#1439 - Michael Osterholm
NaN minutesEpisode #1439
Michael Osterholm is an internationally recognized expert in infectious disease epidemiology. He is Regents Professor, McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, a professor in the Technological Leadership Institute, College of Science and Engineering, and an adjunct professor in the Medical School, all at the University of Minnesota. Look for his book "Deadliest Enemy: Our War Against Deadly Germs" for more info.
Episodes with Michael Osterholm
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Episode Timestamps
Michael - The Medical Detective: Unfolding of a Global Crisis
- Michael, a medical detective, specializes in tracking and halting infectious diseases.
- The seriousness of the current situation is just beginning, with potential for a significant rise in cases and fatalities.
- Comparison to the flu indicates that this crisis could be 10 to 15 times more severe in terms of impact.
COVID-19 Spreading Worldwide: Reality Check and Challenges Ahead
- Reports of critical situations in hospitals like in Milan reveal the severity of the outbreak.
- The disease not only affects the elderly but also poses serious risks to younger age groups.
- Concerns about obesity as a major risk factor for severe COVID-19 cases in the US population.
Impact on Children and School Closure Dilemma
- Only 2.1% of cases were under 18 years old, showing lower infection rates in children.
- Children infected with certain diseases may not show symptoms until adulthood.
- Closing schools can have negative implications, affecting working nurses and parents without sick leave.
Cruise Ship Outbreaks and Global Preparedness
- Discussing the outbreak pattern on cruise ships due to the recirculation of air.
- Emphasizing the lack of global preparedness despite warnings from organizations like the CDC.
- Highlighting the reliance on foreign drug production and the impact it has on critical drug shortages.
Challenges with Corona Virus from Animals and Wildlife Diseases
- Discussion on challenges posed by corona viruses from animals to humans
- Emphasis on naturally occurring diseases over man-made ones
- Concerns about chronic wasting disease in animals and its potential threat to humans
CWD Risks and the Importance of Testing
- Focus on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and its impact on deer populations
- Importance of testing deer for CWD to prevent spread to humans
- Efforts to raise awareness and provide testing facilities for hunters
Chronic Wasting Disease Risk to Humans
- Concerns about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) potentially infecting humans
- Discussion on how CWD is evolving and becoming more human transmissible
- Efforts to lower deer population due to CWD risk and potential consequences for hunting
Comparative Analysis of Coronavirus Transmission and Control
- Comparison of transmission patterns between different coronaviruses like SARS and MERS
- Examination of myth regarding seasonal impact on virus transmission
- Importance of good infection control measures in stopping coronavirus spread
Probiotics Misconception and Gut Health
- The impact of probiotics on the immune system is debated and studies suggest no significant difference in recovery from antibiotics between probiotic and non-probiotic users.
- Research methodology involves comparing groups of individuals using probiotics versus those who do not, and studying their illnesses and stool samples.
- Probiotics may not offer the expected benefits in terms of reducing the chances of contracting harmful bacteria.
Sauna and Immune System Boosting Techniques
- Engaging in sauna sessions and alternating between heat and cold exposure, like sauna to ice water, has potential health benefits.
- The practice of using saunas followed by immersion in cold water is traced back to Russian origins.
- The process of sauna and cold water immersion can aid in relaxation and improving sleep quality.
Preparation and Challenges in Public Health
- Mass manufacturers in North America working at 110% capacity due to high demand of essential items.
- Lack of preparedness highlighted for handling pandemics and stockpiling essential supplies like N95 masks.
- The importance of proactive planning in public health, drawing parallels with defense strategies.
The Value of Vaccines and Public Health Communication
- Discussion on the significance of vaccines in preventing diseases and saving lives.
- Highlight on the misinformation and lack of prioritization in vaccine programs.
- Urgent need for clear and honest communication in public health to address challenges and ensure public understanding.
The Impact of Anti-Vaccine Sentiment
- Description of a child devastated by preventable diseases
- Discussion on the misinformation surrounding vaccines
- Warning against conspiratorial thinking and the importance of listening to medical experts
On China's Wet Markets and Disease Spread
- Overview of China's large population and wildlife food supply
- Concerns regarding zoonotic diseases in crowded markets
- The need for global efforts to prevent infectious diseases from animals
Influenza Pandemics and Flu Vaccines
- 10 influenza pandemics in 250 years with major devastating impacts.
- Development of new and better flu vaccines crucial to prevent calamities.
- Effectiveness of flu mist in children compared to adults.
High-Dose Vaccine and Flu Prevention
- High-dose flu vaccine recommended for individuals over 60 for better protection.
- Importance of getting vaccinated early in the flu season.
- Signs for seeking medical help if flu symptoms persist, especially muscle aches.
Discussion on Lyme Disease Treatment and Immune System Response
- IV antibiotics are not effective in treating chronic Lyme disease.
- There is a need for more research to understand the immune system response in chronic Lyme disease patients.
- Several studies have shown that placebo treatment is as effective as antibiotic treatment in Lyme disease.
Impact of Immune System and Lyme Disease on Patients
- Overactive immune response can lead to chronic illnesses like Lyme disease.
- Patients with chronic Lyme disease face challenges in finding suitable treatments.
- More research is required to identify drugs that can address immune system disorders associated with Lyme disease.
Coyote America by Dan Flores and the Challenge of Infectious Diseases
- Book 'Coyote America' by Dan Flores explains how coyotes expanded territory after wolves eradication
- Discussion on the challenges posed by infectious diseases and the importance of staying informed
- Need for awareness about health issues, especially for individuals over 50 and with underlying health problems
Vaccine Development Challenges and Safety Testing
- Ongoing challenges in developing vaccines, referencing past instances like the SARS and Zika outbreaks
- Importance of ensuring safety in vaccine testing due to risks like Antibody Dependent Enhancement (A.D.E.)
- Gradual safety testing process, starting with animals then moving to human trials to ensure effectiveness and safety