Coronavirus Pandemic: WHO delivers bombshell, says summer heat may not stop spread of virus
Dismissing speculations, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that COVID-19 can be transmitted in all areas, including hot and humid weather.
“From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in all areas, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19,” says the WHO.
It says, “The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.”
There has been some speculation that warm summer temperatures might stop the pandemic. Coronaviruses are known to spread more quickly in the winter because they can survive for long in a colder climate. A warm, humid weather makes it harder for respiratory droplets to spread viruses.
The speculations were also based on how seasonal influenza (flu) viruses behave. They are detected year-round in the US, flu viruses are most common during fall and winter.
"The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May," says the CDC.
However, many have also warned that it is too premature to assume that COVID-19 would taper down in summer and spring, and come back in winter. The WHO also says that there also is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases.
“The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather,” it says.
Taking a hot bath does not prevent COVID-19
Rubbishing rumors, the WHO also warned that taking a hot bath will not prevent a person from catching COVID-19. In fact, experts say, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you.
“Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower,” says the WHO.
Dispelling yet another rumor, the experts say that hand dryers are not effective in killing the new coronavirus.
Virus cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites
To date, there has been no information nor any evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes.
The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.