In episode 61 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Yvonne Maldonado joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the evidence for vaccine safety and effectiveness. Dr Maldonado is a Professor in the Stanford University School of Medicine where she has achieved national and international recognition for her scholarship in the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases. She has served on several national and international committees including, until recently, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Dr Maldonado and Dr Saag provide an overview of how vaccines work and discuss where aluminum adjuvants are used in vaccines and address the validity of anti-vax claims about the use of aluminum in vaccines. Dr Maldonado emphasizes the crucial role of vaccination, particularly the measles vaccine, as a key indicator of public health and discusses the high infectiousness of measles and its implications for community safety, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals. Dr Saag and Dr Maldonado also discuss current recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine, its safety, and whether pregnant women and infants should receive the vaccine. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Maldonado discuss the work of public health in the future and the importance of communicating the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.

0:00 – Introduction
1:46 – Overview of vaccines and how they work
5:07 – Different vaccine types and where an aluminum adjuvant is used
12:41 – Motivations behind vaccine opposition
16:20 – The business model of vaccine development
19:07 – The pros and cons of mandatory vaccinations
25:19 – Who should get vaccinated against COVID-19
30:46 – Should pregnant women and infants get vaccinated against COVID-19
35:02 – Will vaccine controversies continue in the future

Other Resources:
Episode 50 - How Vaccines Get Approved in the US: The RSV Story and the Role of the ACIP – Dr Yvonne Maldonado
Episode 51 - The Measles Outbreak and the Role Anti-Science Plays in Threatening Public Health – Dr Peter Hotez

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 60 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Donald Abrams joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss medical cannabis. Dr Abrams is a professor emeritus at the University of California San Francisco and a specialist in integrative oncology at the Osher Center for Integrative Health. Dr Abrams has studied complementary and alternative therapies, including mind-body treatments, botanical therapies, medical use of cannabis and herbal therapies used in traditional Chinese medicine. He continues to research the health effects of medical cannabis. Dr Abrams was previously at the forefront in HIV/AIDS research and treatment at San Francisco General Hospital and served as chief of the medical oncology service from 2003 to 2017. Dr Saag and Dr Abrams discuss the history of medical cannabis and the challenges Dr Abrams experienced in researching its use for medical therapy. They discuss the medical benefits of cannabis and the recommendations that clinicians may make as well as addressing the differences in products available including THC and CBD. They also discuss research in whether use of cannabis in young adults is related to schizophrenia. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Abrams discuss the future of medical cannabis and whether physicians should continue to provide a role in its use, whether the scheduling of cannabis as a controlled substance will change, and the type of research that is needed to continue to explore where its use is beneficial.

0:00 – Introduction

1:20 – Overview of the history of medical cannabis

4:10 – The fight for medical cannabis research and its use in people with AIDS

10:59 – Understanding the medical benefits of cannabis particularly for pain, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and depression

13:15 – How physicians navigate recommendations for the use of cannabis and the differences with the types of cannabis whether inhaled, digested, or tinctures

18:13 – CBD vs. THC: understanding the differences and other possible cannabinoid therapeutics

23:25 – The role of physicians in the future of medical cannabis, the need for more research, and the overall availability for people who want it

25:57 – Overview of research if there a relationship between the use of cannabis and schizophrenia in young adults

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 58 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Khalil Ghanem joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss current challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis. Dr Ghanem is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr Ghanem’s research focuses on reproductive tract infections in particular syphilis and the vaginal microbiome. He was a consultant to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the development of the 2010 and 2015 Adult Syphilis Treatment Guidelines. Dr Ghanem discusses the history and current trends of syphilis, including the impact of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) on infection rates. Dr Saag and Dr Ghanem also address screening and testing for syphilis and the current issues faced in diagnosis and treatment including the management of penicillin G benzathine shortages. Finally, Dr Ghanem looks ahead to new research to address syphilis management, emphasizing the need for better diagnostics and treatment options, especially during pregnancy.

0:00 – Introduction

1:24 – Trends in the rates of syphilis, including recent updates on latest data

4:24 – The role of DoxyPep in syphilis management

7:18 – Screening and testing for syphilis with new recommendations for screening during pregnancy

14:45 – Challenges in diagnosis and treatment and impact of new research

22:54 – Recommendations for management of penicillin G benzathine shortages

26:39 – Future research in addressing challenges to management of syphilis

Resources:

Going anti-Viral – Episode 9: Apple Podcasts

Understanding The Implementation of Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) and Addressing Sexually Transmitted Infections with Dr Annie Luetkemeyer

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 57 of Going anti-Viral, Dawn Averitt joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss HIV advocacy and the importance of scientific research. Ms Averitt is a social justice advocate and founder of organizations focused on women with HIV and AIDS such as the Well Project and the Women’s Information Service and Exchange. Ms Averitt has served on several scientific and advisory committees, including 2 terms on the President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, and has been responsible for key achievements in guiding FDA labeling decisions and shaping research and policy priorities at the NIH. Ms Averitt discusses being diagnosed with HIV at age 19 in 1988 and her experience with early treatment. She shares how this experience led her to the AIDS Survival Project and the Atlanta Buyers Project where she was an advocate for access to HIV care and treatment. Dr Saag and Ms Averitt discuss the current focus of HIV activism at a time when scientific research is threatened and the importance of today’s HIV advocates to be a voice for research to the public at large.

