Role of Fluid Dynamics in Infectious Disease Transmission: Insights from COVID-19 and Other Pathogens

Abstract

The spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 depends on complex fluid dynamics interactions between pathogens and fluid phases, including individual droplets and multiphase clouds. Understanding these interactions is crucial for predicting and controlling disease spread. This applies to human and animal exhalations, such as coughs and sneezes, as well as bursting bubbles that create micron-sized droplets in various indoor and outdoor environments. By exploring case studies in this regard, this study examines the emerging field of fluid dynamics in disease transmission, focusing on multiphase flows, interfacial flows, turbulence, pathogens, human traffic, aerosol transmission, ventilation, and breathing microenvironments. These results indicate that increased ventilation rates and local ventilation methods can effectively reduce the concentration of SARS-CoV-2-laden aerosols in the immediate breathing spaces between individuals. In a displacement-ventilated room, both neutral and unstable conditions were more effective in removing breathed SARS-CoV-2-laden aerosols from the air, regardless of the presence of test subjects. However, stable conditions may increase the risk of infection in individuals living in confined spaces. Thus, the findings of this study are useful for providing practical guidance for managing the spread of airborne infections. HIGHLIGHTS Fluid dynamics affect the transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 This study explored multiphase fluid flow, aerosol dispersion, and respiratory zones Increased ventilation and local methods reduce SARS-CoV-2 aerosol concentration Displacement ventilation eliminates SARS-CoV-2 aerosols under unstable conditions Cramped and damp living environments can increase the risk of transmission of infection GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT