Is it morbid or wrong to start a conversation about end-of-life wishes with my family right now?
Families/Kids
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What’s the latest testing news?!
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The FDA has granted emergency authorization to pharmaceutical company Roche for a new antibody test that is much more accurate than existing options. Quick reminder about antibody testing: It provides information about PAST (as opposed to current) infections. Reason for optimism: The new test has much (!) better accuracy than others on the market, Read more…
Are males more at risk from COVID-19 compared to females? Why?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. While whether men or women get infected more often is not yet clear, men are consistently over-represented among COVID-19 deaths. In hard hit New York City for example, males make up 52% of confirmed cases, but 61% of COVID-19 deaths. In Italy, men currently make up 47% of the confirmed cases, and 62% Read more…
What is a contact tracer?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q2: Can I get hired to do contact tracing? Q3: Will the Apple/Google phone tracing technology replace the need for contact tracers? A1: A contact tracer… traces contacts! In an infectious disease outbreak, a contract tracer talks to people who have tested positive for the disease (a “case”) to find out all the people they Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Does wearing a cloth mask protect me, or protect others?
Masks Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Mostly others, but if we all wear them in places where maintaining an adequate distance from others is challenging, we can all potentially protect each other. The key to understanding this is distinguishing transmission via ingress vs. egress. For the most part, discussion of mask use early in the pandemic focused on preventing INGRESS Read more…
What might socializing look like when shelter-in-place orders are lifted?
Reopening Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Social distancing will remain important when shelter-in-place orders are lifted. For many regions, the elements needed to reopen society have not yet been achieved: declining rates of infection, adequate testing supply, and the ability to trace the contacts of new infections to appropriately isolate and treat. When shelter-in-place orders are lifted, restructuring social networks Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Help! I am confused by all of the various types of COVID tests!
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: NPR has a great cheat sheet describing the three major types of COVID tests under discussion: (1) PCR – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of genetic material in mucus; (2) Antibodies – Test for PAST INFECTIONS in the blood; (3) Antigen – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of proteins in Read more…
Where can I direct my energy to safely help my community at this challenging time?
Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Each of us has something valuable to contribute to our communities. In this time of great uncertainty, volunteering can build unity for a common cause and provide a helpful outlet for the mixed bag of emotions. The Corporation for National and Community Service has compiled a thoughtful list of volunteer opportunities to keep you Read more…
A: NO! Now is a GREAT time to talk about end-of-life wishes with your inner circle. Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but there are several benefits to doing this early and often. First, it’s really easy to misunderstand your family members’ wishes without a specific conversation. Opportunities to have conversations are better suited before Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadA: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What’s the latest testing news?!
Testing and Contact TracingLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The FDA has granted emergency authorization to pharmaceutical company Roche for a new antibody test that is much more accurate than existing options. Quick reminder about antibody testing: It provides information about PAST (as opposed to current) infections. Reason for optimism: The new test has much (!) better accuracy than others on the market, Read more…
Are males more at risk from COVID-19 compared to females? Why?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. While whether men or women get infected more often is not yet clear, men are consistently over-represented among COVID-19 deaths. In hard hit New York City for example, males make up 52% of confirmed cases, but 61% of COVID-19 deaths. In Italy, men currently make up 47% of the confirmed cases, and 62% Read more…
What is a contact tracer?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q2: Can I get hired to do contact tracing? Q3: Will the Apple/Google phone tracing technology replace the need for contact tracers? A1: A contact tracer… traces contacts! In an infectious disease outbreak, a contract tracer talks to people who have tested positive for the disease (a “case”) to find out all the people they Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Does wearing a cloth mask protect me, or protect others?
Masks Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Mostly others, but if we all wear them in places where maintaining an adequate distance from others is challenging, we can all potentially protect each other. The key to understanding this is distinguishing transmission via ingress vs. egress. For the most part, discussion of mask use early in the pandemic focused on preventing INGRESS Read more…
What might socializing look like when shelter-in-place orders are lifted?
