Ep 84 Osterholm Update COVID 19: Imperfect Situations and Imperfect Solutions

In this week's episode, Dr. Osterholm and host Chris Dall discuss eight major issues surrounding the rapid spread of the Omicron variant and his stance on the new CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines.

[kintozero]

"I want to dedicate this podcast to all of you who are alone, and have been very lonely." I have been very isolated these past few months & often think of this line.

[robbertram]

Mike and Chris, thank YOU for all that you’ve done to help us understand and get through this pandemic. I’ve been listening every week since I saw Mike on Joe Rogan’s podcast in March or April of 2020. I’m one of your weekly thumbs up. Here’s news of my last two weeks in Miami where I’m visiting my grown children. First, me, my 28 y/old son, my 30 y/old daughter and her boyfriend were all exposed and contracted covid (presumably omicron). I’m 60 years old and had my Moderna booster on Nov. 12th. The other 3 have all had their 2 doses of BioNTech. Symptoms started early last week around the 21st, just me and my kids, my daughter’s boyfriend never had symptoms. The course of illness was quick for me and my son, 3-4 days of headache, fatigue, coughing, and I had night sweats one night. My daughter’s illness seemed to be going the same, except she became sicker earlier this week, more like a severe cold, but she is feeling much better today. Lines to get PCR test were 3-4 hours on the 22nd, then 6-8 hours on the 23rd and 24th. Home antigen tests have been impossible to find at pharmacies. We all had mostly a mild, fast illness, most likely thanks to my 3 doses and the younger’s 2 doses and age. Again Mike (and Chris), thank you and best wishes to all at CIDRAP for a happy and healthy New Year!

[purplgrits]

Retired RN starting a COVID testing job next week, wish me luck. Thanks Dr. O and CIDRAP for your continued dedication to helping us be prepared.

[jgurka]

Marvelous combination of the current update and reflections on what should and could be done, along with what we still need to improve in anticipation of the murky future. Many thanks to all of you and especially Dr. Osterholm for sharing his years of experience and expertise. Take care.

[alberttibbets]

Can't thank you enough for your honesty and candor, Dr. O.

[calistamitsy]

I’m glad that I can get accurate, up to date, and honest information needed, from this podcast! Thank you, Dr. Osterholm, and CIDRAP!

[marie-claudelariviere]

Greetings from New Zealand. Thank you so much Dr Osterholm. My husband and I listen to your various appearances on US tv and this podcast. Your straight talk and professional guidance are highly appreciated. We are lucky so far in New Zealand but we know that Omicron will make its way here at some stage. We feel we can prepare ourselves so much better with the information and perspective you provide so generously. Stay safe and all the best wishes to you and yours for 2022.

[dharmacharinipasadanandi]

Happy 2022, cidrap team. Thanks for helping us through 2021. X

[teacherful]

Thank you for keeping us update as best anyone can. 🙏

[walidyasin]

Thanks Dr. Osterholm! You are the most trustworthy person on this

[thrashmetaldad]

1:01 - Introduction
2:10 - Opening Comments
3:37 - Dedication
4:33 - Where are we now?
9:28 - Omicron around the world
10:49 - Reduced risk with Omicron?
15:43 - The 8 issues involved in responding to Omicron
16:05 - Issue 1 - Are we more prepared now?
17:38 - Issue 2 - Omicron severity
18:16 - Issue 3 - Impact of Omicron on workplaces, especially hospitals
21:52 - Issue 4 - Efficacy of OTC testing
23:50 - Issue 5 - Data on Omicron incomplete and unreliable
25:26 - Issue 6 - Vaccinations done now will have little impact on Omicron
26:27 - Issue 7 - New guidance on masking
27:10 - Issue 8 - COVID treatments have reduced efficacy on Omicron
29:55 - CDC's changing guidelines
37:38 - Closing Thoughts

[charlesrock]

We love and appreciate all of you at CIDRAP!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[judithwilke]

Thank you I appreciate so much the info -you tell it like it is and you let us know what we still don't know yet as well. Also what's going on worldwide is so important as it can sometimes tell us what we are in for down the road.

[kimberlychristine]

Thank you, I needed to hear from someone trustworthy right now!

[riitaalin]

Dr. Osterholm thinks about it all & truly cares its obvious. Yes many of us are alone. Many elders that are forced to be alone for there safety. He teaches us with accurate information from his 46 years of work.

[tonilarson]

Thank you for your honest and real updates. Wondering if studies are being done on the longevity and protection of booster doses?

[noonep]

Thanks again, for your steady hand on the tiller, stay safe

[shookyhc]

I appreciate your podcast efforts. Need more frequent updates.

[Starclimber]

Thanks Mike, you're SUCH a good guy. It sometimes feels like you're lecturing a tornado on best behavior, but it helps (me) to know that you at least care enough to try. Thanks again to you and Chris and the team at CIDRAP.

[jimgraham]

Thankyou, your recommendation that we do what we can to slow spread is a wise one.

We also need to remember the global impact outside the west.