Medicine: The Truth with Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr

This week, America has Omicron on the mind. Listeners flooded the CTT inbox with questions about the new variant. Among them: Is Omicron more transmissible or lethal than Delta? Are current vaccines effective against it? What is President Biden doing to control the new variant and what kinds of social restrictions should we expect in the months ahead?

In this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth, Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl discuss all things Omicron. Tune in now for the latest, science-based answers to the following [time stamped] questions:

[01:00] Each show begins with the most recent and relevant facts concerning the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on American life. What’s happening and what does it mean?

[04:13] What do scientists know about the Omicron variant so far?

[12:37] Are current vaccines/boosters effective against Omicron?

[17:48] What do researchers know about the economic impact of Covid-19 on minority communities?

[19:16] How can politicians and scientists contingency plan for Omicron?

[20:13] What’s new with the Merck pill that patients start soon after becoming symptomatic with Covid-19?

[23:35] How does Omicron affect the “endemic” scenario?

[27:15] Any good news this week?

[30:34] What is President Biden’s plan to control Omicron?

[33:28] Are patient privacy fears warranted?

[35:15] What’s the latest with international border closures due to Covid-19?

This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

If you have coronavirus questions for the hosts, please visit the contact page or send us a message on Twitter or LinkedIn.

*To ensure the credibility of this program, Coronavirus: The Truth refuses to accept sponsorship, outside funding sources or guests with any financial or personal conflicts of interest.

The post CTT #52: What do scientists know about Omicron? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

Americans who’ve received two shots of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single-dose J&J vaccine, are considered “fully vaccinated” … for now. That could change, depending on the data, according to White House chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci. Already, some U.S. governors are pushing to update the definition to include boosters.

Last week, CDC officials urged all adults to get a vaccine booster six months after completing their original vaccine regimen.

In this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth, Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl discuss vaccine booster rates in the United States, the possible definition change for “fully vaccinated,” and what the future may hold.  Tune in now for the latest, science-based answers to the following [time stamped] questions:

[01:00] Each show begins with the most recent and relevant facts concerning the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on American life. What’s happening and what does it mean?

[05:54] What can Puerto Rico teach the rest of America about vaccinations?

[08:23] Why are cases in Europe spiking despite high vaccination rates?

[11:26] Why is Moderna battling the NIH over vaccine patent rights?

[14:20] Where do labor union stand on vaccine mandates?

[16:02] What’s the status of President Biden’s vaccine plan for large employers?

[17:18] What’s the mental-health impact social distancing and isolation?

[18:53] Will booster shots change our nation’s definition of “fully vaccinated”?

[19:57] What’s good this week?

[21:48] What’s this episode’s big non-Covid story?

[28:15] How do patients feel about telehealth?

[29:30] How is Singapore’s government punishing unvaccinated citizens?

This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

If you have coronavirus questions for the hosts, please visit the contact page or send us a message on Twitter or LinkedIn.

*To ensure the credibility of this program, Coronavirus: The Truth refuses to accept sponsorship, outside funding sources or guests with any financial or personal conflicts of interest.

The post CTT #51: Will the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ change with boosters? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

There was time when Coronavirus: The Truth cohosts Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl assumed the show would be irrelevant and retired by episode 20. This week, which marks the show’s 50th episode, the question must be asked: Is the coronavirus here to stay?

Several news outlets have reported in recent weeks that the Covid-19 pandemic may become endemic, continuing to circulate among the population for the foreseeable future. If that were to happen, according to the Wall Street Journal, “The disease could eventually become more similar to routine illnesses like the flu or colds, common ailments that are less destructive and deadly than Covid-19 is now.”

So, with vaccinations rates stalling and herd immunity still a long way off, Pearl and Corr discuss whether some form of Covid-19 be with us for the long haul. That and the following [time stamped] questions now:

[01:01] Each show begins with the most recent and relevant facts concerning the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on American life. What’s happening and what does it mean?

[04:45] Listener question: “I’ve been fully vaccinated and was wondering about getting a booster since there has been so much debate about approving additional shots for people under the age of 65.”

[06:46] Merck’s Covid-19 pill is now approved in Great Britain. What’s the story here?

[10:25] Do we need vaccine mandates?

[12:31] What should parents know about vaccinated their children?

[13:48] Question for cohost Jeremy Corr: If you knew in March 2020 this pandemic would be a 2-3 year march, is there anything you would have done differently for yourself or your son?

[15:50] Listener question: “I have recovered from Covid-19. How important is it to be vaccinated in addition? I’m worried about having a reaction to the shot.

