Monsoon, Vitamin D, COVID-19 : Implications for India (Letter to the Editor)

Abstract

Background: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused 11,903 deaths in India as of 17 June 2020. Epidemiological evidence shows that transmission and peaks of infectious diseases are associated with the timing and severity of monsoon, generally peaking towards the end of the monsoon period. Observational studies indicate that vitamin D deficiency might be a risk factor for severity and mortality of COVID-19. This letter reviews the public health consequences in India due to COVID-19 during monsoon, keeping into account emerging evidence of the possible role of vitamin D in COVID-19 severity, lifting of the lockdown and the pressure on the healthcare system due to other infectious diseases during monsoon.

Implications: The increased possibility of COVID-19 transmission, potential vitamin D deficiency and the increased pressure on the healthcare systems due to other infectious diseases may lead to an increased mortality rate from COVID-19 in India during monsoon. Establishing the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation/sunlight exposure would be a significant advance in the control of COVID-19 pandemic in India during monsoon. This topic in India needs urgent attention from medical researchers around the world. Additionally, government and healthcare providers need to urgently plan to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on public health by addressing these topics as early as possible.