Review on respiratory infectious disease transmission mechanism: effects of human movement and facemask use

Abstract

Respiratory infectious diseases can cause public health emergencies, threatening human well-being, social operation, and economic development. Clarifying the transmission mechanism of respiratory infectious diseases is essential for control measures. We review the main research findings on the transmission mechanism of respiratory infectious diseases in recent decades. The source characteristics of respiratory infectious diseases, the airborne transmission mechanism, the exposure of susceptible persons, and the infection risk assessment methods are discussed. Given that the dynamic scenario of respiratory infectious disease transmission has attracted wide attention in recent years, we summarize the effects of human movement on indoor airflow, pathogen diffusion, and human exposure. Considering the everyday use of facemasks, the effects of facemasks on source characteristics and infection risk are also discussed. Finally, future research prospects are proposed. The transmission mechanism of infectious diseases can be comprehensively explored by delving into patients' pathological characteristics and personnel protection measures. This exploration can be facilitated by establishing a multi-pose manikin database, enabling personalized and refined evaluations. Interdisciplinary cooperation will play a pivotal role in fostering a holistic understanding. Furthermore, it is crucial to account for the impact of individuals' activity patterns on disease transmission dynamics. This review is expected to reference public health emergency management.

Keywords

• public health emergency
• respiratory infectious disease
• airborne transmission
• risk assessment
• human movement
• facemask