If U.S. politics in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election were a Hollywood thriller, surely it would be full of those unexpected twists. The latest twist? President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is self-isolating in the White House.
His doctor reports him to feel under the weather with mild symptoms—a runny nose, a cough, a general sense of not feeling well. His doctor said his temperature, oxygen levels, and respiratory rate were all normal.
Biden has his first dose of the newly authorized antiviral, Paxlovid, staying on shown full immunization with a booster after battling two initial attacks of COVID-19.
Biden will no doubt be provided the best possible medical care, but, again, he is 81 years old.
Let's think about the scenario and the impact in 2024 when someone of his age is diagnosed with COVID-19. Biden is not a typical person but, as everybody knows, old age is an issue.
Thankfully, it isn't 2020. Back then, anybody getting COVID-19 at the age of 81 would have been quite a worrying situation.
In 2020, with no vaccines, no specific treatments, and little degree of understanding of the virus, it was abundantly clear that the difference in age multiplied the risk of either severe illness or of loss. Statistics suggested that the possibility of dying from COVID-19 for an individual over 80 stood at about 15%.
Thirty years ago, treatment was sparse— Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson was taken to ICU with the disease in April 2020 at the age of 55. Donald Trump's was a serious case, considering his age of 74.
Fast forward to 2024, and the scene is a radically different one. COVID-19 remains a significant concern. However, we know a lot more about its long-term implications and the path to better health, even for those infected.
At the same time, the actual risk for serious illness from the virus has been greatly mitigated.
Increased Immunity
Most people have now fallen into the immune category on COVID-19, either by vaccination or through infection—and mostly both. Immunity builds up as a result of prior exposures. Though immunity wanes and variants can emerge, in general, the body is better-equipped to fight off infection. President Biden received his booster shots, which particularly prove to be effective in reducing severe illness among older adults.
Availability of Antivirals
There are also antiviral therapies, like Paxlovid, that significantly reduce the risk of becoming ill if administered soon after symptoms start. Studies have found that Paxlovid can decrease the chance of severe disease or death by up to 89% in people who take the drug early in the course of illness, so it is considered an option for higher-risk individuals, including Biden.
"It can cause rebound symptoms," meaning "that may feel better for a short time before the symptoms return." These relapses are usually mild, and Biden has dealt with that in the past.
Access to World-Class Care
Finally, Biden has access to world-class medical care. If his symptoms get worse, or there are complications, he would simply get the best treatment that exists.
So, is Biden's COVID-19 diagnosis newsworthy? Given constant speculation concerning his health, to be sure. But, in terms of the actual serious threat COVID-19 presents to Joe Biden's health, at present, it seems, the condition is a manageable one.
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