Experts say theres good reason to be concernedbut there are things we can do to mitigate our risk.
What Makes COVID-19 Worse In the Winter?
Until we know more, Bortz says the winter season is largely concerning because of our own behavior.
Imgorthand/Getty Images
The cold forces many people to bring outdoor activities inside.
If someone infected with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes outside, wind or a natural breeze can dilute the virus.
A study published in May also found that natural sunlight can inactivate COVID-19 particles on surfaces.
But when you’re indoors, you don’t have the same natural conditions.
Winter also comes hand in hand with the holidays, which typically brings larger groups of people together.
These health measures will protect not only against COVID-19 but the seasonal cold and flu, too.
Pneumonia also peaks in the winter.
“So we’re looking at potentially this sort of double whammy.”
He points toAustraliaand Chile; both countries had mild flu seasons.
Gulick says masks need to fit properlycovering the nose and mouth, with no gaps at the sides.
Your mask will act as a layer of protection, helping block escaping virus particles from getting to you.
People should also follow local public health guidelines and practice social distancing.
Depending on where you live, there might be restrictions on group gatherings.
If you’re sick, it’s best to stay away from others, Bortz says.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Ratnesar-Shumate S, Williams G, Green B.Simulated sunlight rapidly inactivates SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces.J Infect Dis.
2020 May;222(2):214222. doi:10.1093/infdis/jiaa274
