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WCPO: Gathering for Thanksgiving may not be worth 'playing Russian roulette with our families'

UC expert says asymptomatic family members may spread COVID-19

headshot of Bill Bangert By Bill Bangert 513-558-4519
2 minute read November 5, 2020

Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine likens attending a big Thanksgiving gathering with family to playing a deadly game of chance. In an interview with WCPO-TV, he said “I think (holidays) are a very dangerous time for us in 2020 where we could see a lot more COVID spreading within families. I don’t think it’s worthwhile playing Russian roulette with our families.”

Dr. Fichtenbaum and Jassiel HIV study in lab.

Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the UC Division of Infectious Diseases. Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand

Fichtenbaum said at least 50% of people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, meaning there’s a likely chance that a person could spread the disease to other family members in a close-contact situation. He also said 80 to 90% percent of the population is still at risk for catching the coronavirus.

“Which means that a family member could have no symptoms and could be shedding virus at a family event,” Fichtenbaum said.

Experts expect cases to rise after Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, which Fichtenbaum said are the type of close events likely to cause the spread of COVID-19.

See the entire story here.

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