Flu Patients Infect No One in Bold Hotel Study

A striking experiment involving flu patients and healthy volunteers in a hotel setting yielded unexpected results, demonstrating no transmission of the influenza virus. This study, conducted in two waves in the Baltimore area during 2024, aimed to understand flu transmission dynamics in close-quarters indoor environments. Despite prolonged social interactions, including conversations and games, none of the healthy participants contracted the flu.

Researchers identified two primary factors contributing to the lack of transmission: the limited frequency of coughing among infected individuals and effective ventilation within the study room. The infected participants, though carrying high viral loads in their nasal passages, rarely coughed, releasing minimal virus into the air. Furthermore, the continuous circulation and dilution of air by a heater and dehumidifier significantly reduced airborne virus concentration, according to lead investigator Jianyu Lai.

These findings offer valuable insights, especially during the current severe flu season in the U.S. Senior researcher Dr. Donald Milton highlighted that while close, face-to-face indoor interactions are common and risky, strategies like using portable air purifiers to improve air circulation and wearing masks, particularly N95s when near someone coughing, can be highly effective in preventing flu outbreaks.