

#1439 - Michael Osterholm
Mar 10, 2020
Michael Osterholm, an esteemed expert in infectious disease epidemiology and director at CIDRAP, shares his insights on pandemic preparedness and the alarming rise of infectious diseases. He discusses the impact on younger populations, the risks posed by obesity, and the challenges of virus transmission amid misinformation. Osterholm highlights the importance of honest communication in public health and advocates for stronger immune system strategies. The conversation also touches on the growing threat of Lyme disease and the need for better public health planning.
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Limiting Contact
- Prioritize staying home if you are older than 55 or have underlying health problems.
- Limit your contact with others as much as possible to avoid infection.
School Closures
- School closures during a pandemic are not straightforwardly beneficial and may cause negative ripple effects.
- Closing schools might exacerbate healthcare worker shortages due to childcare needs.
US Pandemic Preparedness
- The US is not prepared for a pandemic, as evidenced by drug shortages and reliance on foreign suppliers.
- Most generic, critical drugs are manufactured overseas, mainly in China and India, causing a major vulnerability.