Thread by @DrLeanaWen

Here’s my best-case scenario: With existing vaccines, we turn #covid19 into an illness akin to the seasonal flu. By the end of 2021, we can resume much of our pre-pandemic lives.

This @PostOpinions column explains how this could happen: washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/…

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I’m optimistic because of a specific result in the vaccine trials that, so far, has received little attention: very few vaccinated people have become severely ill to the point of requiring hospitalization.

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This one measure could change everything. Families could safely spend holidays together again if the worst-case scenario shifted from being put on a ventilator or dying to possible fever and body aches. Schools could reopen and much of the economy could return to normal.

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The bad news is that it’s looking more and more like we might not be able to eradicate #covid19. But let’s not overlook the potentially excellent news that the fear and isolation could be over — if we all get vaccinated and stay safe until that happens.

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