← The Peter Attia Drive

#99 - Peter Hotez, M.D., Ph.D.: Continuing the conversation on COVID-19

Mar 20, 2020 1h 6m 9 insights
<p><span style="color: #333333;">In this episode, Dr. Peter Hotez M.D., Ph.D., Dean for the National School of Tropical Medicine Baylor College of Medicine, returns to continue the conversation on COVID-19. Dr. Hotez informs us on how we can gauge the number of infected people, behaviors to reduce the probability of becoming infected, and the inconsistency of hospitalizations among young adults between different countries.  Dr. Hotez underscores the continued uncertainty in many virus-related developments, but ends with some points of optimism.<br /> <br />
Actionable Insights

1. Practice Social Distancing

Prioritize social distancing and avoiding close personal contact with others outside your immediate bubble, as this is considered the most likely mode of virus transmission.

2. Seek Nuanced Information

Actively seek out clear, patient explanations of complex topics, valuing nuance and acknowledging when full answers are not yet available, rather than settling for “dumbed down” soundbites.

3. Prioritize Mental Well-being

Recognize the significant psychological impact of prolonged social isolation and austerity measures, and be mindful of diminishing returns from extreme precautions to protect your mental health.

4. Cultivate Optimistic Mindset

Avoid being passive or just “hunkering down”; instead, embrace the idea that great things can still be achieved by pursuing big, audacious goals and building new technologies, fostering a realistic but upbeat outlook.

5. Disinfect Delivered Packages

If you are concerned about virus transmission via surfaces, wipe down Amazon packages or mail with a Clorox wipe or approved alcohol wipe, though the risk is considered low.

6. Heat Takeout Food

To potentially kill the virus, heat takeout or cooked food to above 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit (56 degrees Celsius) for at least 15 minutes, especially if you are unsure of its handling.

7. Wash Produce More

Wash produce more thoroughly with water than usual if you are concerned about virus transmission, though there is no specific new protocol beyond this.

8. Access COVID-19 Resources

Visit peteratiamd.com for an aggregated page housing all information (podcasts, videos, internal patient memos) related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

9. Explore Membership Benefits

Consider subscribing to the podcast’s membership program at peteratiyahmd.com/subscribe for more in-depth, exclusive content and to take your knowledge of health and wellness to the next level.