Can the virus spread through snow? Does snow have any effect on the virus?

Many areas have ushered in the "spring snow" of 2021. Under the epidemic, many people are isolated at home, and there are pictures of silver everywhere looking out of the window. Some people say that snow is good, as it can freeze viruses to death. Others say that you should not go out to play in the snow when it snows. Snowflakes carry viruses. So, can snow kill viruses? Can I go out and play in the snow?

Can the virus spread through snow?

No matter what kind of virus it is, transmission requires a carrier, such as droplets, contact with the same object, etc. Assuming that the virus comes into contact with people through falling snowflakes, there is a theoretical possibility of spreading the virus in this case. For the new coronavirus, current research shows that its main routes of transmission are through respiratory droplets and contact. There is currently no research showing that viruses can spread through snow, and snowfall can clean the air. Snowflakes can effectively settle fine particles floating in the air, and these particles often harbor viruses or bacteria. Therefore, after snowfall, you can open more windows for ventilation, and the air quality will usually become very good.

Does snow have any impact on the virus?

There is currently no clear explanation for this issue. Two experts from Beijing Ditan Hospital and Beijing Chaoyang Hospital said: The relationship between weather and the epidemic is very complex, and further understanding of the new coronavirus is needed. Most viruses like cold, dry air. Someone has done experiments and found that when humidity is high, virus particles are unstable, and so are high temperatures. So dry winters are suitable for the spread of influenza. Theoretically, snow should not be conducive to the spread of viruses, and viruses that have settled through snowflakes should not be able to easily come into contact with people.

But you can’t relax your vigilance just because it’s snowing. Firstly, the lowering of temperature will cause the body’s immunity to decrease instinctively. At the same time, there are few types of fruits and vegetables in winter, and vitamin C intake is relatively low. The human body is susceptible to cold. Later, the mucosa of the respiratory system is more easily damaged, making it easier for the virus to take advantage of this time. This is why winter and spring are the peak seasons for influenza. Second, the current research on the new coronavirus has only confirmed that it is sensitive to heat and alcohol. As for whether it is afraid of cold, there is no clear conclusion yet. Some laboratory virus specimens are preserved in low-temperature environments. Various frozen viruses are often found on the earth, and some have survived for thousands of years and tens of thousands of years. So you shouldn’t rush out more just because it’s snowing.

Can I go out and play in the snow?

Don’t forget that the new coronavirus can survive on smooth surfaces for several hours without its host. What if you dig out the virus settled in the snowflakes while going out to play in the snow? Playing in the snow is just not worth the risk of getting infected.

In short, snow has the possibility of spreading the virus, but the possibility is low. We cannot let down our guard and go out to play in the snow rashly. The most effective measures to prevent novel coronavirus infection are: go out less often, wash hands frequently, and always wear a mask when going out.