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Coronavirus Questions Answered: Will There Be A Second Wave?

There may be surges until we get a vaccine. [Ohio Department of Health]
There may be surges until we get a vaccine. [Ohio Department of Health]

What are your questions about the coronavirus?

ideastream is answering as many questions as possible, with help from local experts in a range of fields. You can  send us your questions with our online form, through our  social media  pages and  group or call us at 216-916-6476. We'll  keep the answers coming on our website and on the air.

William asked: If we reopen before a vaccine is available, could we see a second or third wave like what happened in the 1918 flu pandemic?

Dr. Keith Armitage of University Hospitals said he thinks this will be different because the coronavirus is unlikely to be seasonal.

“It seems like it’s probably not likely that lots of sun or warm weather do much to mitigate the spread of coronavirus," he said.

He said hospitals are preparing for potential surges, but he thinks Ohio will be able to reduce how big the surge is, and he’s optimistic the state won’t see as bad of a surge as certain hot spots like Italy or New York City have seen.

But Armitage said until an effective treatment or a vaccine is available, surges are possible, and social distancing measures will need to remain in place to mitigate it.  

lisa.ryan@ideastream.org | 216-916-6158