WARNING: COVID-19 Cases Increasing as Cold Weather Approaches

Despite protestations from some politicians, most medical experts and scientists are concerned with the rise of COVID-19 cases across the country, even before colder weather and flu season arrives. Numbers are rising in 33 states plus Puerto Rico with approximately 40,000 new cases daily. This is a major concern, says Dr. Kenneth Johnson, Executive Dean of the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and Chief Medical Affairs Director at Ohio University. Overall, we really haven’t made adequate progress in slowing the virus, he notes. He also worries about cold weather on the horizon. Colder weather forces more people inside where air circulation may be compromised allowing droplets and air contamination to spread more easily. In addition, colder weather brings on flu season. The flu plus COVID-19 may be a lethal combination. Combatting the coronavirus also is made more difficult when science and politics clash, according to Dr. Johnson. People, too often to their detriment, question the science behind trying to control the pandemic. He cites conflicting edicts from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other governmental agencies as a source for public confusion, Dr. Johnson says that a “safe and effective” vaccine distributed throughout the country to all citizens is the only way to effectively curb spread of the disease. He worries, however, about the conflicts between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the White House over the pre-release testing of vaccines. He suggests that the FDA releasing raw test data to the scientific world will allow medical and scientific experts to assess the vaccine. He says that transparency is the key to public acceptance. Until a vaccine is available, Dr. Johnson heartily recommends using a mask, social distancing, and frequent handwashing as alternatives. He stresses that using or not using masks should not be based on politics but instead, be based upon good medical practices.