Reopening Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Social distancing will remain important when shelter-in-place orders are lifted. For many regions, the elements needed to reopen society have not yet been achieved: declining rates of infection, adequate testing supply, and the ability to trace the contacts of new infections to appropriately isolate and treat. When shelter-in-place orders are lifted, restructuring social networks Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Help! I am confused by all of the various types of COVID tests!
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: NPR has a great cheat sheet describing the three major types of COVID tests under discussion: (1) PCR – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of genetic material in mucus; (2) Antibodies – Test for PAST INFECTIONS in the blood; (3) Antigen – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of proteins in Read more…
Where can I direct my energy to safely help my community at this challenging time?
Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Each of us has something valuable to contribute to our communities. In this time of great uncertainty, volunteering can build unity for a common cause and provide a helpful outlet for the mixed bag of emotions. The Corporation for National and Community Service has compiled a thoughtful list of volunteer opportunities to keep you Read more…
A: The FDA has granted emergency authorization to pharmaceutical company Roche for a new antibody test that is much more accurate than existing options. Quick reminder about antibody testing: It provides information about PAST (as opposed to current) infections. Reason for optimism: The new test has much (!) better accuracy than others on the market, Read more…
Are males more at risk from COVID-19 compared to females? Why?
Biology/ImmunityJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. While whether men or women get infected more often is not yet clear, men are consistently over-represented among COVID-19 deaths. In hard hit New York City for example, males make up 52% of confirmed cases, but 61% of COVID-19 deaths. In Italy, men currently make up 47% of the confirmed cases, and 62% Read more…
What is a contact tracer?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q2: Can I get hired to do contact tracing? Q3: Will the Apple/Google phone tracing technology replace the need for contact tracers? A1: A contact tracer… traces contacts! In an infectious disease outbreak, a contract tracer talks to people who have tested positive for the disease (a “case”) to find out all the people they Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Does wearing a cloth mask protect me, or protect others?
Masks Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Mostly others, but if we all wear them in places where maintaining an adequate distance from others is challenging, we can all potentially protect each other. The key to understanding this is distinguishing transmission via ingress vs. egress. For the most part, discussion of mask use early in the pandemic focused on preventing INGRESS Read more…
What might socializing look like when shelter-in-place orders are lifted?
Reopening Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Social distancing will remain important when shelter-in-place orders are lifted. For many regions, the elements needed to reopen society have not yet been achieved: declining rates of infection, adequate testing supply, and the ability to trace the contacts of new infections to appropriately isolate and treat. When shelter-in-place orders are lifted, restructuring social networks Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Help! I am confused by all of the various types of COVID tests!
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: NPR has a great cheat sheet describing the three major types of COVID tests under discussion: (1) PCR – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of genetic material in mucus; (2) Antibodies – Test for PAST INFECTIONS in the blood; (3) Antigen – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of proteins in Read more…
Where can I direct my energy to safely help my community at this challenging time?
Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Each of us has something valuable to contribute to our communities. In this time of great uncertainty, volunteering can build unity for a common cause and provide a helpful outlet for the mixed bag of emotions. The Corporation for National and Community Service has compiled a thoughtful list of volunteer opportunities to keep you Read more…
A: Yes. While whether men or women get infected more often is not yet clear, men are consistently over-represented among COVID-19 deaths. In hard hit New York City for example, males make up 52% of confirmed cases, but 61% of COVID-19 deaths. In Italy, men currently make up 47% of the confirmed cases, and 62% Read more…
What is a contact tracer?
Testing and Contact TracingAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q2: Can I get hired to do contact tracing? Q3: Will the Apple/Google phone tracing technology replace the need for contact tracers? A1: A contact tracer… traces contacts! In an infectious disease outbreak, a contract tracer talks to people who have tested positive for the disease (a “case”) to find out all the people they Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Does wearing a cloth mask protect me, or protect others?
Masks Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Mostly others, but if we all wear them in places where maintaining an adequate distance from others is challenging, we can all potentially protect each other. The key to understanding this is distinguishing transmission via ingress vs. egress. For the most part, discussion of mask use early in the pandemic focused on preventing INGRESS Read more…
What might socializing look like when shelter-in-place orders are lifted?
