CORONAVIRUS

U Of U Researchers Studying Role Of Mucus In COVID-19 Spread

Mar 31, 2020, 10:13 PM | Updated: May 13, 2020, 6:13 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Every time a person infected with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes, they spray out potentially lethal droplets of the virus.

Our mucus carries the virus in that cough. As the virus continues to spread globally, University of Utah biomedical engineers are working to identify the role mucus plays in spreading COVID-19 from person to person.

“Mucus is absolutely essential for life, from jellyfish to humans,“ said Dr. Jessica R. Kramer, who has been studying mucus in her lab at the university for years.

Now, the University of Utah biomedical engineering assistant professor and her eight-person team is focused on the relationship between mucus and the spread of COVID-19, which binds directly to mucus.

“What we want to understand in this project is how different forms of mucus relate to coronavirus transmission and infection,” said Kramer.

Mucus hydrates and lubricates our bodies and acts as a natural defense against bacteria and viruses, she said. When bacterias, viruses or allergies irritate our tissues, our bodies produce extra mucus to flush those irritants away.

“Every time an infected person coughs or sneezes, they spray out mucus droplets,” said Kramer.

We each produce different forms of mucus. Kramer’s research team will test different forms to find out how well the virus lives in each of those forms.

“That information can tell us who needs to quarantine for longer,” she said. “It could tell us who is more susceptible to infection. Eventually, we hope to make drugs that will block the virus from binding to mucus in the first place.”

About 80% of new COVID-19 infections were attributed to 20% of the people, she said. “Not everybody spreads the virus equally,” Kramer said.

She added they don’t understand why, and it’s not just poor hygiene.

“We think that these forms of mucus may better carry the virus through the air, or allow the virus to survive when it lands on a hard surface,” Kramer said.

If researchers can identify the forms of mucus that bind to the virus, that could lead to drugs that block the bond.

“My researchers and I are really happy we can contribute to this problem, and, mucus is just at the center of the whole virus transmission,” Kramer said.

Right now, her team is quarantined for two weeks and everything in the lab is being thoroughly disinfected in preparation for their work.

“I feel very optimistic,” Kramer said. “My lab and many other labs are attacking this problem from every possible angle.”

Kramer received a National Science Foundation grant for $200,000 for the research that is intended to produce data within one year. She hopes to have initial results in the next few months.


Coronavirus Resources

See the latest information from the Utah Coronavirus Task Force here.

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

  • Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.

KSL 5 TV Live

Coronavirus

FILE: Former Utah Jazz John Stockton reacts during a 76-70 Wichita State win over the Gonzaga Bulld...

Michael Houck

Former Utah Jazz star John Stockton sues Washington medical director about COVID misinformation policy

Former Utah Jazz superstar John Stockton has filed a federal lawsuit against Washington officials on First Amendment violations, arguing the state's policy of COVID-19 misinformation is unconstitutional.

15 days ago

Deer Creek Reservoir...

Alex Cabrero

State parks expecting another record visitation year, hiring more workers

It didn't matter how cold or snowy it was at Deer Creek State Park Friday afternoon. Nothing was going to stop Leonard Sawyer from taking his boat out to do a little fishing.

1 month ago

FILE —  Respiratory virus illness activity continues to increase across the US.
(Joe Burbank/Orl...

Emma Benson

‘Not viruses to mess around with’: Experts urge caution during ongoing ‘tripledemic’

Experts say though not as severe as last year, this winter we're seeing another "tripledemic" – rising cases of COVID-19, flu and RSV in Utah.

3 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Emma Benson

‘The ICUs are full:’ Keep yourself and others healthy this holiday

It's time for holiday gatherings, but with more people around us comes a greater risk of getting sick.

3 months ago

Julianna Preece goes through the mountain of medical documents she's acquired for her health condit...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Herriman couple is suing CVS, says 5x Covid vaccine dose mistake caused health problems

A couple is suing a Utah CVS vaccination clinic, saying a nurse’s mistake led to the wife receiving five times the normal COVID-19 vaccine dose and caused serious health issues she’s still dealing with today.

4 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Associated Press

More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail

Americans can order more free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery.

4 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

U Of U Researchers Studying Role Of Mucus In COVID-19 Spread