One Thing: Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Our New Covid Calculation
Sep 17, 2023
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Dr. Sanjay Gupta discusses the updated Covid-19 vaccines, the potential triple threat of coronavirus, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus, and the possibility of the Covid vaccine becoming an annual shot. They also address the safety concerns of the vaccine versus the virus, the effectiveness of mask mandates, and the impact of Covid-19 on the brain.
There is an uptick in hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19, with concerns about the upcoming triple threat season of RSV, flu, and COVID circulating simultaneously.
The updated COVID vaccines provide good protection against the currently circulating virus, and there is a possibility of COVID vaccination becoming an annualized practice similar to the flu shot.
Deep dives
COVID-19 Uptick and Triple Threat Season
The podcast discusses the current COVID-19 situation, where there is an uptick in hospitalizations and deaths due to the virus. The number of hospitalizations is higher compared to the same period last year, but lower than previous surges. Additionally, there is a concern about the upcoming triple threat season, with the circulation of RSV, flu, and COVID simultaneously. This could lead to a significant number of people falling sick at the same time, causing confusion in identifying the illness. Updated vaccines are now available, providing good protection against the currently circulating virus.
Understanding the New COVID Vaccines
The podcast explains that the new COVID vaccines are not considered boosters but rather a different formulation to match the predominant strains. The antibodies created by these vaccines offer effective protection against the circulating virus. Individuals who were previously vaccinated or had COVID in the recent months are considered to be well-protected. There is also a discussion on the possibility of the COVID shot becoming an annualized vaccine, similar to the flu shot, with potential recommendations for annual vaccinations.
Safety and Effectiveness of the COVID Vaccines
The podcast addresses concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID vaccines. The vaccines have undergone significant safety testing, with billions of doses administered globally. While there is a rare risk of myocarditis, it is also a risk associated with the virus itself. It is important to consider the overall risk of infection versus the risk of the vaccine, especially for young, healthy individuals. The podcast also highlights the importance of testing, not just for identifying infection, but also for understanding individual immunity and gathering data on the circulation of the virus.
Last week, the FDA and CDC signed off on updated Covid-19 vaccines that target currently circulating variants. It comes amid a recent uptick in hospitalizations and deaths in the United States ahead of winter that could see threats from three respiratory viruses – coronavirus, flu and respiratory syncytial virus. In today’s episode, we answer some frequently asked questions about the updated Covid-19 vaccines and look at how we should approach the virus nearly more than three years after its emergence.
Guest: Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent