Panic Attack: Playing Politics with Science in the Fight Against COVID-19

by Nicole Saphier M.D.

Overview

“Follow the science” is what they said. “Follow our politics” is what they meant. 

In Panic Attack, nationally bestselling author and physician Nicole Saphier uncovers the hypocrisy and hysteria which has characterized so much of the American pandemic response. While journalists trumpeted the importance of following science to “flatten the curve,” they praised Governors Andrew Cuomo and Phil Murphy, who sanctioned ill-equipped nursing homes to take COVID-positive patients, leading to an enormous death spike for New York and New Jersey. Plus, the old guard medical establishment captured by Dr. Fauci proved to be far too rigid during a health care emergency. 

While some state legislators are still concealing accurate records of nursing home deaths, many others have made anti-science decisions regarding re-opening plans; all of which fuel distrust and civil unrest. Democrat mayors like Bill de Blasio openly admitted that their decisions to keep schools closed were fueled by a “social contract” with teachers (that is: teachers’ unions), despite hard science saying this would be harmful.

When anti-science measures are continuously implemented, the long-term consequences of such actions will likely stay with us for years to come. The pandemic has resulted in a failure of government, much of which is unavoidable in a unique disaster scenario. However, the rampant politicization of science, from the origin of the virus to the simple concept of wearing facemasks, has hopelessly muddied the water, divided the country, and knee-jerk anti-Trumpism made it all worse.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063079700
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	05/25/2021
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	830,438
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

A nationally known medical contributor and regular guest anchor for the Fox News Channel, Nicole Saphier is a full-time practicing, board-certified radiologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Table of Contents

Introduction xi

Chapter 1 Politicizing Science at the Expense of the People 1

Chapter 2 Widespread Panic 9

Chapter 3 Face Masks: Unmasking the Truth 27

Chapter 4 Research Under Pressure: Polarization Closes Minds and Hinders Progress 43

Chapter 5 Hydroxychloroquine: Silenced Hope or Dangerous Hoax? 57

Chapter 6 Flattening the Curve: The Consequences of Lockdowns 87

Chapter 7 Reaching immunity: Simple Concept, Complex Quest 103

Chapter 8 Universal Lockdown: The Fallout from Neglecting Science 131

Chapter 9 The Origin of SARS-CoV-2 157

Chapter 10 The Chinese Cover-Up Begins 183

Chapter 11 Misguidance from the World Health Organization 211

Chapter 12 Upon American Soil: What Happened? 231

Chapter 13 Pushing Back the Regulatory Red Tape 255

Chapter 14 Fork in the Road: Winners and Losers 267

Afterword 277

Acknowledgments 281

Index 283

Editorial Reviews

In covering COVID-19, I was appalled by the number of top, reputable scientists who told me they questioned public health guidance and media reporting but didn’t speak out for fear of being smeared and destroyed. It’s a chilling moment for science and journalism. Into this dynamic comes one of the most reasonable and informed voices on the topic, Dr. Nicole Saphier, to finally show you the full scope of the debates they didn’t want you to hear.” — Sharyl Attkisson, investigative reporter, New York Times bestselling author of Slanted

“Effective communication is one of the most powerful tools in public health. Dr. Saphier is a master of it, breaking down the information in a way that is honest and true to the science.” — Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and New York Times bestselling author of The Price We Pay

“In Panic Attack, Dr. Nicole Saphier follows the science, not fear; takes out the politics; and brings some reality to this once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. It’s a must-read for people who want to lead their life smartly but boldly.” 
— Brian Kilmeade, Fox anchor and five-time New York Times bestselling author

From the Publisher

In covering COVID-19, I was appalled by the number of top, reputable scientists who told me they questioned public health guidance and media reporting but didn’t speak out for fear of being smeared and destroyed. It’s a chilling moment for science and journalism. Into this dynamic comes one of the most reasonable and informed voices on the topic, Dr. Nicole Saphier, to finally show you the full scope of the debates they didn’t want you to hear.

Sharyl Attkisson

Effective communication is one of the most powerful tools in public health. Dr. Saphier is a master of it, breaking down the information in a way that is honest and true to the science.

Marty Makary

In Panic Attack, Dr. Nicole Saphier follows the science, not fear; takes out the politics; and brings some reality to this once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. It’s a must-read for people who want to lead their life smartly but boldly.” 

Brian Kilmeade