Buzz
Although we’ve been told for months that the novel coronavirus is unlike anything we’ve faced in modern history, it’s still easy to try to compare it to influenza. (Even though they are clearly distinct.) This is understandable, as we are familiar with flu season, which gives us a sense of order during the pandemic. While there are some parallels, such as the heightened risks for vulnerable individuals, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that COVID-19 is fundamentally different from the flu in one critical aspect: it’s not seasonal. We’ve been enduring one ongoing wave, and it’s still far from over.
The concept of “COVID season” simply doesn’t exist.
At the onset of the novel coronavirus outbreak in early 2020, some had hoped that warmer weather would naturally diminish its spread. While it was comforting to entertain this possibility, experts like Dr. Marc Lipsitch, professor of epidemiology and director of the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, have made it clear: COVID doesn’t behave that way.
During a virtual briefing in Geneva today, Dr. Margaret Harris, a WHO spokesperson, explained the situation to us.
People are still focused on seasons, but what we really need to understand is that this is a novel virus... and it behaves differently. Summer isn’t going to stop it. This virus thrives in all kinds of weather.
Unfortunately, this won’t be over anytime soon.
There has been much discussion about the different 'waves' of COVID-19, similar to what occurred during the 1918 flu pandemic. This concept suggests that once the virus’s spread slows or disappears for a while, a fresh round of infections will occur. With places like New York City—initially the U.S. epicenter—now able to reopen, it might seem like the rising infection rates in Arizona and Florida represent the much-discussed 'second wave.' However, WHO officials want to clarify that this is not the case.
In fact, WHO officials have made an effort to avoid calling COVID-19 resurgences (such as the current one in Hong Kong) 'waves.' The reasoning behind this is that referring to the spread as 'waves' implies that COVID-19 is beyond our control. But as we now know, collective action can slow the spread, as reported by Reuters.
Here’s what Dr. Harris shared about this in the same virtual briefing:
We’re in the first wave. It’s going to be a single, large wave that will rise and fall. The best course of action is to flatten it so it becomes a gentle tide lapping at your feet.
What actions can we take?
Even though COVID-19 isn’t seasonal like the flu, we shouldn’t lower our guard for this year’s flu season. This is why it’s crucial to get your flu shot. As Harris states, 'If there’s a spike in respiratory illness while the healthcare system is already under strain, it puts even more pressure on the system.' She also emphasizes the importance of maintaining public health measures like social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding large gatherings. (Yes, that means all of us, and yes, even during the summer.)
It may feel reassuring to think of COVID-19 as something seasonal or as occurring in waves, but that doesn’t appear to be how this virus behaves. So brace yourself, because, as Mytour’s senior health editor Beth Skwarecki has been telling us for months, this is not going to end anytime soon, herd immunity won’t be our solution, and things will likely worsen.
