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The Pandemic Will Just Fade Out, Says U-M Medical Historian

COVID-19
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The past 14 months have been unprecedented in modern times, according to University of Michigan physician, author, and director of the University of Michigan's Center for the History of Medicine Dr. Howard Markel. He talks with WEMU’s Lisa Barry about how the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be ending and the strength of the current vaccine and the protection it provides.

Howard Markel
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Dr. Howard Markel

Dr. Howard Markelof Ann Arbor says pandemics and epidemics don't have a clear cut ending; he says they just "trail off." He credits mass vaccinations of half the American adult population and the vaccinations of teenagers for lowering the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. He says we are seeing a much-improved medical situation now than we were eight to twelve weeks ago.

Dr. Markel says re-emerging into society after 14 months of staying inside to avoid the virus will be a gradual process for some people. He says it's much like the first swim of the season in the community pool, where you stick a toe in to see how it feels, then proceed cautiously after that.  

The University of Michigan physician and medical historian says as more people are vaccinated and with certain precautions, more and more public events will be feasible, including professional sports and travel. He says it will be interesting to see how such events will take place and if any proof of vaccination will be necessary. He also said the recent announcement launching an investigation into the origin for the coronavirus will prove helpful in treating future such diseases or putting rumors of how it began to rest.

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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu

Lisa Barry was a reporter, and host of All Things Considered on 89.1 WEMU.
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