Reopening Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Social distancing will remain important when shelter-in-place orders are lifted. For many regions, the elements needed to reopen society have not yet been achieved: declining rates of infection, adequate testing supply, and the ability to trace the contacts of new infections to appropriately isolate and treat. When shelter-in-place orders are lifted, restructuring social networks Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Help! I am confused by all of the various types of COVID tests!
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: NPR has a great cheat sheet describing the three major types of COVID tests under discussion: (1) PCR – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of genetic material in mucus; (2) Antibodies – Test for PAST INFECTIONS in the blood; (3) Antigen – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of proteins in Read more…
Where can I direct my energy to safely help my community at this challenging time?
Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Each of us has something valuable to contribute to our communities. In this time of great uncertainty, volunteering can build unity for a common cause and provide a helpful outlet for the mixed bag of emotions. The Corporation for National and Community Service has compiled a thoughtful list of volunteer opportunities to keep you Read more…
Q2: Can I get hired to do contact tracing? Q3: Will the Apple/Google phone tracing technology replace the need for contact tracers? A1: A contact tracer… traces contacts! In an infectious disease outbreak, a contract tracer talks to people who have tested positive for the disease (a “case”) to find out all the people they Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Does wearing a cloth mask protect me, or protect others?
Masks Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Mostly others, but if we all wear them in places where maintaining an adequate distance from others is challenging, we can all potentially protect each other. The key to understanding this is distinguishing transmission via ingress vs. egress. For the most part, discussion of mask use early in the pandemic focused on preventing INGRESS Read more…
What might socializing look like when shelter-in-place orders are lifted?
Reopening Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Social distancing will remain important when shelter-in-place orders are lifted. For many regions, the elements needed to reopen society have not yet been achieved: declining rates of infection, adequate testing supply, and the ability to trace the contacts of new infections to appropriately isolate and treat. When shelter-in-place orders are lifted, restructuring social networks Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Help! I am confused by all of the various types of COVID tests!
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: NPR has a great cheat sheet describing the three major types of COVID tests under discussion: (1) PCR – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of genetic material in mucus; (2) Antibodies – Test for PAST INFECTIONS in the blood; (3) Antigen – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of proteins in Read more…
Where can I direct my energy to safely help my community at this challenging time?
Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Each of us has something valuable to contribute to our communities. In this time of great uncertainty, volunteering can build unity for a common cause and provide a helpful outlet for the mixed bag of emotions. The Corporation for National and Community Service has compiled a thoughtful list of volunteer opportunities to keep you Read more…
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Does wearing a cloth mask protect me, or protect others?
Masks UncategorizedAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Mostly others, but if we all wear them in places where maintaining an adequate distance from others is challenging, we can all potentially protect each other. The key to understanding this is distinguishing transmission via ingress vs. egress. For the most part, discussion of mask use early in the pandemic focused on preventing INGRESS Read more…
What might socializing look like when shelter-in-place orders are lifted?
Reopening Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Social distancing will remain important when shelter-in-place orders are lifted. For many regions, the elements needed to reopen society have not yet been achieved: declining rates of infection, adequate testing supply, and the ability to trace the contacts of new infections to appropriately isolate and treat. When shelter-in-place orders are lifted, restructuring social networks Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Help! I am confused by all of the various types of COVID tests!
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: NPR has a great cheat sheet describing the three major types of COVID tests under discussion: (1) PCR – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of genetic material in mucus; (2) Antibodies – Test for PAST INFECTIONS in the blood; (3) Antigen – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of proteins in Read more…
Where can I direct my energy to safely help my community at this challenging time?
Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Each of us has something valuable to contribute to our communities. In this time of great uncertainty, volunteering can build unity for a common cause and provide a helpful outlet for the mixed bag of emotions. The Corporation for National and Community Service has compiled a thoughtful list of volunteer opportunities to keep you Read more…
A: Mostly others, but if we all wear them in places where maintaining an adequate distance from others is challenging, we can all potentially protect each other. The key to understanding this is distinguishing transmission via ingress vs. egress. For the most part, discussion of mask use early in the pandemic focused on preventing INGRESS Read more…
What might socializing look like when shelter-in-place orders are lifted?