0:00 – Introduction

1:17 – Ms Averitt’s personal journey with HIV

3:01 – How her treatment experience led to advocacy

8:36 – Her role with the AIDS Survival Project and the Atlanta Buyers Club

17:12 – Current focus of HIV activism

25:44 – How to persuade the public to support HIV and scientific research

Resources:

The Well Project: https://www.thewellproject.org/

The Women's Research Initiative on HIV/AIDS (WRI): https://www.thewellproject.org/hiv-information/wri-2025-evolving-landscape-women-and-hiv-cure

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 56 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Steven Grinspoon joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss managing cardiovascular health in people with HIV. Dr Grinspoon is a clinician in the Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Tumor Clinical Center and faculty member at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is a clinical researcher who studies hypothalamic control of body weight and fat distribution in obesity and lipodystrophy with a focus on the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of visceral fat accumulation. Dr Grinspoon provides an overview of cardiovascular disease in people with HIV including a review of the REPRIEVE study that evaluated if statin medication is effective to prevent heart disease among people with HIV. Dr Saag and Dr Grinspoon detail the REPRIEVE study results demonstrating that statins lower baseline low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and discuss the cardiovascular health benefits of lowering LDL cholesterol levels. They discuss arterial plaque, how it is measured and whether plaque can regress individuals on statins. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Grinspoon discuss goals for follow-up studies to REPRIEVE and other studies looking into the benefits of statins in other populations.

0:00 – Introduction

1:28 – Overview of cardiovascular disease in people with HIV

3:23 – Overview of the REPRIEVE study, which evaluated if statin medication is effective to prevent heart disease among people with HIV

10:51 – REPRIEVE study results lowering baseline LDL cholesterol

13:26 – Follow-up studies in people who do not have HIV

16:20 – How plaque is measured in the arteries

19:40 – Regression of plaque in patients using statins

21:15 – Top goals for follow-up studies to REPRIEVE

Resources:

REPRIEVE Study: https://www.reprievetrial.org/

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 55 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Darcy Wooten joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss navigating HIV care with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Dr Wooten is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Washington University in St. Louis. Her clinical interests are HIV primary care, HIV prevention, sexually transmitted infections, and general infectious diseases. Dr Wooten is also a national leader in medical education. Dr Wooten provides an overview of GLP-1 receptor agonists including their history of use for the treatment of diabetes and more recent use for treatment of weight loss. Dr Saag and Dr Wooten discuss the challenges that patients have in getting insurance coverage for GLP-1 receptor agonists and review the 2 most common drugs that are used as treatment, tirzepatide and semaglutide. They discuss the patient experience with the injectable medication and review the possibility of oral versions of the medications in the future. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Wooten discuss the long-term management of GLP-1 receptor agonists as a part of overall primary care for patients with HIV.

0:00 – Introduction

1:11 – Overview of GLP-1 receptor agonists

3:46 – How GLP-1 receptor agonists became used for weight management and patient eligibility criteria

6:14 – Challenges of insurance coverage for GLP-1 receptor agonists

8:32 – Differences between theGLP-1 receptor agonists tirzepatide and semaglutide and other benefits of the medications beyond weight loss

12:04 – Patient experience with the injectable formulations and possible adverse effects of use

14:36 – Long-term use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and possibility of oral versions of these drugs

17:36 – Managing GLP-1 receptor agonists as a part of primary care for patients with HIV including treatment of some substance use disorders

20:22 – Predictions for future management of GLP-1 receptor agonists and Dr Wooten’s hope for more research into incorporating lifestyle modifications into patient care

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 54 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Ellen Eaton joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the treatment of substance use disorder in an in-patient setting. Dr Eaton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Dr Eaton provides and update on a recent termination of a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant that provided overdose prevention education and treatment. She discusses the impact that a recent executive order on unhoused individuals that may have on access to care. Dr Eaton addresses a recent “bad batch” alert warning of contaminated street drugs leading to serious overdose events, and the most common reasons that people are admitted for in-patient care and review treatment of substance use disorder-related infections. They review acute withdrawal in the hospital and Dr Eaton shares her ideal response to substance use disorder in a hospital setting. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Eaton look forward to the next 10 years of care for people with substance use disorder.

0:00 – Introduction

1:19 – Update on current issues including access to naloxone and a recent executive order on unhoused individuals

4:43 – Update on recent “bad batch” alert regarding serious overdose events

7:27 – The most common reasons why people are admitted for in-patient care

11:03 – Treatment of substance use disorder-related infections particularly where prolonged antimicrobial therapy is needed and discussion of the use of a PICC line

16:07 – Treatment and preventing acute withdrawal in the hospital including administration of buprenorphine

21:46 – The ideal response to substance use disorder in a hospital setting

27:00 – How treatment of substance use disorder may improve in the next 10 years

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
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In episode 53 of Going anti-Viral, Dr George Rutherford joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide an update on emerging infectious diseases. Dr Rutherford is a Professor Emeritus of Epidemiology, Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics and History at the University of California San Francisco and of the Center for Global Strategic Information and Public Health Practice at the UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences. Dr Rutherford discusses his experience during the early onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and shares lessons learned. Dr Saag and Dr Rutherford also discuss the success of Operation Warp Speed in accelerating the development, manufacture, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. They also review new emerging infections like influenza A (H5N1) and arthropod viruses like West Nile, dengue, and chikungunya. Dr Saag and Dr Rutherford review efforts by the federal government to dismantle public health programs and discuss the potential impact of these cuts on future pandemics.

0:00 – Introduction

1:05 – Dr Rutherford’s experience during the early onset of COVID-19

5:36 – Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic

8:30 – The success of Operation Warp Speed

10:14 – Review of new emerging infections: H5N1 influenza A and arthropod viruses like West Nile, dengue, and chikungunya

17:40 – The impact on public health of misinformation on social media and the recent dismantling of public health programs

22:12 – Steps needed to respond to future pandemics and how can public health continue to provide services in the face of budget cuts

__________________________________________________

Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.

Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences.

Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.

Follow Going anti-Viral on:
Apple Podcasts
YouTube
X
Facebook
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...