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Doctor says coronavirus could be spreading through farts – but experts aren’t so sure


CORONAVIRUS could be spreading through farts, a doctor is warning. 

One medic claimed people may be passing the deadly disease on to others through omitting bodily gasses - however experts aren't so sure.

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 One doctor has claimed that coronavirus could spread through farts
One doctor has claimed that coronavirus could spread through fartsCredit: Getty - Contributor

They say the chances of catching Covid-19 through farting is "tiny" and that Covid-19 is mainly transmitted between people through droplets spread from coughing and touching or shaking hands.

Australian doctor Andy Tagg pointed out that farting could cause coronavirus after analysing a series of tests take from coronavirus patients earlier this year.

He cited tests that revealed the virus was present in the faeces of 55 per cent of patients with Covid-19.

And medics have previously warned farts contain tiny poo particles that can spread bacteria.


The doctor added that previous tests have shown farts have the power to spray talcum powder long distances.

He added: “Perhaps SARS-CoV-2 can be spread through the power of parping - we need more evidence.



Dr Andy Tagg

Despite Dr Tagg's suggestion, Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and Clinical Director of Patientaccess.com, revealed it is very unlikely someone would catch coronavirus from someone who has passed wind.

She told The Sun Online: "The likelihood of someone catching the virus because they were close to someone who farted is really tiny.

"You are way, way more likely to catch it by being in close contact with someone who coughs or sneezes, or by picking up droplets (from coughs or sneezes) on your hands when you touch a hard surface."

 People infected with coronavirus, computer generated image of Covid-19, could be symptom-free for five days, experts have said
People infected with coronavirus, computer generated image of Covid-19, could be symptom-free for five days, experts have saidCredit: AFP or licensors

However, Dr Jarvis urged people to maintain good toilet hygiene - given the evidence showing coronavirus can be present in faeces.

She added: "There have been some reports of coronavirus being present in poo, and of up to one in ten patients developing diarrhoea a day or two before they get other symptoms such as cough and fever.

"This does underline the importance of being extra-careful about cleaning the bathroom if one person has symptoms of coronavirus."

Back in 2001, Aussie doctor Karl Kruszelnicki and microbiologist Luke Tennent carried out an experiment to see if farts could spread disease.

Dr Tennent asked a colleague to pass wind directly into two Petri dishes from a distance of five centimeters - first while wearing pants, and then without.

He discovered that the first Petri dish stayed clean, while the second one sprouted bacteria overnight - but added the bacteria found in the test was not harmful.


The health body said that farts are unlikely to transmit the virus provided pants are worn.


And at the start of this month, scientists urged people to close the toilet before flushing as they say coronavirus can be spread through "aerosolized poo".

Due to what's called a "toilet plume," fecal or urine matter can be pushed from the toilet into the air and spread onto other surfaces, a study said.


In order to reduce your risk of infection, you should wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick.




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