Seasonal variations in Nigeria: understanding COVID-19 transmission dynamics and immune responses

Abstract

There is a global rise in the emergence of infectious diseases and the enigmatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) being the most recent one. It is ravaging the world with little understanding of its etiology and factors affecting its transmission dynamics. Meanwhile, seasonal variations in weather are major factors impacting infectious disease transmission patterns. Developing countries are likely to be most affected by weather changes that could impact on the spread and control of infectious diseases. In Nigeria, weather conditions alternate between rainy and dry seasons. Conditions such as rainfall, humidity and sunlight had been reported to influence host susceptibility to infectious diseases. On the other hand, these weather elements have a direct or indirect impact on the level of vitamin D availability. More so, vitamin C and D supplementation were highlighted to enhance immunity in COVID-19 patients. Thus, understanding the impact of weather changes in transmission dynamics and boosting immune response to COVID-19 through vitamin supplementation in infected patients may be crucial as the rainy season fully sets in.