Influenza viruses cause significant disease and spread between people via aerosols; however, the behavior of influenza viruses in aerosols is poorly understood (Fig. 1). By combining the expertise of an influenza transmission scientist and an aerosol chemist, we will determine the relationship between particle chemistry and stability of an influenza virus in an aerosol particle. These findings will provide fundamental knowledge on how environmental conditions in closed environments such as hospitals or airplanes could be modified to limit influenza transmission.
This project aims to understand the nature of aerosol particles that carry influenza viruses between hosts, and it draws on Dr. Sutton’s influenza transmission expertise and Dr. Freedman’s expertise on phase transitions and pH of aerosol particles.
