[THREAD] Some, including @realdonaldtrump, have speculated the new #coronavirus has a seasonal cycle. It will wane in spring, just like the seasonal flu, the thinking goes. We investigated that claim. 1/ washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/0…
Other viruses that cause respiratory illness, including the common flu, do exhibit a seasonal pattern. This is partly tied to human behavior (we are inside more in confined spaces) and to a characteristic of the virus itself. BUT #covid19 may be different. 2/
For one thing, we all lack immunity to the novel #coronavirus, which could inhibit any seasonal aspects as it spreads to new areas. Also, we know very little about the transmission characteristics of the virus itself, and if it might be harder to spread in warm weather. 3/
A new, non-peer reviewed study shows the #coronavirus has been most prevalent in a particular east-west band around the globe. Might it be a Goldilocks virus, thriving in a specific temperature and humidity range? Some say perhaps yes, but safest bet is no. 4/
Epidemiologists tell us so many things about this virus are unknown, and the susceptibility of humans so high, it's unlikely that it will completely subside during the N. Hem. warm season. 5/
“It may just continue through summer unabated,” said Jeffrey Shaman of @Columbia. This means that cruise companies saying that scientists agree warm weather kills the virus are wrong -- 6/ miaminewtimes.com/news/coronavir…
It also means the weather won't protect us from this, even with the early onset of spring in some areas. Time to listen to your trusted health authorities, and take shelter from this storm... 7/7
