Hot temperatures - even those above 75 degrees - don’t have an effect on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Neither does cold.
Exposure to extreme heat or sunlight will not kill the virusFurthermore, no area of the United States has less of a risk of COVID-19 spread than others right now because of its climate.
“You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19,” according to the World Health Organization.
“To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.”
COVID-19 can also spread in hot and humid climates.
SEASONS
Meanwhile, there’s still a question of seasonality with COVID-19. Early on in the outbreak, experts suspected the virus could be like other coronaviruses and have a shorter lifespan at higher temperatures and in higher humidity. Most illnesses have an easier time surviving and reproducing in the colder months. But we won’t know for sure this will happen with COVID-19 until the seasons change and more research comes.
“We don’t have direct data for this virus, nor do we have direct data for a temperature-based cutoff for inactivation at this point,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The necessary temperature would also be based on the materials of the surface, the environment, etc.”
There also isn’t evidence that an extreme cold outside temperature will have an effect on the virus.
WHO notes that there is “no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases.”
Our normal body temperature typically remains around 98 degrees, give or take, regardless of the external temperature or weather.
EXPOSURE
Direct exposure to intense temperatures through other methods will also not eliminate COVID-19.
Hand dryers, hot baths, ice baths, UV lights and other related methods will likely not prevent a COVID-19 infection on their own. The same goes for methods like dousing yourself in chlorine or alcohol sprays ― just in case that was something you were considering.
WHO warns that attempting these methods may end up being harmful. For example, extremely hot showers can burn you, and UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
Bottom line: Practicing social distancing and good hygiene is your best option for warding off coronavirus.
