Winter is just around the corner for the Northern Hemisphere and with it come the speculations of how the pandemic might take a turn. Since most respiratory diseases including cold and flu spread quickly in winters, some experts have indicated that COVID-19 cases may also increase with a drop in temperature and humidity.
In fact, several studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19
However, scientists have not yet reached a consensus about the association between changes in weather and transmission of COVID-19
Controversial evidence
A study conducted by Harvard University early this year suggested that there was no link between changing temperature and COVID-19
A systematic review published in the journal PLOS One indicated that warm and wet climates are not conducive to the spread of COVID-19
A study conducted in India also found that more cases of COVID-19
May not become seasonal right now
Earlier in September, a study done at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon suggested that COVID-19
As per the study, several factors drive the spread of a viral infection. These mainly include environmental factors like temperature and humidity and host factors.
The researchers suggested that at lower temperatures, enveloped viruses like COVID-19
Additionally, less humidity leads to quick evaporation of respiratory droplets which then stay in the air for longer. However, in a recent study published in the journal Physics of Fluid, the scientists indicated that microdroplets are not as effective in spreading SARS-CoV-2. Even in a non-ventilated room where an infected person has coughed, it would take a person longer than 12 minutes to be exposed to a contaminated droplet.
In the end, regardless of the effect of temperature on the disease, it is best to keep taking all the precautionary measures including social distancing, wearing face masks and maintaining hand hygiene to make sure that you and your loved ones are safe.
For more information, read our article on How COVID-19
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