Airborne fungal spores may help predict Covid, flu surge

Monitoring fungal spores in the outdoor air can predict surges in flu and Covid-19 infections, according to a study.

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Researchers from Lynn University in Florida, US, discovered that airborne concentrations of fungal spores — but not pollen — were strongly linked to increases in flu and Covid-19 cases.

When airborne concentrations of fungal spores rose, the scientists often saw a jump in infections within a few days. The study models were able to predict flu and Covid-19 surges with high accuracy, particularly in the fall season. However, pollen didn't show the same connection or prediction.