Tag: superspreaders
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The science behind flu superspreaders: why some people transmit flu more than others
Introduction: what makes a flu superspreader? Every flu season, a small subset of people seem to drive the majority of transmission. Researchers describe these individuals as flu superspreaders. While public health messages focus on masks, ventilation, and vaccination, the science behind superspreading looks deeper than simply being sick. It involves a confluence of biology, physiology,…
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The Science of Flu Superspreaders: Why Some People Fuel Outbreaks
Introduction: Why a Few People Drive Bigger Outbreaks When researchers talk about the flu turning into a wildfire, they often point to a surprising culprit: the flu superspreader. Far from being a mysterious villain, a growing body of science suggests that a combination of physiology, behavior, and environment can elevate an individual’s potential to disseminate…
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Flu Superspreaders: The Science Behind Hidden Spreaders
What is a flu superspreader? In the study of infectious disease, not every infected person transmits the virus at the same rate. A subset of individuals can spread flu widely, infecting many others in a short period. These so‑called flu superspreaders can dramatically influence the trajectory of an outbreak because their patterns of contact, biology,…