NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Dr. William Schaffner is one of the leading infectious disease physicians in the world and says President Donald Trump's health and age could potentially put him at risk as he battles COVID-19.
"The President is older, he’s a bit hefty and also he’s a male. And those three things put him into a higher risk category for severe disease. So his physicians are monitoring him, particularly his breathing status, his heart function, other bodily functions very very carefully," said Dr. Schaffner.
As the White House monitors the First Family's health, they will also be busy conducting contact tracing of everyone who has been in contact with the commander in chief this week.
"We have to remember on the public health side now that people are infectious before their test turns positive. So, contact tracing is now going on very extensively. All the contacts of the First Lady, the President over the last several days," said Dr. Schaffner.
The Vanderbilt University Medical Center Infectious Disease Physician tells NewsChannel 5, even those wearing masks near the President may still need to quarantine. He says, while masks are effective, they are just one part of the equation.
"That’s how contagious this virus is. So we have to do all of these things simultaneously. Wear the mask and social distance, and avoid large groups," he said.
If nothing else, Dr. Schaffner says it's a good reminder that we all still need our guard up. "This virus is out there, it is serious, we can prevent it if we all work together. Wear the mask," said Schaffner.
Dr. Schaffner also says if the Presidential debates are to continue, they may have to eliminate a live audience and reconfigure the stage for more distance.
