Trump is right: UV light supports the fight against Covid-19

President Trump caused outrage once more with his suggestion that ultraviolet (UV) light could help in the fight against Covid-19 patients. His record of defying science and stepping in the footsteps of the doctors who should lead the fight against the pandemic is not helpful. However, in this case he is right.

UV rays are an invisible type of radiation that can penetrate skin cells. Though there has not been any research looking at how UV lights affects the Covid-19 virus specifically, studies have shown that it can be used against other coronaviruses, such as SARS. The radiation warps the structure of their genetic material and prevents the viral particles from making more copies of themselves. Other studies have shown that flu cases go up in Brazil during the burning season when there is more smoke in the atmosphere from forest fires and sunlight is diluted. There are also studies into using UV light as a defense against bacteria and viruses in case of biological warfare.

Sunlight — UV light — is not the one treatment that will replace the need for vaccinations or drugs. However, it is a treatment that supports the fight against the virus; it is available to everyone, but it is not used well, if at all. It is true that exposure to too much UV light can cause skin damage and cancer. However, the social media…