Reopening SocializingAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Social distancing will remain important when shelter-in-place orders are lifted. For many regions, the elements needed to reopen society have not yet been achieved: declining rates of infection, adequate testing supply, and the ability to trace the contacts of new infections to appropriately isolate and treat. When shelter-in-place orders are lifted, restructuring social networks Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids School
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Help! I am confused by all of the various types of COVID tests!
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: NPR has a great cheat sheet describing the three major types of COVID tests under discussion: (1) PCR – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of genetic material in mucus; (2) Antibodies – Test for PAST INFECTIONS in the blood; (3) Antigen – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of proteins in Read more…
Where can I direct my energy to safely help my community at this challenging time?
Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Each of us has something valuable to contribute to our communities. In this time of great uncertainty, volunteering can build unity for a common cause and provide a helpful outlet for the mixed bag of emotions. The Corporation for National and Community Service has compiled a thoughtful list of volunteer opportunities to keep you Read more…
A: Social distancing will remain important when shelter-in-place orders are lifted. For many regions, the elements needed to reopen society have not yet been achieved: declining rates of infection, adequate testing supply, and the ability to trace the contacts of new infections to appropriately isolate and treat. When shelter-in-place orders are lifted, restructuring social networks Read more…
Should I be prepared to send my children back to school in the fall?
Families/Kids SchoolAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Help! I am confused by all of the various types of COVID tests!
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: NPR has a great cheat sheet describing the three major types of COVID tests under discussion: (1) PCR – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of genetic material in mucus; (2) Antibodies – Test for PAST INFECTIONS in the blood; (3) Antigen – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of proteins in Read more…
Where can I direct my energy to safely help my community at this challenging time?
Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Each of us has something valuable to contribute to our communities. In this time of great uncertainty, volunteering can build unity for a common cause and provide a helpful outlet for the mixed bag of emotions. The Corporation for National and Community Service has compiled a thoughtful list of volunteer opportunities to keep you Read more…
Q: And what can I do to prepare if so? A: We all want to say yes yes YES, but there are a number of considerations. We keep schools closed to limit the spread of infection. Past pandemics have taught us this. The data for our current pandemic are murkier; this is primarily because data Read more…
Help! I am confused by all of the various types of COVID tests!
Testing and Contact TracingLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: NPR has a great cheat sheet describing the three major types of COVID tests under discussion: (1) PCR – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of genetic material in mucus; (2) Antibodies – Test for PAST INFECTIONS in the blood; (3) Antigen – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of proteins in Read more…
Where can I direct my energy to safely help my community at this challenging time?
Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Each of us has something valuable to contribute to our communities. In this time of great uncertainty, volunteering can build unity for a common cause and provide a helpful outlet for the mixed bag of emotions. The Corporation for National and Community Service has compiled a thoughtful list of volunteer opportunities to keep you Read more…
A: NPR has a great cheat sheet describing the three major types of COVID tests under discussion: (1) PCR – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of genetic material in mucus; (2) Antibodies – Test for PAST INFECTIONS in the blood; (3) Antigen – Test for CURRENTLY ACTIVE infections via identification of proteins in Read more…
Where can I direct my energy to safely help my community at this challenging time?
Social and Racial Justice Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Each of us has something valuable to contribute to our communities. In this time of great uncertainty, volunteering can build unity for a common cause and provide a helpful outlet for the mixed bag of emotions. The Corporation for National and Community Service has compiled a thoughtful list of volunteer opportunities to keep you Read more…
A: Each of us has something valuable to contribute to our communities. In this time of great uncertainty, volunteering can build unity for a common cause and provide a helpful outlet for the mixed bag of emotions. The Corporation for National and Community Service has compiled a thoughtful list of volunteer opportunities to keep you Read more…
