Infectious disease expert and top epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm is sharing his personal experience with COVID-19 after he tested positive for the virus last month.
Osterholm joined News Talk 830 WCCO’s Chad Hartman to discuss the virus and his recent COVID-19 infection, which he tested positive for after having gone the entire pandemic without getting it once.
Ostehrolm shared that he developed what he described as a significant case that included a rebound case, prompting him to take 10 days of the COVID-19 drug paxlovid.
Still, he is thanking his shots as he credits them with saving his life.
“I am so glad I had five doses of vaccine on board. Because, I believe, honestly, in my heart of hearts and my scientific head that kept me out of the hospital,” Osterholm said. “It kept me from becoming an intensive care unit statistic or, more importantly, even a death statistic.”
Osterhom believes an unmasked, 30-second elevator ride with two other people caused the positive test. He says that even three years after the pandemic began, cases are still common and can be deadly if not taken seriously.
Proper precautions are being advised by the doctor now more than ever, especially as Congress and the White House officially ended the COVID-19 national emergency this week.
When it comes to where we are in the pandemic, Osterholm shared that this is a crucial time as the number of people dying remains high.
“We are at a very important time in this pandemic. I must remind people that we are still losing 250 to 280 people a day in this country from COVID,” Osterholm said.
Over the last few months, Osterholm says there has been an increase in cases, though they have been much milder with fewer hospitalizations needed. One reason he sees for this is the number of people who have been vaccinated.
“These vaccines do not keep you from getting infected. They do not keep you from transmitting the virus,” Osterholm said. “But, the data are clear and compelling. They have greatly reduced the instances of serious illness, hospitalization, and death.”
While many have moved on from the pandemic entirely as the world enters into a transition phase, Osterholm warns to be mindful of those who can not move into the new phase and are still at risk of serious illness if infected.
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