[18:18] Will the Covid-19 pandemic become endemic? And what would that mean?  

[23:42] Do poor Americans suffer more in a pandemic?

[25:09] Did financial incentives increase vaccinations as hoped?

[26:48] What’s good this week?

[28:48] What’s this episode’s non-Covid healthcare story?

[32:01] What’s coming up on the Fixing Healthcare podcast?

[33:35] Should parents vaccinate the five- and six-year-olds?

This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

If you have coronavirus questions for the hosts, please visit the contact page or send us a message on Twitter or LinkedIn.

*To ensure the credibility of this program, Coronavirus: The Truth refuses to accept sponsorship, outside funding sources or guests with any financial or personal conflicts of interest.

The post CTT #50: Is Covid-19 here to stay? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth, Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl tackle more than a dozen timely and tricky Covid-19 questions.

This week: What should listeners know about the upcoming holiday season and Covid travel restrictions? Has the Biden administration provided any clarity on the vaccine mandate for employers? How did Puerto Rico manage to out-vaccinate every American state?

And, finally, one listener asks: Can I get a flu shot and Covid-19 booster at the same time? Dr. Pearl responds at the bottom of the broadcast by noting the heightened risks of influenza this year, given the dramatic decline in cases during the 2020 flu season. He also dives into the CDC’s guidance for people hoping to double up their flu and booster shots at the pharmacy or doctor’s office. Tune in for answers to this and other (time-stamped) questions on Coronavirus: The Truth.

[01:01] Each show begins with the most recent and relevant facts concerning the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on American life. What’s happening and what does it mean?

[04:46] Vaccine boosters: Who’s eligible for which one? Should J&J recipients mix and match?

[06:49] Where do things stand with international ground and air travel restrictions?

[10:05] With the 50th episode coming up, what stands out about the past 18 months to CTT hosts Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl?

[11:30] What lessons can we learn from Gen. Colin Powell’s death?

[14:55] What are Biden’s three strategic options in the battle against Covid-19?

[18:18] Do we need to vaccinate kids in order to reach the 90% threshold for herd immunity?

[21:54] What’s the relationship between a vaccinated person’s age and chances of dying?

[23:49] How did Puerto Rico achieve such a high level of vaccination?

[26:09] What’s this episode’s big non-Covid healthcare story?

[29:09] Will families celebrate the holidays differently this year vs. last?

[30:08] Listener question: Flu season is about to begin, so can I get a booster for Covid-19 and a flu shot on the same day?

This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

If you have coronavirus questions for the hosts, please visit the contact page or send us a message on Twitter or LinkedIn.

*To ensure the credibility of this program, Coronavirus: The Truth refuses to accept sponsorship, outside funding sources or guests with any financial or personal conflicts of interest.

The post CTT #49: Can I get my flu shot and Covid-19 booster at the same time?  appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

Merck’s new oral antiviral medication (molnupiravir) has been labeled a “huge, huge advance” in the fight against Covid-19 by a Harvard Medical School virologist. The pill also has been called the “holy grail of treatments” by an executive director at the World Health Organization.

Merck says it’s now seeking FDA authorization of the investigational medication after phase-three clinical trials showed a 50% reduction in hospitalizations and death among individuals infected with Covid-19.

In this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth, Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl discuss the new medication, the research done so far, the pill’s side effects, the costs, and the implications for our nation’s ongoing battle against the coronavirus.

[01:00] What should we know about Merck’s new pill?

[06:40] How do we explain those who are anti-vaccine but pro-Merck-pill despite the large differential in available research data?

[07:55] Who should get a booster, according to FDA and CDC guidelines?

[10:58] Are vaccine mandates working based on early returns?

[12:42]  What prompted Dr. Pearl’s provocative Forbes article comparing Covid-19 with 9/11?

[16:44] Listener question: Do we have any data regarding side-effects from booster shots?

[18:12] What ever happened to Covid-19 testing?

[21:10] Any scientific truth to social-media claims Covid-19 vaccines cause infertility

[23:29] What’s good this week?

[25:59] What’s the big non-Covid healthcare story listeners should know about?

[31:10] Listener question: “I loved [Jeremy’s] analysis about which of the past U.S. presidents would have been best to lead our nation through the pandemic. I though your choice of Lincoln was superb. Who do you believe would have been the worst president for this task?”

[34:12] What should we make of California Governor Gavin Newsome’s decision to require vaccination for in-person classes for all students in schools?

