As we head further into spring and into summer for the second time during the COVID-19 pandemic, we now have far more information about the coronavirus than we did one year ago.

What's also different this year is that the B.C. immunization program is underway, with over half of the province's population having received first doses.

So does all this mean that this summer may be a little different than last year? Or will everything remain the same?

Someone who regularly addresses questions about COVID-19 and vaccines is Dr. Anna Blakney, an assistant professor at the Michael Smith Laboratories at UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering. 

Blakney helped to debunk some of the most common myths and misunderstandings about COVID-19 and vaccinations, particularly during warm weather.

Some of the information may not be newto those who regularly follow COVID-19 updates. However, as everyone has differing levels of understanding of health guidelines and news, this information may help to provide clarification about what is fact and what to disregard.

Myth 1: Warmer weather slows down COVID-19 transmission. 

In the early days of the pandemic, theories began arising about whether or not warm weather helped to prevent transmission. That was particularly so as case numbers increased during winter in the Northern hemisphere while cases spread more slowly in the Southern hemisphere, which was experiencing summer. 

But we know now that there may be a different reason why transmissions may decrease during periods of warmer weather.  

“The best evidence suggests warm weather does not affect the actual coronavirus,” Blakney says. “However, when the weather is nice more people spend more time outdoors and there’s less transmission outside compared to inside. So in theory, there should be less transmission in the spring and summer.” 

Nonetheless, Blakney re-emphasized the importance for everyone to follow health guidelines (physical distancing, mask wearing, hand washing) whether inside or outside. 

“COVID-19 is a respiratory infection spread by breathing—there’s no conclusive evidence on whether or not the outside temperature directly affects transmission,” she says.  

Myth 2: You can catch COVID-19 in swimming pools via water transmission. 

The Vancouver Park Board announced that outdoor pools at four locations will open this weekend for public swims.

But some may wonder if the coronavirus be transmitted through water.

“COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that spreads in the air,” Blakney says. “The best available evidence strongly suggests that when virus particles hit chlorinated water, like in most swimming pools, the particles are no longer infectious.” 

As previously noted, everyone still needs to follow health guidelines, particularly when masks cannot be worn.

Myth 3: Vitamin and mineral supplements prevent and cure COVID-19.

Some people may wonder if they should take vitamins or supplements to boost their immune systems during the pandemic, which is something that pandemic guidelines often don't mention.

According to Blakney, the usual health guidelines apply.

“Proper nutrition is very important to keep your immune system healthy,” Blakney says. “We should eat healthy foods, drink lots of water, maintain our vitamin D levels, get enough sleep, and try to minimize stress in our lives the best we can. So if you contract COVID-19, vitamins and minerals will remain an important part of your recovery, but they won’t act as a cure.”

Myth 4: Mosquitos, ticks, and fleas can carry and transmit COVID-19.

As people spend time outdoors—or as the outdoors enter indoors while windows and doors are open during warmer weather—some people may wonder whether or not blood-suckers can spread the virus.

“Mosquitos, ticks, and fleas transmit disease through their bite to your bloodstream,” Blakney says. “Because COVID-19 is not a blood-borne virus, there’s no evidence it can be spread by mosquitos, ticks, and fleas.” 

There’s no word yet on how vampires respond to the coronavirus. 

Myth 5: After getting the vaccine, we won’t need masks anymore.

Some people may be eager to get vaccinated because they might think that means they no longer have to follow health guidelines.

However, Blakney pointed out that isn’t the case.

“Here in Canada, because the majority of the population has not received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, we still need to wear masks after we receive the vaccine because it’s still possible to infect someone who hasn’t been vaccinated,” she said. “While the vaccines have been shown to reduce transmission, they are not 100 percent effective at reducing transmission altogether. Once more of the population is vaccinated, the need for masks will decline.” 

Myth 6: I’ve had COVID-19 so I don’t need to get vaccinated. 

Some people who have previously contracted COVID-19 may think that they have already developed enough antibodies and therefore don’t require vaccinations.

But the level of protection may be uncertain and Blakney explained that vaccines can not only reduce severity of infections but also provide stronger immunity.

“It’s true that past COVID-19 infection gives you some level of immunity in the future, but the vaccine’s immunity level is much higher,” she said. “We want everyone to have maximum immunity and the best way to do that is to get the vaccine. Also, no vaccine is perfect—there’s still a chance you could contract COVID-19. But if you’re vaccinated, it will help prevent serious illness and the vaccines are very effective at preventing hospitalization due to COVID-19.” 

At the B.C. briefing on May 17, B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry addressed a question about the possibility that some people may opt not to receive a second booster vaccine dose because of the high level of protection offered by the first dose.

Henry said that receiving both doses provides the best protection, as the booster dose not only provides short-term protection but can also offer more durable and longer lasting protection.