Well, would you look at that — a classic case of misinformation with as many twists as a Lee Evans routine! And honestly, there’s more confusion here than in a game of charades with your aunt after a few sherries!
So, let’s dive into this wild world of COVID-19 vaccine claims. We’ve got Anthony Fauci, the man who’s been nearly as omnipresent as Google, stepping down after years of battling the viral equivalent of a really stubborn hangnail — aka the pandemic. And surprise, surprise, some folks on the internet decided that this would be the perfect time to twist his words into something resembling pretzel logic!
What do they say he admitted to? Oh, only that the vaccines are causing “dilated cardiomyopathy”! A mouthful, isn’t it? Like trying to order that in a fancy restaurant and just praying they don’t serve it on a plate made of irony! The irony here is thicker than a bowl of oatmeal.
Now, our good friend Fauci didn’t actually say that, which, let’s be honest, is shocking — I mean, you’d think someone would at least look at the context! In the video that circulated faster than a cat video on YouTube, he mentioned “myocarditis.” Now, before we get into the medical jargon, let’s get something straight — myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy are not the same thing! One is like bringing a new plant home and expecting it to bloom, while the other is realizing that it may just wilt despite all your efforts, bless it!
And speaking of that video — it’s from 2023, but who’s keeping up with the timeline when you’ve got clicks to chase, right? The content was plucked from an ABC News interview where Fauci was discussing the safety of these mRNA vaccines, not conducting a courtroom drama! He spoke about the risks associated with myocarditis, particularly among young men, but in the way an honest barrister would — by making clear that while it’s rare, the risk of myocarditis from COVID itself is actually higher.
It’s almost like we’re playing a game of telephone, only the receiver is an internet troll with a knack for hyperbole. Perhaps we need to start a new trend: "Fact-Check Before You Post!" — but let’s face it, that’s as likely to happen as me winning a one-on-one against Anthony Joshua.
And the CDC? Well, they’ve also weighed in, reminding us that myocarditis cases are rare and often occur after the second dose. So, if you’re worried about myocarditis, you might want to reconsider your Netflix binge of horror shows instead!
So here we are at the end, folks, with a conclusion that screams louder than a naughty child in a supermarket: Fauci never admitted to causing “dilated cardiomyopathy” — oh no, he just wasn’t playing that game! He’s talking about myocarditis because, you know, science. The takeaway? Misinformation spreads faster than a rumor at a family reunion, and it’s our job to cut through the nonsense like a hot knife through vegan butter!
So the next time you see a sensational headline that twists facts like a pretzel, put on your critical thinking cap, roll up those analytical sleeves, and dig for the real story. Because if it sounds too good (or outrageous) to be true, it probably is — just ask Fauci, who’s dodged more misinformation than a wealthy heiress at a charity ball!
And remember, when life throws you misinformation, just fact-check it like you would a terrible joke at an open mic night — with a glare and a heavy dose of skepticism!
In August 2022, Anthony Fauci officially declared his intent to retire from his pivotal roles as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), head of the Immunology Laboratory, and chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career at the end of December of that year, as reported by reputable media like CNN. Presently, social media users are circulating a video purporting that the esteemed health expert acknowledges “now” that the vaccines against COVID-19 cause “dilated cardiomyopathy,” particularly in young men. Nevertheless, this information is misleading.
In a 22-second clip, Fauci is observed testifying in English during an interview with ABC News. A Spanish-translated banner reads, “The FDA is expected to approve a new booster soon.” Dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and checkered tie, he is framed against a blue backdrop. The misleading claim states, “Now Fauci admits that COVID-19 vaccines cause dilated cardiomyopathy, particularly in young men, and he should be prosecuted for lying to the public!” This November 7, 2024, post has garnered over 100,000 views and 5,000 likes, with numerous derogatory comments directed at the American immunologist.
The video dates back to 2023 and Anthony Fauci does not mention “dilated cardiomyopathy” nor does it refer to all vaccines
Upon closer examination, a translation from Pinpoint reveals that Fauci states: “Again, we have experience with this type of vaccine (new booster vaccines) in billions of people. It is a safe vaccine. Of course, with the mRNA vaccine, there is a very, very, very low risk of getting myocarditis, especially in young men, but if you look at the risk of myocarditis from COVID-19 itself, it is greater than the risk from the vaccine.” To clarify, he references “myocarditis,” not “dilated cardiomyopathy.”
According to an article published in 2003 by Oxford Academic, myocarditis is identified as an inflammatory disorder, while dilated cardiomyopathy often remains idiopathic. Although these conditions differ, they share close ties. Additionally, another 2022 report on PubMed suggested that cardiomyopathy could be a rare complication of mRNA vaccines; however, further details remain sparse.
This specific video segment was traced back to an interview conducted with Fauci on ABC News, published on September 10, 2023, on the network’s YouTube channel. The video’s headline reads: “Recent studies on the effectiveness of masks may be ‘very misleading,’ according to Anthony Fauci.” The extracted portion, taken out of context, begins at minute 4:04 of the 6-minute and 30-second segment. During this appearance, the rheumatologist engaged with television host Jonathan Karlen as a Georgetown University professor, not in his capacity as director of NIAID.
At the outset of the discussion, the topics included mask use, a supposed spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations, and the new booster doses. Following questions regarding high-risk demographics for the virus, Fauci suggested vaccination for vulnerable populations while advocating availability for the general public. He emphasized, “My personal opinion is that I think, certainly, it is the vulnerable, the elderly and those with underlying conditions. However, we should also offer the option to those outside high-risk groups for access to the vaccine.” Subsequently, he stated: “Again, we have experience with this type of vaccine (new booster vaccines) in billions of people. It is a safe vaccine. Of course, with the mRNA vaccine, there is a very, very, very low risk of getting myocarditis, especially in young men, but if you look at the risk of myocarditis from COVID-19 itself, it is greater than the risk from the vaccine. From my personal point of view, yes, I would endorse making it available for everyone, but it is certainly recommended for high-risk people.”
In short, the health expert does not mention the word “dilated cardiomyopathy” in the interview.
Furthermore, information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated until September 27, 2022, illustrates that myocarditis was recognized as a rare side effect following the administration of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA vaccines.
Currently, information on the CDC website, revised as of October 30, 2024, indicates that myocarditis is a rare “after” effect of certain COVID-19 vaccines. This condition was documented “most frequently in adolescent and young adult males within 7 days after the second dose” of the mRNA vaccine.
Conclusion
The video does not depict Anthony Fauci admitting “now” that the COVID-19 vaccines cause “dilated cardiomyopathy.” Instead, it features a genuine excerpt from a 2023 interview. Throughout the discussion, the doctor does not mention “dilated cardiomyopathy,” but rather “myocarditis.” He specified that the mRNA vaccines pose a minimal risk of this condition in a specific demographic. Hence, we categorize this misinformation claim as deceptive.
This article is original from The Republic Verifier, a Peruvian outlet part of the Latam Check network, alongside Bad Thorn.
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How does the risk of myocarditis from COVID-19 infection compare to the risk of myocarditis from vaccination?
Understanding the Misinformation on COVID-19 Vaccines and Heart Conditions
Misinformation surrounding COVID-19 and its vaccines has been rampant, particularly around concerns about potential side effects. Recently, a misleading claim has suggested that Dr. Anthony Fauci admitted that COVID-19 vaccines cause “dilated cardiomyopathy,” especially in young men. However, this assertion is simply not true.
In a clip circulating on social media, Fauci is shown during an interview claiming there is a “very, very, very low risk of getting myocarditis” associated with mRNA vaccines. He explained that this risk is particularly noted in young men but importantly stated that the risk of myocarditis from contracting COVID-19 is actually higher than the risk posed by the vaccine itself. This crucial piece of information is often omitted in sensational re-sharing, twisting Fauci’s remarks to create panic.
To clarify, myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy are distinct conditions, though they are related. Myocarditis is an inflammatory disorder of the heart muscle, while dilated cardiomyopathy is typically characterized by a reduction in the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. While myocarditis has been reported as a rare side effect of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, dilated cardiomyopathy has not been included in these discussions by Fauci or health authorities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidance confirming that myocarditis can occur, particularly among younger populations after the second dose of the vaccine, yet it remains rare overall. The CDC’s data backs Fauci’s statement that the risks associated with COVID itself exceed those from the vaccine. The distinction is crucial when discussing vaccine safety and its public perception.
As we dissect this misinformation, it’s essential to approach claims critically, seeking the original sources and examining the context in which statements were made. The fevered reaction fueled by sensational headlines can drown out the scientifically grounded messages that should guide public understanding and health decisions.
while there are risks associated with vaccines, the narrative around COVID-19 vaccines and dilated cardiomyopathy is a misrepresentation of Dr. Fauci’s statements. The conversation must continue to emphasize an accurate understanding of risks and benefits to navigate this complex health landscape responsibly.
