Former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci has spoken out about his recent COVID-19 diagnosis, revealing that he contracted the virus for the third time despite being vaccinated and boosted a total of six times.
In a podcast interview with MedPage Today Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jeremy Faust, Fauci shared that he experienced a mild infection, characterized by “sniffles, a little fever, and sinusitis.” The 83-year-old Fauci attributed his relatively mild symptoms to his vaccination status, stating that if he were not immunized, the infection could have been severe.
Fauci emphasized the importance of regular boosting and mask-wearing, particularly in crowded spaces and on long flights. He revealed that he always wears a mask on planes, especially for extended flights, and often avoids crowded areas.
However, not everyone is buying Fauci’s advice. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) took to X to express his outrage, calling Fauci an “idiot” and questioning the wisdom of listening to him during the pandemic. Johnson also criticized Fauci’s role in promoting the vaccine as safe and effective, suggesting that this may have contributed to a lack of early treatment options.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that COVID-19 cases tend to peak in December and January, with a secondary peak in July and August. The current vaccines target the KP.2 strain, a descendant of the highly contagious JN.1 variant that emerged last winter. According to the World Health Organization, 84 countries are currently experiencing a rise in positive COVID-19 tests.
