‘Take it very seriously:’ Local infectious disease doctor weighs in on Trump COVID-19 diagnosis

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A local infectious disease physician is offering insight into President Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis.

Dr. Minhaj Husain said Trump’s age and weight put him at a moderate risk of complications.

“He is 95 percent likely to survive this, but it still puts him probably at a 4-5 percent mortality risk,” Husain said.

Husain said the 74-year-old President may also need extra care. Right now, Trump is reportedly experiencing mild symptoms.

“We hope that he wont even need to be hospitalized, it’s hard to predict who will be the one who needs a higher level of care, potentially ICU level of care, but he’s definitely at risk for it,” he said.

Husain said he expects President Trump and the First Lady to isolate themselves for the next 10-14 days.

After someone has recovered, Dr. Husain said lingering symptoms are common.

“The lack of smell, the lack of taste is something that definitely has been lingering for months for people,” he said. “Fatigue, weakness, inability to perform daily activities the way you used to, that’s been lingering for weeks, months perhaps for some people, especially those who were not in particularly good shape to begin with.”

Dr. Husain said it is important everyone continues to protect themselves.

“This is obviously a reminder for all of us that the disease is still at large, we still have to take it very seriously,” he said. “It can impact anyone at any given time and social distancing and masking, avoidance of high-risk areas, crowds, is still your best defense against it.”

Dr. Husain said if Trump’s symptoms continue after the initial isolation period, it will need to be extended.