Guest blogger Dr Alexander Edwards (bio below) has written a post in preparation for IPC Journal Club on Wednesday (details and registration for that here)…

Why I chose this article?

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of ventilation in mitigating against the transmission of airborne respiratory pathogens and improving air quality in indoor environments. However, as is the case in many UK hospitals, reliance on natural ventilation as the main source of airflow in patient ward means that attainment of the recommended ventilation rates is difficult to manage. Airflow in indoor spaces is affected by external weather conditions and can lead to uncertain airflow patterns and consequently, the unexpected transport of infectious material to connecting zones. However, the effects of weather conditions on airborne transmission are often overlooked.