This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

If you have coronavirus questions for the hosts, please visit the contact page or send us a message on Twitter or LinkedIn.

*To ensure the credibility of this program, Coronavirus: The Truth refuses to accept sponsorship, outside funding sources or guests with any financial or personal conflicts of interest.

The post CTT #48: Is Merck’s anti-Covid pill really the ‘holy grail’? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

Data points, alone, never tell the whole story. Numbers are often used and misused to confirm our personal biases rather than to inform or reform our thinking.

No matter how you view the pandemic or slice the data, it’s hard to see the latest set of Covid-19 figures as anything other than proof our nation remains embroiled in an avoidable and ongoing tragedy, one that has been unfolding for the better part of two years.

In this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth, Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl put these numbers in context and discuss the following questions:

[01:00] What is happening with Covid-19 data and what does it all mean?

[07:37] Why do vaccine hesitancy and resistance remain so high and what can be done?

[10:18] What does data from other countries show about vaccine effectiveness against the Delta variant?

[11:39] What are the two most compelling arguments in the vaccine debate now?

[14:10] What should parents know this week?

[16:49] Is the Delta Airlines fine of $200 on unvaccinated workers making a difference?

[18:12] What is the vaccine issue doing to friendships in America?

[20:00] Why was the FDA’s hearing on the Pfizer booster so contentious?

[23:51] What’s good this week?

[25:32] What’s this episode’s big non-Covid story?

[27:47] History hypothetical for Jeremy Corr: Which U.S. presidents would’ve best led our nation through the Covid-19 pandemic?

[33:17] Why so little progress in the fight against Covid-19?

This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

If you have coronavirus questions for the hosts, please visit the contact page or send us a message on Twitter or LinkedIn.

*To ensure the credibility of this program, Coronavirus: The Truth refuses to accept sponsorship, outside funding sources or guests with any financial or personal conflicts of interest.

The post CTT #47: How are the Covid-19 numbers still this bad?   appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

A listener wrote in about Ivermectin—a drug used to kill worms and parasitic infections—because her friends had recommended it for treating Covid-19.

To date, 14 studies have concluded that Ivermectin is ineffective against Covid-19 and potentially dangerous. One study found the drug could kill the coronavirus in a laboratory setting, however, the dosage used would have been toxic and potentially lethal to humans.

Is there a reason people are choosing this unproven drug over a thoroughly tested vaccine? In this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth, Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl tackle this tricky topic and discuss the following questions:

[01:00] Each show begins with the most recent and relevant facts concerning the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on American life. What’s happening and what does it mean?

[04:04] Are Covid-19 booster shots effective?

[07:27] How is Delta Airlines trying to contain the Delta variant?

[11:25] How has Covid-19 changed American culture?

[13:17] What are the dangers of teenagers developing myocarditis after vaccination?

[15:55] What should we know about the Mu variant?

[16:58] Last month, schools reopened. What did we learn?

[19:27] What’s the story with people using Ivermectin to treat Covid-19?

[21:25] What’s good this week?

[23:40] What’s this episode’s biggest non-Covid healthcare story?

[26:55] What does American history teach us about healthcare today?

[29:54] Mutants vs. vaccines: What does the science tell us?

This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

If you have coronavirus questions for the hosts, please visit the contact page or send us a message on Twitter or LinkedIn.

*To ensure the credibility of this program, Coronavirus: The Truth refuses to accept sponsorship, outside funding sources or guests with any financial or personal conflicts of interest.

The post CTT #46: Why are people taking Ivermectin to treat Covid-19? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

A while back, Houston Methodist hospital gave its 26,000 employees an ultimatum: Get vaccinated or get a new job. All but 100 or so workers complied and, now, hospital leaders are reporting a nearly 100% vaccination rate.

Clearly, the mandate worked for one hospital, but what about others institutions? Recent weeks have brought on several high-profile vaccine mandates from private employers like United Airlines, Google and Facebook, as well as government institutions like the VA and the U.S. military. But will these vaccine mandates help slow the raging Delta variant in the areas of the country being hit hardest?

In this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth, Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl discuss this burning question along with the following hot topics:

[01:00] Each show begins with the most recent and relevant facts concerning the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on American life. What’s happening and what does it mean?

[04:09] Why did President Biden call for booster shots?

[09:36] Listener question: “I had been ill with Covid-19, but am fully recovered now. I am worried about getting vaccinated. What would you recommend?”

[11:10] How are parents reacting now that school is back in session?

[13:34] What to make of mask mandates in various states?

[16:03] How dangerous is the Delta variant compared to other Covid-19 mutations and possible vaccine complications?

