"Viruses, Survival Rate Increases in Cold Weather" Sudden Cold Wave, Will the New Coronavirus Spread?

Virus Envelope Hardens at Low Temperatures
Immune Function Decreases When Indoor Humidity Drops Below 30%

If Cold Weather Prevents Indoor Ventilation,
Virus Density Increases, Raising Infection Risk

Lower Body Temperature May Increase Virus Infectivity

On the 4th, a foreigner is visiting the screening clinic for the novel coronavirus infection installed at the National Medical Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Amid the coldest weather of this winter, the cold and dry conditions are expected to continue until the day after tomorrow, raising some concerns about the potential spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Infectious Disease Control Support Group on the 5th, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (2013) published research findings showing that cold and pneumonia viruses survive longer when temperature and humidity are low.

Viruses are known to survive longer in dry conditions with temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius and humidity below 20-30%. The outer envelope surrounding the virus hardens at low temperatures, which extends its survival period and stabilizes it.

Regarding humidity, most viruses find it difficult to survive when humidity decreases, but cold and flu viruses can survive for a long time even in low humidity. Especially when indoor humidity drops below 30%, moisturizing effects decrease, weakening immunity and allowing viruses to penetrate more easily. Furthermore, as the weather gets colder, people spend more time indoors rather than outdoors, and if proper ventilation is not maintained, the air inside becomes stagnant, increasing virus density and the likelihood of infection. However, the specific correlation between the novel coronavirus and temperature/humidity has not yet been clearly established.

It is also important to be cautious as body temperature drops with falling temperatures, weakening immunity. Although it varies by individual, it is generally known that immunity decreases by about 30-40% when body temperature drops by 1 degree Celsius. Lower body temperature increases the likelihood of virus infection. Dry environments are also critical. When the air is dry, the respiratory defense membranes, including the nasal mucosa, are easily damaged, making it easier for viruses to penetrate the body.

The cold weather will continue until the day after tomorrow. On the morning of the 6th, the lowest temperatures are forecasted to be -12 degrees in Seoul, -9 degrees in Incheon, -10 degrees in Daejeon, and -5 degrees in Busan. Daytime temperatures are also expected to be lower than average (-1 to 7 degrees Celsius compared to the usual -3 to 9 degrees). Strong winds will make the perceived temperature even colder. From the daytime of the 7th, temperatures are expected to rise and return to average levels.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.