Dr. Schumer’s Perspective on COVID-19

Dr. James Schumer

Dr. James Schumer, Founder and Ophthalmologist of ReVision LASIK and Cataract Surgery, recently shared his perspective on the current climate of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination process with Sunny 95 FM on-air personality, Clark Donley. Listen to the complete interview HERE and scroll through highlights of Dr. Schumer’s responses during this interesting and informative interview.

LEARNING ABOUT COVID-19

• We have learned a lot about COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic and how the virus is transmitted. Because it is primarily spread through aerosol particles in the air, masking is critical to slowing the spread.
• Understanding our role as individuals to slow the spread is critical to protecting ourselves, others, and preventing the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed.

VACCINATION

• I could not roll-up my sleeves fast enough to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This is incredible science, and even though it was developed rapidly, it is safe and all safety requirements were met in the creation of these vaccines.
• The vaccine uses our muscle cells to create a protein in the body. This is the same protein found on the surface of the COVID-19 virus and how it enters our cells and attacks the body. By creating this foreign protein in the body with the vaccine, it allows the immune system to recognize it and mount a response to create antibodies and activated T-cells for protection.
• Once vaccinated, people may still be able to be infected with COVID-19 but studies have shown the severity of illness is lower. People will likely not get as sick or have to deal with long-term health complications from COVID-19.

LOOKING AHEAD

• Safety measures, such as mask wearing and distancing, should stay in place in the coming months to protect against mutating virus strains.
• COVID-19 infection numbers will decrease with widespread mask wearing and vaccination. The quicker we achieve immunity in our community, the quicker we will get back to normal.
• The public should be comfortable and confident to seek medical care and have procedures during the pandemic. It is important.
• The medical community understands infectious disease very well and has policies and procedures in place to protect patients and healthcare workers.

STAY INFORMED

• It is difficult to decide what information is fact, fiction, and opinion in regards to COVID-19. Listen to the experts. Listen to infectious disease specialists, the Center for Disease Control, and the Food and Drug Administration. These people have devoted their entire lives and professional careers to studying this type of crisis.