Virologist: Trump ‘definitely faces increased risk’ in wake of COVID diagnosis

With President Trump testing positive for COVID-19 this week, what does his prognosis look like? Columbia University virologist Dr. Angela Rasmussen stopped by KIRO Radio’s Gee and Ursula Show to weigh in.

Trump confirmed his diagnosis overnight between Thursday and Friday, and is reportedly experiencing “mild symptoms” brought on by the infection. This came shortly after one of the president’s closest aides, Hope Hicks, tested positive.

According to Dr. Rasmussen, there are a number of factors that put the president at an increased risk of complications brought on by COVID.

“So he definitely faces an increased risk,” she noted. “We know that from the people who have gotten very sick with COVID-19 and the people who have died, that both age and medical obesity, as well as the mild coronary heart disease that the president has all could potentially contribute to a worse outcome.”

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Trump is 74 years old, putting him squarely in an at-risk category for the virus. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, people between the ages of 65-74 are five times more likely than someone between the ages of 18 and 29 years old to be hospitalized after contracting the virus, and 90 times more likely to see complications that eventually lead to death.

Even so, there’s reason to be optimistic as well.

“On the bright side for the president is the fact that it does appear that this infection was caught relatively early in infection,” Dr. Rasmussen pointed out. “He was only reported as being mildly symptomatic on Thursday night. So, that may bode well. Usually if you can catch something early than you could begin treating it sooner, and will have a better clinical outcome as a result.”

As of publishing, the president’s physician has said that Trump and the first lady are “both well at this time,” and “plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.” He also said that he expects the president to continue carrying out his regular duties “without disruption while recovering.”

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