Infectious diseases expert: climate and COVID-19

SAN ANTONIO – Editor’s Note: This content was created exclusively for KSAT explains, a new weekly broadcast program that delves deep into the biggest issues facing San Antonio and South Texas. Clock past episodes here and download the KSAT-TV application to be aware of the latest.

As the weather warms up, many people have been wondering if the spread of COVID-19 will slow, as does the regular flu season.

Dr. Ruth Berggren, an infectious disease specialist at UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine, sat down with KSAT meteorologist Sarah Spivey to answer some questions about how the weather may or may not influence the spread of COVID-19 .

Will warmer weather slow down the virus?

In recent weeks, as temperatures have risen to their highest level year-round, coronavirus cases have actually skyrocketed in San Antonio.

“What happens today is that when people are outdoors and it’s very hot, they go back to the cooler air. Therefore, this warm climate has not really benefited us, ”Berggren said. “And, in fact, countries where it is very hot, like in Africa, are also seeing COVID-19. So we really can’t wait for the weather to help us with the COVID pandemic (-19). It will be our behaviors that will help us. ”

Is there a specific temperature that COVID-19 will kill?

Yes, however, Dr. Berggren said studies indicate that a temperature of 133 ° F will suffice. We just don’t see temperatures that It is hot in Texas or around the world.

“If the virus were on the surface of a jungle gym, a metal bar, in our heat, wouldn’t last long,” said Berggren. “But this is not how the virus is primarily transmitted. We care about surfaces, but we care more about the transmission of respiratory droplets. And that will happen when two people are less than 6 feet apart for more than 15 minutes. [And that’s why] it’s better if it’s outside, not because of the heat, but because of the air circulation. “

What should you keep in mind to avoid getting sick or making your loved ones sick?

It is important to remember the “3 P’s”: prevent, protect and provide.

• Avoid: Prevent others from getting sick by wearing a mask, washing your hands, and observing the 6-foot social distance rule.
• To protect: Protect yourself and others by strictly limiting your social bubble. If you interact with people outside your home, it is recommended to wear a mask.
• Provide: Provide information if you receive a phone call from a contact tracker, who will contact you if you have been exposed to COVID-19 and may require quarantine. Trackers will contact you from a number that begins with 210-207.

How do mild symptoms of COVID-19 differ from Sahara dust allergy symptoms?

Every year, usually in the summer months, a column of dust from the Sahara desert reaches San Antonio. With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, it can be scary to experience an irritating effect of fine dust particles, such as an itchy throat or respiratory problems. However, Dr. Berggren says don’t be alarmed.

“COVID (-19) may start with a sore throat and cough, but the difference will be fever. You will not have a fever from Saharan dust. He will have a COVID fever (-19), ”said Berggren. “Saharan dust may not make you feel good, but it will not make you feel sore and bad throughout your body.”

Other symptoms of COVID-19 include a loss of sense of smell or taste and shortness of breath.