08/2021 21:42

@user1471518104

My god. I dread to think what the effects on society will be for decades because of this

Why don't you just tell your friend to fuck off ?

Thats not helpful for people that are concerned about covid. Especially considering the job our government has done to scare people. I'm now back on meds for depression and anxiety die to this pandemic. Maybe your friend is struggling with the transmission back to normal life? You might think they are being ridiculous but to them it's a genuine fear.
tothelakes · 06/08/2021 21:45

@user1471518104

My god. I dread to think what the effects on society will be for decades because of this

Why don't you just tell your friend to fuck off ?

Glad I'm not your friend.
Athinginitself · 06/08/2021 21:47

Are you both doing lateral flow tests, might offer her some reassurance but yes covid (particularly the delta variant is very transmissable, particularly in enclosed indoor spaces. Everyone has their own level of risk they are prepared to take and vulnerability.

Original poster
Colbs · 06/08/2021 22:40

@Katie517

Your friend sounds ridiculous and needs to get a grip in my opinion. I assume she is comfortably working from home while everyone else delivers things to her, blissfully un aware that life is pretty much back to normal outside of her covid obsessed little bubble, and that some people have been out at work everyday since March 2020?! If people aren’t comfortable now they never will be but it is a really sad state of affairs to ask a friend to wear a mask in their own home and make demands on windows being open etc. she’s also assuming you have covid which I’m pretty sure you don’t!
She lost her mum to Covid. I think she’s just really struggling with things.
OP posts:
Original poster
Colbs · 06/08/2021 22:42

@parietal

Are you & your friend both vaccinated?

Yes, both vaccinated.

OP posts:
Original poster
Colbs · 06/08/2021 22:44

@user1471518104

My god. I dread to think what the effects on society will be for decades because of this

Why don't you just tell your friend to fuck off ?

@user1471518104

Because I’m a nice person.

It does seem extreme, but she’s had a shit time.

I just don’t know if she’s stating to make up her own rules as a way to try and keep safe or if there is actually logic in her rules.

Hence me wanting some clarification about transmission.

OP posts:
Darbs76 · 06/08/2021 22:44

Your friend is clearly very anxious after losing her mum to Covid. I’d be as accommodating as possible to she feels comfortable. Yes it’s a hassle but sure she could use a friend right now. Keep the windows open and wear a mask, but best thing would be to do a lateral flow on the day.

XenoBitch · 06/08/2021 22:47

@Darbs76

Your friend is clearly very anxious after losing her mum to Covid. I’d be as accommodating as possible to she feels comfortable. Yes it’s a hassle but sure she could use a friend right now. Keep the windows open and wear a mask, but best thing would be to do a lateral flow on the day.
This.

OP, your friend sounds really anxious, and to look up the science about transmission etc wont reassure her as you can't apply rational thought to anxiety.
Both of you doing a LFT on the day sounds like a sensible idea. You can't spread what you don't have.

Original poster
Colbs · 06/08/2021 22:48

@Darbs76

Your friend is clearly very anxious after losing her mum to Covid. I’d be as accommodating as possible to she feels comfortable. Yes it’s a hassle but sure she could use a friend right now. Keep the windows open and wear a mask, but best thing would be to do a lateral flow on the day.
@Darbs76

We will do lateral flows and I’ll keep windows open and wear a mask too.

OP posts:
Original poster
Colbs · 06/08/2021 22:50

@XenoBitch

Yes she is. I thought by understanding transmission I could maybe explain it to her and chat things through.

I’ve obviously not been paying attention as I thought I could only catch it if I had been in close contact 🤦🏻‍♀️

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 06/08/2021 22:52

If you are ok with the measures she wants to you take then go along with. I am sure neither of you really want to be sat there discussing Covid and how it is transmitted. I hope you have a lovely time anyway. You sound like a good friend.

BitterTits · 06/08/2021 22:53

@Athinginitself

Are you both doing lateral flow tests, might offer her some reassurance but yes covid (particularly the delta variant is very transmissable, particularly in enclosed indoor spaces. Everyone has their own level of risk they are prepared to take and vulnerability.
Well, no they don't. Many working people.have a level.of risk foisted upon them, and therefore see the ridiculousness of those wanting to exist in some sort of sterile exile.
Eatenpig · 06/08/2021 22:55

Guidance has altered at the scientists have learnt more and more about how it's passing from person to person. The 2m was based on it being transmitted and passed on by coughing and droplets. Cough Droplets drop to the floor before 2m generally.
Then by studying patterns of outbreaks they realised that it can be passed on my person A breathing it out and person B breathing it in.
A draught helps stop stale air.
A mask traps 'dirty air' from an infected person a bit.
Vaccinated people can still get it and spread it.
Her logic is based on her interpretation of this all

mswales · 06/08/2021 22:55

You are at far more risk if you sit in an enclosed space with someone for a couple of hours than if you hug them. Really depressing that the public messaging on this has been so bad that people don't understand how airborne viruses are transmitted. It should have been so better explained!! Could certainly be argued your friend is being over cautious but we don't know her situation. Her logic isn't off though - if you eat inside together it doesn't matter if you are next to each other or 2 metres away. Opening windows makes a massive difference. Her thing about putting masks on to move around doesn't make any sense though - if you're in a room together for an extended period then wearing masks when you get up won't do anything.

Eatenpig · 06/08/2021 22:58

In the early days there was massive emphasis on not touching same stuff in case an infected person had touched or breathed on stuff. But now it's understood that it's primarily air transmitted. They didn't explain this well to people

BitterTits · 06/08/2021 23:28

@mswales

You are at far more risk if you sit in an enclosed space with someone for a couple of hours than if you hug them. Really depressing that the public messaging on this has been so bad that people don't understand how airborne viruses are transmitted. It should have been so better explained!! Could certainly be argued your friend is being over cautious but we don't know her situation. Her logic isn't off though - if you eat inside together it doesn't matter if you are next to each other or 2 metres away. Opening windows makes a massive difference. Her thing about putting masks on to move around doesn't make any sense though - if you're in a room together for an extended period then wearing masks when you get up won't do anything.
Yes but at the same time, many people are spending hours on end together in enclosed spaces (classrooms), so is it surprising that those involved in real life don't really give a fuck about spending a couple of hours in someone's home and find it hard to comprehend that anyone can still expect to lead such a rarified life? Mixed messaging.
Original poster
Colbs · 06/08/2021 23:30

@mswales

You are at far more risk if you sit in an enclosed space with someone for a couple of hours than if you hug them. Really depressing that the public messaging on this has been so bad that people don't understand how airborne viruses are transmitted. It should have been so better explained!! Could certainly be argued your friend is being over cautious but we don't know her situation. Her logic isn't off though - if you eat inside together it doesn't matter if you are next to each other or 2 metres away. Opening windows makes a massive difference. Her thing about putting masks on to move around doesn't make any sense though - if you're in a room together for an extended period then wearing masks when you get up won't do anything.
@mswales

I admit, I don’t really understand airborne transmission.

I’ve just followed the 2m rule, which I thought my friend would be happy with.

As it happens, she’s not. She’s asked me to ventilate before she arrives, wear a mask if I walk around the house… which I will do, because I really want her to come over….
but I’m finding it hard to understand if she’s just really struggling with things or if there’s logic to there.

OP posts: