Don’t Worry! Dr. Fauci Is Just Fine After His Vocal Cord Surgery
Aug. 20 2020, Updated 7:15 p.m. ET
One of the beacons of hope throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic has been the voice and presence of Dr. Anthony Fauci. During this trying time in the world amid the COVID-19 outbreak, so many people have been looking for solid leadership and guidance. There are many unknowns that can breed anxiety. Thankfully, there have been scientific experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Americans all over were worried about the beloved doctor after news broke that he was recovering from vocal cord surgery. Some wondered if he was sick or if the surgery was an emergency. Thankfully, everything was routine, and Dr. Fauci is going to be just fine.
Dr. Anthony Fauci underwent surgery to remove a polyp from one of his vocal cords.
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the agency Fauci has led since 1984, Dr. Anthony Fauci underwent surgery to remove a polyp from one of his vocal cords. The surgery was an outpatient procedure.
"He's now home and resting," an NIAID spokesperson told NPR. "Expect him to be completely resting his voice at least through the weekend."
Dr. Fauci took a key role in the Coronavirus Task Force.
Not only did Dr. Fauci lead America’s infectious disease agency, but he also played a key role in the White House's Coronavirus Task Force, providing guidance and expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s no wonder that Dr. Fauci has found himself with polyps on his vocal cords. He has been a part of many press conferences, media interviews, and meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Polyps disrupt the ability of vocal cords to close completely, resulting in hoarseness and other symptoms. The condition often stems from overusing one's voice, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
"Talking too much, screaming, constantly clearing your throat, or smoking can make you hoarse," the agency says. "They can also lead to problems such as nodules, polyps, and sores on the vocal cords."
Dr. Fauci supporters often worry about him when he is absent from briefings.
Many fans of Dr. Fauci were worried when he was absent from a coronavirus briefing by President Donald Trump in July 2020. Dr. Fauci, who is typically a point person of the task force, told CNN’s Jake Tapper during an interview that he wasn’t invited to the briefing.
“I was not invited, and at this point, I’m assuming I’m not going to be there,” Fauci said, adding that he hasn't spoken to Trump since mid-August. Maybe Dr. Fauci is finally getting the much-needed break he has been needing since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, or maybe he and the president are not seeing eye to eye anymore.
Some found Dr. Fauci’s surgery to be ironic. The man has been talking so much to the people of the United States, yet who was really listening. One Twitter user wrote, “If ppl would listen he wouldn't have to use his voice as much”
