The Claim:
AÂ prominent doctor is claiming that COVID deaths and hospitalizations are not as high as we think they are due to overcounting.
The Facts:
In the interview, the doctor is attempting to point out the difference between deaths and hospitalizations where the primary cause is listed as COVID, deaths and hospitalizations where COVID is listed as a contributing cause, and deaths and hospitalizations where COVID was simply present and not necessarily related to the cause.
That these categories exist, however, does not necessarily lend to the concept of overcounting COVID cases. In fact, data suggest the number of COVID deaths is overwhelmingly undercounted.
But first, what is the difference between dying of COVID and dying with COVID? A lot depends on who is filling out the death certificate and what information they had about the patient. But in the end, we can look at excess deaths and see that, in all likelihood, the number of COVID deaths is far greater than the official numbers.
Disclaimer: Science is always evolving and our understanding of these topics may have evolved too since this was originally posted. Be sure to check out our most recent posts and browse the latest Just the Facts Topics for the latest.
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