Eric Topol
No, Covid is not an ordinary illness.
https://nytimes.com/2023/07/17/briefing/covid.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
For *accurate* information, see Katelyn Jetelina's newsletter today
https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/covid-19-catch-up-quick
A Positive Covid Milestone

In a sign that the pandemic really is over, the total number of Americans dying each day is no longer historically abnormal.

The New York Times
Jul 18, 2023 at 3:54pmWeb
Show threadJohn RefiorJul 18, 2023

@erictopol
"COVID-19 has killed the most medically fragile people over the last three years, and those premature deaths lead to fewer deaths today."

^ In my gloomy moments, this is what America's strategy has looked like. Instead of stopping the spread, America accepted that people vulnerable to the disease (even if vaccinated at some point) will die or become disabled and everyone else will carry on. It's got a parallel in eugenics, but with less planning or intent, more of an "oh well"

Show threadGreySkiesJul 18, 2023
@jrefior @erictopol
While this argument is, in itself, bad enough and very true...it doesn't "stop" there though. New vulnerable people are born every single day, and Covid isn't going anywhere, so this isn't even a viable economic solution long term i think. (nevermind the ethical implications, but i'm not even gonna go there)
Show threadSellaTheChemistJul 18, 2023
@erictopol What the hell is an "ordinary" illness?
Show threadCrookedlilhouseJul 18, 2023
@erictopol @PeoplesCDC is also a good source of information, especially for more vulnerable people & folks who acknowledge Long Covid.
Show threadcremevax👩🏻‍💻🏳️‍🌈​🇨🇦🇺🇦Jul 18, 2023

@erictopol I love Katelyn Jetelina’s writing so much. She is such a clear, evidence-based writer who communicates uncertainty well. She treats her readers like grown ups 👍🏼

EDIT: [Current status: fighting a deeply uncharitable desire to compare Jetelina's writing to David "Simpson's Paradox, never heard of it!" Leonhardt's scorching hot takes]

Show threadPatch You UpJul 18, 2023
@erictopol Having Covid *right now* I can tell you it's not just an ordinary illness. I've received a total of 4 vaccinations for it, and it's still pretty rough. I can only imagine how bad off I'd be if I caught it before getting vaccinated. The brain fog is the worst part, never had that with any other illness... it's like constantly being in a state of "just woke up and trying to figure out being awake."
Show threadDomJul 18, 2023
@Jumpmed @erictopol yes the absence of brain energy is very bad even if fully vaccinated.
Show threadbeforewisdom Jul 18, 2023

@erictopol You may find this feed useful.

Each Friday the total number of Americans killed by Covid 19 is updated.

Each Friday the number of Americans killed in the last week by Covid 19 is posted.

https://mastodon.social/@WeeklyAmericanPandemicDeaths

Show threadStephen IstJul 18, 2023
@erictopol
Show threadAdlangxJul 18, 2023
@erictopol I was scrolling past quickly and thought this said Katelyn Jenner and was horrified.
Show threadDavid AnsonJul 18, 2023
@erictopol Using that NYT chart to claim the pandemic is over because the line went to zero seams utterly nonsensical because that same line on that same chart already went to zero *twice* before - and then rebounded back. Without an explanation for why this time will be different, I just don’t get it.