As temperatures begin to rise, people hope that the infection rates of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic may drop. However, experts believe the virus will continue to pose a public health issue throughout summer. Experts are bracing themselves for a second wave of infections to hit in the fall, and it may just coincide with flu season.
With scientists just beginning to understand SARS-CoV-2, there are fears of a wave worse than the first. Former patterns with outbreaks reveal there may be peaks during the spring. The 1918 flu pandemic hit the US originally in March, followed by a more lethal wave in October. Several respiratory viruses follow similar patterns, with infection rates peaking in the fall and winter.
SARS-CoV-2 is related to other strains of coronavirus, including several viruses that cause the common cold and viruses that caused outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002 and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012.
To prepare for a potential second way, it is important to increase healthcare capacity. Experts believe hospitals need to continue preparing for the reality, ramp up efforts to secure PPE, and ensure adequate staffing. Meanwhile, people need to continue physical distancing measures. Enjoy the summer while maintaining at least a 6 feet distance from others. Do not let the summer tease you. Take advantage of the nice weather, yes, but keep the virus at bay.
