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

“How worried should people be about the Delta variant?” asked one listener of Coronavirus: The Truth.

The answer: Very. “Data published online this week shows the Delta variant spreads 225% faster than the original coronavirus,” said cohost Dr. Robert Pearl in this episode, adding that there are approximately 1,000 times more copies of this coronavirus strain in the respiratory tracts of infected people. What’s more, those infected with the Delta variant tend to become infectious far earlier in the clinical course. Combined these factors make this mutant coronavirus more dangerous, both for those who come down with the virus and those who remain unvaccinated.

This troubling trend, plus a deeper dive into the science and the following questions—all in this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth with Jeremy Corr and Dr. Pearl.

[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?

[05:21] How worried should people be about the Delta variant of Covid-19?

[11:06] Can the Delta infect and sicken vaccinated people?

[14:43] How do we explain Israel’s experience with this variant (given high vaccination rates)?

[17:23] Listener question: “Our family is fully vaccinated, so why did LA County just recommend that we continue to wear masks inside?”

[19:07] Listener question: “Thank you for your global coverage of the pandemic. I want to know what is the current thinking on the vaccine that was developed in China and is being distributed to many countries around the world?”

[25:28] U.S. vaccinations have fallen from 4 million per day to about half a million. What do we know about the vaccine holdouts?

[28:09] What’s good this week?

[30:36] What’s the big story in non-Covid news this week?

[33:46] Will patients take advantage of price-shopping elective services after Covid-19?

[34:38] What about other the healthcare transparency measures recently introduced?

[35:39] Why has American longevity declined and will numbers rebound this year?

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 #42: How dangerous is the Delta variant? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

A close look at data from 2.9 million households revealed something bizarre about birthdays. Results of a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine indicated a 31% higher frequency of Covid-19 infection within two weeks of a birthday between January and November of 2020.

Those celebrating a child’s birthday were at the highest risk of all. What does the data mean about the dangers of informal gatherings with children present? The answer to this and the following questions in this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth with Jeremy Corr and Dr. Pearl.

[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?

[06:22] Why did the NIH retroactively change its Covid-19 infection numbers?

[08:56] Why are young people reporting heart problems after vaccination?

[11:37] Do Covid-19 vaccines lower sperm count?

[13:45] Listener question: Are there any new medications to treat Covid-19? 

[15:56] Listener question: What is Japan doing about Covid-19 with the Olympics coming up?

[17:14] Are kids birthday parties becoming super-spreader events?

[20:39] What’s good this week?

[23:38] You tell us: Should this show cover non-Covid-19 issues?

[26:47] Should powerful nations share or store their vaccine surpluses?

[29:28] Why are medical licenses handed out by states and not the federal government?

[30:49] Is the dip in Covid-19 testing a threat to our nation’s health?

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 #41: Are kids birthday parties the biggest super-spreader events? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

As the pandemic winds down, scientists and pollsters are looking closer at public health decisions in hindsight. A new Axios-Ipsos poll looked into whether masking and social distancing actually saved lives.

Relying on self-reported data, the poll results showed that respondents who never wore a mask were twice as likely to get COVID-19 as those who wore masks all the time. Meanwhile, only 10% of people who always kept a six-foot distance from others tested positive whereas 26% of people never followed social-distancing guidelines tested positive.

Given that people who social distanced and wore masks all the time got tested more regularly than those who didn’t, we can extrapolate that the infection gap was even greater than indicated in this poll. The conclusion: “Turns out that wearing a mask and social distancing really weren’t a waste of time.” Much more on this and the following questions in this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth with Jeremy Corr and Dr. Pearl.

[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?

[06:53] When will the FDA give Covid-19 vaccines full approval?

[11:08] Listener question: “Why has the U.S. been reluctant to help other countries with their Covid-19 problems?”

[14:47] Listener question: “How are other countries doing with vaccinations? When will the rest of the world open up like [the U.S. is] doing?”

[17:22] How will Covid-19 impact the U.S. economy long-term?

[23:51] How does the Delta variant in India impact global travel?

[28:02] Did social distancing make a difference, according to research?

[32:04] What’s good this week?

[37:00] Listener suggestion: “Maybe you could expand this program to other new information from healthcare. I love your style of telling it as it is, and so maybe you can give updates beyond the coronavirus.”

[49:20] Do other nations struggle with the outsized influence of lobbying and campaign contributions on healthcare policy?

[5:3] What’s Jeremy’s take on the controversial new Alzheimer’s drug?

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 #40: Was social distancing a waste of time? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

Several recent news stories have revived the debate over whether the novel coronavirus was first transmitted from a bat to a human via a wet market in Wuhan, China, or whether its origins can be traced to the Wuhan Institute of Virology as a result of a laboratory error.

A U.S. intelligence report found that three researchers at the institute were sick enough in November 2019 to require hospital care—meaning they had symptoms consist with Covid-19 a full month before the first case was officially reported in China.

