Dr. Monica Gandhi with a Pandemic Update: Data on the Latest Variant, Vaccine Efficacy, Masks, and Rational Management

Dr. Monica Gandhi, Infectious Disease Expert, is back on the podcast to offer us some insights on the pandemic. She covers so much in this 30-minute interview to clear up confusion and to offer the latest data. We get into everything from why certain concepts like natural immunity and endemic vs zero covid were considered controversial when she was on the show back in August and what the current thinking is today. She gives us the latest update on the current variant and masking, as well as what breakthrough covid really means. She also shares her thoughts on how we can get back to normal and why even saying that is upsetting to so many people (at least on Twitter where Dr. Gandhi regularly posts). There are a couple of articles available on the show notes page that she references. Tune in now and access the show notes at https://thegoodlifecoach.com/176

WHAT WE DISCUSS:

1. The efficacy of the vaccines against the latest variant.
2. Whether breakthrough infections is what it should be called when someone fully vaccinated gets the virus.
3. The latest update on masks, which ones are most reliable, and how they can be used for protection.
4. What endemic means and why countries are moving away from zero-covid strategies.
5. Why natural immunity should be considered like it is in Europe and why Dr. Gandhi still recommends creating hybrid immunity with one dose if you’ve had it.
6. Where we are headed and is it possible to get back to normal? She explains why it’s important to have rational management moving forward.

Please note that this interview was recorded on March 23, 2022 and the data changes frequently.

*This interview is not to be considered medical advice. This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor or trusted healthcare providers. Please consult your doctor for anything dealing with your health and well-being.

About Our Guest: Monica Gandhi MD, MPH is an Infectious Diseases doctor, Professor of Medicine and Associate Chief in the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She is also the Director of the UCSF Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) and the Medical Director of the HIV Clinic (“Ward 86”) at San Francisco General Hospital. Her research focuses on HIV and women and adherence measurement in HIV treatment and prevention and most recently, on how to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.