Chasing Life

President Joe Biden tested positive for Covid-19 this past week, just one of the more than 120,000 cases that are being reported each day on average.    Even as the BA.5 subvariant is causing another concerning wave of the disease in the country, Biden’s infection is a lesson on how all of our public health tools can work in unison to help minimize the damage of this virus.   First of all, the White House tests frequently for Covid-19, which allows anyone who is positive to be isolated quickly and begin contact tracing to control the spread. An average person isn’t going to need to test as often, but you can avoid putting others at risk by testing when you have symptoms, when you have been in close contact with someone with Covid-19, before you travel or before you see anyone who might be at a higher risk.   Remember, you can order a limited number of home tests for free.   Then, of course, Biden is also up to date on his Covid-19 vaccinations: his primary series plus two boosters. Though not perfect, these vaccines still provide incredible protection against severe disease and death. CDC data shows that for people 50 and older, the risk of dying from Covid-19 is 29 times lower for someone who got two boosters than it is for someone who is unvaccinated.    On top of that, Biden was given the antiviral Paxlovid. This treatment is recommended for those 12 and older who are at high risk of severe Covid-19. The important part is that it works best when taken early in the infection – within five days of when symptoms start. One of the latest studies from Israel showed that people over the age of 65 had a significant benefit from Paxlovid: a 67% reduction in the likelihood of severe Covid-19 and close to an 80% reduction when it came to death.   Biden will be going a step further than the CDC’s recommendation to isolate for five days and will wait until he tests negative to end his isolation period, an extra step of precaution and a privilege that many cannot afford. The CDC recommends that anyone exiting isolation should wear a well-fitting mask until day 10.   When I heard that Biden had Covid-19, I couldn’t help but think of my own parents. They’re around the same age and therefore more vulnerable to this virus. So while it’s encouraging to see these public health measures lead Biden to recovery, I also have peace of mind knowing that my parents are watching their community levels and wearing masks indoors in public -- another great tool that’s at our disposal.