If that’s the case, how might the virus have made its way into the institute? And would this explanation legitimize past internet conspiracy theories? Much more on this and the following questions in this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth with Jeremy Corr and Dr. Pearl.

[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?

[03:07] How effective are current vaccines against the new global variants?

[05:08] Wet market or lab: where did the novel coronavirus originate?

[11:59] Why is there still so much distrust in the U.S. pertaining to Covid-19?

[13:38] Will vaccinated Americans need booster shots?

[18:47] Can schools and employers legally mandate vaccination?

[23:36] What’s good this week?

[26:46] What are “breakthrough infections” and should we be concerned?

[29:24] Was cancelling the Olympic Games a smart move by Japanese leaders?

[31:01] Would a financial incentive combat vaccine hesitancy?

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 #39: What’s the truth about Covid-19’s origins? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

Dr. Anthony Fauci recently called for schools to reopen “full blast,” with in-person classes five days a week. Meanwhile, CDC officials said that schools should resume in-person learning as soon as possible *if* social distancing and masks are properly enforced.

When it comes to this pandemic, it’s always risky trying to predict what public health guidance will look like four months into the future. But a “more normal school experience” seems likely, according to Fixing Healthcare co-host Dr. Robert Pearl. More on that and the following questions in this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth with Jeremy Corr and Dr. Pearl.

[00:58] 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?

[03:30] What’s the latest Covid-19 news for parents?

[05:11] Are Americans afraid of returning to life as (pre-pandemic) normal?

[08:09] What are the options for school in the fall?

[10:57] What exactly is herd immunity?

[18:55] What’s happening with pandemic in India?

[23:51] Can Ibuprofen decrease immune-system response to Covid-19?

[25:26] What’s good this week?

[27:44] How does heart disease correlate with Covid-19 risks?

[29:51] Do Americans really observe or understand CDC guidelines?

[32:58] How could CDC guidance and public health messaging be clearer and more consistent?   

[39:33] Should parents vaccinate young kids?

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 #38: Masks in classrooms for students this fall? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

Co-host Dr. Pearl spoke with several critical care physicians in a recent Forbes article. One of those doctors described waking up regularly before sunrise, covered in sweat. Another seasoned physician said he had four patients die in a single day from Covid-19—more patients than he’d ever lost in a month. A resident explained that he started his ICU rotation with six Covid-19 patients. All were dead by the end of the month.

According to a national KFF/Washington Post poll, a majority of healthcare workers say the Covid-19 crisis is taking a toll on their mental health. Citing stress and burnout, 3 in 10 clinicians have considered leaving the profession.

In this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth, Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl discuss the rising professional dissatisfaction of doctors and their risk of PTSD once the pandemic is over. Here are the questions that were asked and answered [and when] on this week’s show:

[00:58] 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?

[06:41] Does exercise prevent severe Covid-19 symptoms?

[09:33] What’s up with mandatory vaccines on college campuses?

[11:04] Was the J&J pause good or bad for public trust?

[13:17] How has Covid-19 impacted healthcare workers?

[15:11] How widespread is vaccine hesitancy in the United States?

[19:00] Listener question: “You guys talked about long-Covid a couple episodes ago. Is there an update on this? Have scientists learned anything new on that front?”

[20:20] Any good news this week?

[22:41] Texas vs. California: how do their infection, death and vaccine stats compare?

[26:22] How comfortable should we be with: air travel, dining in restaurants and attending sporting events?

[28:21] Will doctors and hospitals begin to charge out-of-pocket fees for Covid-19 related care?

[29:57] How to explain high number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths in a state like Michigan, which was stricter than most?

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 mehttps://fixinghealthcarepodcast.com/contact-us/ssage on Twitter or LinkedIn.

*To maintain 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 #37: Will pandemic stress cause clinicians to quit medicine? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

The FDA has recommended a temporary pause of the J&J vaccine until scientists can sort out what’s causing a rare (and, in one case, fatal) blood clot in a six women who received the vaccine. Recently, a CDC advisory panel opted to delay its vote on the safety of the J&J vaccine, needing more data and information before rendering its verdict.

In this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth, Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl look deeper at the scientific details, facts, and next steps concerning the J&J vaccine. Here are the questions that were asked and answered [and when] on this week’s show:

[00:56] 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?

[04:44] Dozens of listeners have asked about the J&J vaccine. What’s happening with Johnson & Johnson and the rare blood-clot in question?

[16:36] What’s the difference between an anti-vaxxer and someone who’s vaccine-hesitant?

[17:55] Is one vaccine safer and more effective than the others?

[20:44] Is it likely the the mRNA research that led to Pfizer and Moderna vaccines lead to future vaccines against other viruses, such as malaria?

[24:41] What do we know about the psychological impact of getting Covid-19?

[26:25] What do scientists know about the transmissibility and lethality of the coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 from the United Kingdom.?

[28:46] What’s good this week?

[32:27] Pfizer’s CEO predicts we’ll need booster shots in the future. Why did he say that and how often would we need them?

