Fred Southwick

Dr. Fred Southwick, an infectious disease specialist from the University of Florida, shares his expertise on the highly contagious norovirus. He discusses its symptoms and the critical importance of proper hygiene, especially in high-risk environments like childcare and cruise ships. The conversation highlights essential management strategies, including hydration and isolation guidelines during an infection. They also touch on the controversial topic of gain-of-function research and its implications for public health, emphasizing the need for stringent controls to prevent future outbreaks.

In this episode, infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Southwick and public health expert Dr. Bill Lang discuss the characteristics of the EG variant and compare it to Omicron. They also debate whether young healthy people should receive booster vaccines and emphasize the importance of vaccination for older individuals and those with health issues. Additionally, they explore the significance of the RSV vaccine for pregnant women and its prevention of RSV infections in newborns, as well as the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine for different age groups.