John Hopkins University immunologist Andrew Pekosz wrote a piece on the University blog that should stand the test of time. In it he asked two fundamental questions about seasonality and immunity to the Covid virus. Why do some groups of people seem more susceptible to severe illness? And will the outbreak slow for summer as other coronaviruses do?
Factoring Age into Seasonality and Immunity to the Covid Virus
Andrew Pekosz believes that not one single person in the population has any inborn immunity to the virus. Social distancing is the only way we can hope to control the spread until we immunize ourselves. However, we are only beginning to understand why males and elderly people are at greater risk of severe symptoms.
He and his university colleagues are working hard to understand why there are these differences. That’s because they might be able to develop more effective medical treatments when they understand seasonality and immunity to the Covid virus better.
Many Viruses, Including Influenza Are More Frequent in Winter
Perhaps this is why so many European countries report a slowing of the spread as spring approaches, and warmer days return. Andrew Pekosz knows the virus transmits better during times of low humidity and temperature. However, he does not know whether Covid-19 will be as seasonal as other respiratory viruses.
We shall have to wait and see, although significant outbreaks in Australia and South America run counter to that possibility. Andrew Pekosz has a ‘major concern’ the virus will return to the northern half of the globe next winter. He also wants to know why this particular virus produces such a large proportion of mild cases.
There are many things we still do not understand about seasonality and immunity to the Covid virus. We give thanks, while we wait for answers from our virologists, and our healthcare professionals risking their lives for us every minute of the day and night.
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Preview Image: John Hopkins University Coronavirus Viewer
Video Share Link: https://youtu.be/0JR9qhz2eMw
Covid-19: Immunity and Seasonality (Andrew Pekosz)