[34:50] Has the bruhaha over the J&J vaccine affected people’s overall perception of vaccine safety?

[37:49] How can we close the perception gap between vaccine hesitant Americans and those who desire to see our country achieve herd immunity?

[42:28] What should parents know about Covid-19 this week?

[45:36] We saw public health officials tout “wear a mask, stay at home, and get the vaccine” early and often. Why haven’t they championed a similar approach for dealing with our nation’s obesity problem?

[52:48] In Europe, cases are spiking and hospitals are filling up. What’s going on?

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 #36: Is the J&J vaccine scare an overreaction or scientifically valid? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

As vaccines get rolled out to younger and younger Americans, parents have questions and are raising serious concerns. Polls show just half of U.S. parents plan to get their children vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as they can, according to the latest Axios/Ipsos Coronavirus Index.

But what does the science say about vaccinating children? The efficacy data look promising. Pfizer recently announced its vaccine is 100% effective in protecting against Covid-19 infection in children ages 12-15. The company has already begun trials in children six months to 11 years old, which raises the question: How young is too young to be vaccinated?

In this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth, Jeremy Corr and Dr. Pearl discuss that coronavirus topic and many others. Here are the questions that were asked and answered [and when] on this week’s show:

[00:55] 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?

[04:27] What has gone right with the Covid-19 vaccine and what problems remain? (see Dr. Pearl’s latest Forbes article for more on this)

[12:22] Is the vaccine rollout a national case study in haves vs. have nots?

[16:46] How soon after being vaccinated do people have immunity? How safe is it to travel?

[20:30] With no more than 250 million people needing the vaccine to reach herd immunity, why has the U.S. purchase 600 million vaccine doses?

[26:03] What’s up with AstraZeneca?

[28:23] What’s good this week?

[31:17] What do polls say about the willingness of Americans to be vaccinated?

[33:11] Who’s getting sick from Covid-19 now that most elderly people are vaccinated?

[35:35] Why aren’t the media covering the extremely high risk obesity poses to Covid-19 patients and our nation as whole?

[43:16] What’s it going to take to convince vaccine hesitant Americans that the shots are safe and effective and far better than getting Covid-19?

[48:06] Why are the Chinese and Russians outpacing the U.S. in terms of helping vaccinate citizens around the world? Is America at risk of losing its global reputation and influence?

[50:11] Listener question: “For so long there appeared to be a vaccine shortage. Why are states now offering vaccines to practically everyone?”

[52:26] Should kids get vaccinated? How young is too young?

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 #35: How young is too young to be vaccinated? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

On Forbes, Dr. Robert Pearl wrote about his recent trip from San Diego to New York, which he referred to as the “Covid-19 Flight From Hell.”

The article has been read by hundreds of thousands of people, most of whom were horrified by Pearl’s experience with the infected passenger and curious about what (if anything) the airline industry had to say for itself.

In this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth, Jeremy Corr and Dr. Pearl discuss flying in the waning months of the Covid-19 era and whether Americans prefer the feeling of safety over actually being safe.

Here are the questions asked and answered on this week’s show:

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 #34: What happened after Dr. Pearl’s ‘Covid-19 flight from hell’? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

Moderna, Pfizer and now Johnson & Johnson have emerged as surprising heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic—pulling our nation out of this pandemic one vaccine shot at a time.

This week, however, co-host Jeremy Corr raised a thought-provoking question: Why aren’t generic drug makers getting involved to help speed up vaccine production and end this pandemic faster? Do name-brand drug companies have any obligation to hand over their patents to generic drug manufacturers? Would it make a difference if they did?

In this episode of Coronavirus: The Truth, Jeremy and Dr. Robert Pearl discuss the ethical and legal implications of drug development during a national crisis.

Here’s everything that was discussed [and when] on this episode:

[00:55] Each week, the show begins with the most recent and relevant facts of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on American life. What’s happening and what does it mean?

[05:20] Listener question: “We seem to be learning more about the Covid-19 vaccines each week. Is anything still uncertain?”

[12:40] Who’s still hesitant to take the vaccine and why?

[15:15] Nursing homes were responsible for approximately 40% of deaths in the early phases of the pandemic. What about now?

[16:50] Listener question: “How does the mutation rate of this virus compares to others we’ve seen in the past?”

[20:00] Pfizer has requested FDA approval to meet less stringent storage and transportation requirements. What happened with that?

[21:03] Why aren’t drug companies required to hand over their patents to generic drug manufacturers in order to speed up production and end the pandemic?

[23:52] Any especially good news this week?

[25:57] Mental health remains a major worry for educators and parents. What are we learning?

[27:54] Any new insights on the origin of the virus one year later?

[30:50] Some states like Texas are talking about eliminating any Covid-related restrictions whereas officials like Dr. Fauci describe these as foolish and dangerous actions. Discuss …

[36:00] Obesity is known as a major contributor to complications and deaths from Covid-19. Why is America’s weight problem only treated as a wake-up call?

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 #33: Why aren’t we producing generic vaccines? appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.