Unraveling the Continuing Confusion over COVID-19

Three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, some experts believe that we are transitioning into an endemic, headed—hopefully—toward more normal times. And yet, we’re still at a loss; we’re confused. Where are we with CDC recommendations? When should we be wearing masks? What’s the latest advice about vaccines and boosters? Second boosters? The development of other treatments? In today’s episode, Dr. Frances Santiago-Schwarz, a distinguished biomedical scientist and educator, will offer an incisive, yet accessible, guide to understanding the incredibly complex story of COVID-19. What do we know, what don’t we know, and why is it important? Throughout her career, Dr. Santiago-Schwarz has focused on creating programs, courses and professional partnerships and alliances designed to empower people from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge they need to make health-care decisions. Today, she will unravel the immunopathology of COVID19, giving us the big picture about variants emerging worldwide; providing answers to frequently asked questions about how viruses spread and mutate, and when these mutations make a difference. Dr. Santiago-Schwarz will also provide a basic primer on how vaccines, antibodies and other components in our immune system combat the viruses. And looking ahead, she will offer her perspective on potential new treatments for COVID, and what strategies we need to stop the virus worldwide, noting that “No one is safe until everyone is safe.”