key: cord-0710617-57hr2ufg
authors: Gana, Tabitha; Narula, Harjeet Singh
title: Flatus: An aerosol generating concern during the COVID‐19 pandemic
date: 2020-08-12
journal: Br J Surg
DOI: 10.1002/bjs.11920
sha: 8499d21c7b9034a29944211564deddf88fad773c
doc_id: 710617
cord_uid: 57hr2ufg

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gastrointestinal contents 5 , and the identification of SARS-CoV-2 within faeces, suggests that flatus can also be a source of transmission of COVID-19 when it is not contained.

General surgical emergencies present situations where HCWs are exposed to flatus generating procedures (FGP), including rectal examination, stoma examination, proctoscopy and rigid sigmoidoscopy and/or insertion of a flatus tube.

The evidence of viability of SARS-CoV-2 virus in faecal specimens and faecal-oral transmission, supports recommendations in the use of appropriate PPE. There is also additional risk of mucocutaneous exposure to infectious body fluids during FGPs.

Due to the potential generation of aerosols and shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in faeces, we believe that procedures generating flatus at close proximity to HCWs faces warrant full PPE and wherever possible the AGP guidelines should be adapted to flatus generating procedures performed on the ward. Tabitha Gana 1,2 and Harjeet Singh Narula 1

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Hot air?