Thread by @abc730

With winter coming there are concerns that #coronavirus could flare up again just as we seem to be getting it under control. Dr @normanswan looks at whether that concern is justified. #abc730 #COVID19

When there’s less sun, we absorb less vitamin D. “Vitamin D affects your susceptibility to respiratory infections. There have been dozens of trials that show that if you take vitamin D supplements, you are less susceptible to respiratory infections.” – @mlipsitch, @HarvardChanSPH

So, should we be prepared to see more #COVID19 cases over winter? The short answer is: probably. “I think there is a need to expect a notch up in terms of the amount of transmission, all else being equal.” - @mlipsitch @HarvardChanSPH #abc730 #coronavirus

“The bottom line is that there may well be an effect from cooler weather, but since the vast majority of us are susceptible to catching the #COVID19 virus, that pandemic risk will overwhelm the influence of winter.” - Dr @normanswan #abc730 #coronavirusaustralia

But there is some good news: we could be in for a mild flu season. “We're not seeing almost any influenza activity but we think that is probably because of because of the social distancing, and people staying at home.” - Prof Kanto Subbarao, @TheDohertyInst. #abc730 #coronavirus