Fauci On Masking, Vaccines, and What Keeps Him Up at Night
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is one of the most recognizable faces in global health. He has led the U.S. government’s response to some of the most pressing health crises of our time, including HIV/AIDS, SARS, and now COVID-19.
In a recent interview with TIME, Dr. Fauci discussed some of the key pandemic-related topics that are still top-of-mind for him, including the importance of masking, the latest on COVID-19 vaccines, and what keeps him up at night.
Here’s what he had to say:
On the importance of masking
“I think the message is clear: if you’re not vaccinated, wear a mask. We know that masks work in blocking transmission of the virus. The virus is predominantly transmitted through respiratory droplets. When you wear a mask, it puts a barrier between you and those respiratory droplets. It’s a simple thing to do, it doesn’t hurt anyone, and it can save your life.”
On the latest on COVID-19 vaccines
“The vaccines are very effective at preventing serious disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. The more people who are vaccinated, the more protection we have as a community. We’re now seeing a significant decrease in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the U.S. thanks to the vaccines.”
On what keeps him up at night
“What keeps me up at night is the uncertainty of this virus. We don’t know how long it will be with us, or how it will continue to evolve. We also don’t know how long the vaccines will be effective against new variants. We need to continue to be vigilant and responsive to the virus.”
Dr. Fauci’s advice is clear: get vaccinated and continue to wear a mask in indoor public settings, especially if you are unvaccinated. These simple measures can help to protect you and those around you from COVID-19.
As the pandemic continues to evolve, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest guidance from health experts like Dr. Fauci. This guidance can change as new information becomes available, so it’s essential to stay informed.
By working together and taking the necessary precautions, we can help to end this pandemic and get our lives back to normal.