[21:04] Following Pearl’s Forbes article on mask/vaccine mandates (which has over 300,000 readers) do we have more info on the legality of mandates?

[23:14] Why are Covid-19 cases are spiking among kids?

[24:26] Are we destined to return to virtual education?

[26:05] What’s good this week?

[29:33] What’s this episode’s big non-Covid story?

[32:47] In places that vote Republican, you might imagine people would encourage vaccination to protect the economy. Why haven’t they?

[36:46] Listener questions (from a physician): Are there any statistical models to calculate the continuing risk of novel pathogenic Covid-19 variants? Is there evidence that these variants can arise among the vaccinated part of the population? And can herd immunity be achieved if those who are vaccinated can harbor the virus?

This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

If you have coronavirus questions for the hosts, please visit the contact page or send us a message on Twitter or LinkedIn.

*To ensure the credibility of this program, Coronavirus: The Truth refuses to accept sponsorship, outside funding sources or guests with any financial or personal conflicts of interest.

The post CTT #45: Do vaccine mandates actually work? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

“As you know my son starts kindergarten in a couple of weeks,” Jeremy Corr said to his cohost Dr. Robert Pearl in this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth. “I know this topic is causing anxiety for a lot of parents as they prepare for the school year. How’s the Delta variant affecting kids? Should we be more concerned than we were before? What advice do you have for parents with young children going to school in a couple of weeks?”

Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl discuss these questions in detail, dive into the “Delta-Plus” variant, consider a possible ban on booster shots, and tackle the following topics throughout the episode:

[01:03] Each show begins with the most recent and relevant facts concerning the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on American life. What’s happening and what does it mean?

[06:47] Why is the CDC recommending masks indoors for vaccinated people?

[11:07] What is “Delta-Plus”?

[12:51] How is the Delta variant affecting foreign travel?

[13:48] Why does controversy keep following the FDA and CDC of late?

[16:28] Why did the WHO propose a ban on booster shots?

[18:09] Does the Delta variant affect kids differently than adults?

[21:32] What reasons do people give for refusing vaccination?

[23:26] What’s good this week?

[25:13] What’s the big non-Covid story this week?

[27:20] How has Delta impacted areas like Iowa where cohost Jeremy Corr lives?

This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

If you have coronavirus questions for the hosts, please visit the contact page or send us a message on Twitter or LinkedIn.

*To ensure the credibility of this program, Coronavirus: The Truth refuses to accept sponsorship, outside funding sources or guests with any financial or personal conflicts of interest.

The post CTT #44: How does the Delta variant affect kids? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

In this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth, Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl dive deep into the ever-thickening plotline around booster shots.

Drug companies like Pfizer are pushing for them. Government agencies like the CDC and FDA are pushing back. Some critics say drug companies are acting out of greed and not in the interest of the public. Others are turning to the data for answers, noting that new variants and uncertainty around antibodies should drive the discussion.

Tune in for more on this debate and answers to the following questions:

[01:02] Each show begins with the most recent and relevant facts concerning the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on American life. What’s happening and what does it mean?

[05:20] How dangerous is the Delta variant for vaccinated and unvaccinated people?

[16:29] Dr. Pearl asks listeners: If you’re still vaccine-hesitant, what’s standing in your way? Contact the hosts here (your privacy is guaranteed)

[18:18] Why would the FDA approve the controversial Alzheimer’s drug but not a Covid-19 vaccine booster that’s proven to be effective?

[21:50] Why are so many healthcare workers still unvaccinated and what’s being done?

[29:43] A listener asks: “I had Covid-19 and recovered fully. Do I need the vaccine?”

[32:03] What do scientists know about vaccine side effects, such as neurologic disorders, nerve problems and blood clotting?

[34:22] With Covid-19 infections rising again, how are team sports being affected?

[37:08] With schools opening next month, what are public health officials recommending?

[38:22] What’s good this week?

[39:31] What’s the big non-Covid healthcare story?

[41:14] What reasons have people given co-host Jeremy Corr for not being vaccinated?

[45:40] Is it safe to travel by plane with unvaccinated children?

[46:29] What do we know about Covid-19’s impact on U.S. life expectancy?

This episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

If you have coronavirus questions for the hosts, please visit the contact page or send us a message on Twitter or LinkedIn.

*To ensure the credibility of this program, Coronavirus: The Truth refuses to accept sponsorship, outside funding sources or guests with any financial or personal conflicts of interest.

The post CTT #43: To booster or not to booster? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.