Virology

The viral load, dosage, matters wrt the body’s ability to fight off infection, and ultimately the severity of the disease 

A pretty deep review

The amount of virus we receive can determine the severity of the disease that results. This “infectious dose” is affected by how much virus is in the particles we inhale as well as how long we inhale them. Its impact is modified by our pre-existing immunity. The physical distance between us and the infectious source reduces the risk of us getting a dose. Masks also reduce the size of and even prevent us from getting a dose altogether. Cleaning or refreshing the air we breathe also reduces the infectious dose. We can exert some control over our risk of infection.