Humidity and heat could slow Queensland virus transmission
As Queensland heads into spring, the state could see a drop in the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, top infectious disease experts reveal. Here’s why.
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As Queensland’s weather heats up, the state could see a drop in the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, top infectious disease experts reveal.
“There is evidence to support that warm and humid weather helps suppress the spread of the virus. Certainly the countries in the Northern Hemisphere are bracing for tougher times as they head into winter,” Gold Coast doctor and infectious disease expert Dr John Gerrard told The Courier-Mail.
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“The weather change, teamed with all the other social distancing and hygiene measures, may help Queensland. But change in weather change alone will not save us. We are still learning about this virus and how it operates but it certainly started as a seasonal virus. China, US and Italy were hit hard in the cold weather,” he said.
The intensive care doctor, who was the first Queensland doctor to treat a COVID patient, admits though that Florida and Brazil saw an explosion of cases through summer months.
“We have to wait and see but science shows that the virus dies off faster on cold surfaces. When you consider the links with COVID at meatworks it looks like cold and wet conditions could have an impact on viral transmission,” he said.
Prof Robert Booy, a professorial fellow at National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance and a respiratory infectious disease expert says the rise in temperatures and humidity will help ease transmission but it will not be the saviour of the population. Social distancing will continue to be the key.
“The summer will not save the day but science shows that seasonal change can make a difference,” he said.
Respiratory transmission of airborne diseases is higher when the air is clear of moisture. Particles from coughs travel further.
More sunlight and warmth, more humidity and Queenslanders urge to spend more time outdoors could slow the pathogen’s course.
“You never know this might be the reason that the Northern Territory has got off lightly but we will watch and wait,” Dr Gerrard said.
