EconTalk

Jay Bhattacharya on the Pandemic

Dec 21, 2020
Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford University professor and co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, discusses a controversial approach to pandemic management. He argues for focused protection of vulnerable populations while allowing low-risk individuals to return to normalcy. The conversation critiques the economic and mental costs of lockdowns, highlights the neglected long-term health risks of COVID-19, and emphasizes the importance of diverse opinions in public health discourse. Bhattacharya advocates for a balanced approach, valuing transparency and accurate data in guiding future health responses.
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INSIGHT

Lower Than Expected Fatality Rate

  • COVID-19 infection fatality rates are much lower than initially thought, especially for those under 70.
  • Sero-prevalence studies reveal a steep age gradient in survival rates, with a dramatic increase in mortality risk over 70.
ANECDOTE

Son's Flu-Induced Paralysis

  • Jay Bhattacharya's son experienced temporary paralysis from the flu.
  • This anecdote highlights rare but severe outcomes possible from respiratory illnesses, emphasizing studying long-term COVID-19 effects.
INSIGHT

Persistent Deaths in Older Age Groups

  • Despite lower mortality rates, a high number of older people are still dying from COVID-19.
  • Improved treatment protocols and increased testing contribute to the lower overall death rate but don't fully explain the persistent deaths in older age groups.
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