Saida Maalin | Contributor
Comparing the influenza virus with studies of other infectious diseases, people have questioned whether COVID-19 can be killed through seasonal temperature changes and UV rays.
Respiratory viruses tend to thrive in cold and humid seasons, although studies are showing this may not be the case for this pandemic.
At the moment according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is not enough real data to make these determinations. The chances of still getting sick in the summer is possible.
It is not yet known whether weather and temperature impact the spread of COVID-19. “Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months,” the CDC advises.
In March, a group of researchers wrote an analysis on temperature, humidity and latitude to predict the potential spread of COVID-19.
“The association between temperature and humidity in the cities affected with COVID-19 deserves special attention”, said researchers.
According to the study–which has not been peer reviewed–the study indicates the virus can spread between a relative humidity of 44% to 84% and temperature of 5 to 11- degrees Celsius. Further research will be done as time and seasonality take its course. Cold weather may still not be to blame.
While citizens are protesting stay at home orders in some states and being lifted in others, it is recommended and mandated in others to follow CDC advice to prevent the potential spread.
“At this time, it is not known whether the spread of COVID-19 will decrease when the weather becomes warmer. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19 and investigations are ongoing,” the CDC concluded.
