Reduce the risk of corona: How to ventilate properly

In poorly ventilated rooms, the risk of contracting the coronavirus increases. Proper ventilation is therefore particularly important now that the number of infections is rising again. We tell you how it works and what you need to watch out for!

The number of cases of the corona virus is currently spreading more and more quickly again – and this despite distance and hygiene rules as well as the obligation to wear masks. Since the corona virus spreads via aerosols and droplets according to current knowledge, regular ventilation in closed rooms is more important than ever. In this way, the number of aerosols to which viruses may be attached can be reduced.

Proper ventilation against the corona virus

Whether in offices, in the classroom or in public buildings: Even if the minimum distance of 1.5 meters and the hygiene rules are observed, aerosols, i.e. fine moisture particles, can be distributed in the air. Some aerosols are large enough and sink to the ground, while small particles can stay in the air for up to three hours. Scientists therefore agree that regular ventilation helps to reduce the risk of infection. But right now, when it’s getting colder and more uncomfortable outside, continuous ventilation, as it is e.g. B. was the case in summer is no longer possible. In order to still provide enough fresh air, we have tips for ventilation for you.

1. Ventilate regularly

In order to exchange the air in the room, you should ventilate regularly. To do this, tear open the windows and doors so that, in the best-case scenario, there is a draft. It is best to ventilate for three minutes every hour. In classrooms or small rooms, windows should be opened every 20 minutes . Incidentally, the frequent forced airing does not lead to higher energy consumption, since the rooms only cool down a little in the few minutes.

2. Ventilate immediately when you sneeze and cough

When you cough and sneeze, the contagious aerosols spread rapidly in the air. The Federal Environment Agency therefore recommends that the room should always be ventilated immediately afterwards . In order to spread as few germs as possible, it is best to sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow or into a paper handkerchief.

3. Ventilate properly when exercising

In rooms where many people are staying and doing sports, ventilation should be even more frequent. The respiratory rate is higher during low physical activity compared to sedentary activities, so that more aerosols are exhaled and remain in the air. The Federal Environment Agency recommends that you ventilate the room up to five times an hour in order to replace the used air with fresh air.

4. Dress warmly when airing

In the cold season, it can also get cool when airing the rooms. Since the cold puts a strain on the immune system, viruses can spread more quickly in the body. However, in order to maintain your immune system, you should dress warmly during periods of ventilation . A second jumper, a scarf and a hat, gloves, warm tea or a hot-water bottle will help against the cold.
Also interesting: Dress properly in winter

5. Air purifier against the virus

Researchers at the Goethe University in Frankfurt were able to show that mobile room air cleaners are able to filter infectious aerosols from the air in closed rooms. In their experiment, the aerosol concentration in a classroom with 27 students fell by 90 percent within 30 minutes. So-called high-performance particulate filters (HEPA filters) of classes H13 and H14 according to EU standard EN 1822-1 have proven their worth. These are already available for 150 euros. Nevertheless, according to the researchers, the air filters do not replace regular ventilation.

Crystal Waston MD

Crystal Waston has a degree in Cross Media Production and Publishing. At vital.de she gives everyday tips and deals with topics related to women's health, sport, and nutrition.

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