On our new podcast, we interviewed @angie_rasmussen, one of the leading virologists, who has been a guiding light during the pandemic. Thread here to summarize, transcript and audio medscape.com/viewarticle/94… @cuttingforstone /1
Current status
"We're essentially experiencing the equivalent of a 9/11 every day in terms of number of deaths; our hospital systems are overburdened. ...We're going to be dealing w/ this for some time to come, even after people get the vaccine, certainly #LongCovid is real." /2
"We're essentially experiencing the equivalent of a 9/11 every day in terms of number of deaths; our hospital systems are overburdened. ...We're going to be dealing w/ this for some time to come, even after people get the vaccine, certainly #LongCovid is real." /2
On her strong efforts for dispelling misinformation
"My philosophy about public health is that you can't have it without the engagement of the public. And my philosophy about communication is that information empowers people to decide for themselves" /3
"My philosophy about public health is that you can't have it without the engagement of the public. And my philosophy about communication is that information empowers people to decide for themselves" /3
The diagnosis of #SARSCoV2 reinfection is very challenging and Dr. Rasmussen provides the best and complete explanation for why that's the case. One dimension of that is being able to culture the virus in a BSL (biosafety level)-3 lab /4
Many are not familiar with what BSL-3 and 4 labs are all about. Great summary here from her extensive experience. More in podcast/transcript on her response in BSL-4./5 
What about #LongCovid?
Angie reviewed parallels w/ ME/CFS
Because this is the 1st time we've had a pandemic w/ such broad effects on different organ systems ...try to understand how an acute viral infection can cause these complex, syndromic, long-term diseases like ME/CFS." /6
Angie reviewed parallels w/ ME/CFS
Because this is the 1st time we've had a pandemic w/ such broad effects on different organ systems ...try to understand how an acute viral infection can cause these complex, syndromic, long-term diseases like ME/CFS." /6
What about getting #SARSCoV2 from surfaces?
It's complicated. A master class here, starting with this, and will let you read on or listen to get the whole response, which gets into aerosols, too /7
It's complicated. A master class here, starting with this, and will let you read on or listen to get the whole response, which gets into aerosols, too /7
Practical take away
"We needn't be bleaching everything in sight and disinfecting our produce, our groceries, and our mail and so forth. But we should still do good hand hygiene; we should still emphasize that we should disinfect common high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs.../8
"We needn't be bleaching everything in sight and disinfecting our produce, our groceries, and our mail and so forth. But we should still do good hand hygiene; we should still emphasize that we should disinfect common high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs.../8
She's had so much experience w/ PAPR (picture) real deal fitted N95s working in BSL-3/4.
Translate:
"My feeling is that if risk reduction is additive, if all of these measures — masks, social distancing, and ventilation — add up and create the most exposure reduction possible"/9
Translate:
"My feeling is that if risk reduction is additive, if all of these measures — masks, social distancing, and ventilation — add up and create the most exposure reduction possible"/9
PCR tests don't give back Cycle threshold (Ct) values. Should they? A great explanation of the intricacies and potential usefulness, just a bit of it here. And comments on rapid home tests /10
We were lucky about rapidly developing successful #SARScoV2 vaccines but that was an outgrowth of considerable experience w/ other viruses, including MERS and Ebola. Watch out for Nipah (movie Contagion). How to get ready for the next pandemic /11
Dr. Rasmussen will soon be moving to @VIDOInterVac in Canada. She is a remarkable resource, not just because of her knowledge base, but exquisite ability to communicate for all. A real gem. We've been so fortunate to learn from her and look forward to much more in the future /f
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