fbpx

I am struggling with anxiety and maybe depression during this pandemic and nothing I have tried, from journaling to gratitude journaling, has worked.

Mental Health

Q: I think I need a therapist. Where do I start? A: We will walk you through it. Before we do, we want to acknowledge your bravery. Many of us are going through this and we thank you for asking openly and honestly about how to find help. In fact, approximately 40% of Americans report Read more…

What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.

Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread

Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…

As we approach seasonal influenza season, how will I know if my symptoms are from the flu or covid-19? If I am not sure, what should I do?

Clinical Symptoms Staying Safe

A: Spoiler alert: It will be challenging. Many symptoms overlap between seasonal flu and COVID-19 which will unfortunately make it hard to know whether you have flu or COVID-19. For a thorough comparison of symptoms and other clinical characteristics of flu vs. COVID-19 see here. Symptoms common to both COVID-19 and flu include: -Fever or Read more…

¿Puedo ser un voluntario en un estudio de fase 3 de una vacuna contra el coronavirus?

Posts en Español

R. ¡Por supuesto! En Estados Unidos (EEUU), la Red de la Prevención del COVID-19 está aceptando voluntarios para los ensayos clínicos de fase 3 (enlace a continuación). Si le interesa en ser voluntario en un estudio, tiene que contestar alrededor de 25 preguntas (nos tomó menos de 10 minutos completar la encuesta). Luego, su información Read more…

Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?

Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation

A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…

I have my first Zoom doctor’s appointment coming up. Any tips on making it a success?

Staying Safe

A: Yes! Your Friendly Family MD, a Nerdy Girl collaborator, weighs in with the following recommendations: Find a private place (far away from where your roomie likes to roam half-naked); Call your insurer prior to the visit (no one likes surprise bills!); Pre-check your tech (Zoom gremlins are **real**); Come ready with your concerns (writing Read more…

It’s the first day of virtual school and I’m already losing my mind. How am I going to survive this?

Families/Kids Mental Health School

A: Parents, we see you. Parenting in a pandemic is hard. It’s really, really hard. Many parents are being tasked with managing virtual learning, often involving age-inappropriate expectations for our young children to spend hours (and hours) seated/on Zoom calls. All around us, parents–especially moms–are taking leaves of absence from their careers in order to Read more…

How can I support my elderly family member as the pandemic continues?

Families/Kids Mental Health

A: Continue to ask your family member what his/her/their wishes are and how you can support; continue to engage socially through virtual means; encourage hobbies/activities/interests; and provide support to caregivers. We just love this cartoon that helps depict this. Full view as well as a printable guide available here. Stay safe. Stay sane. And let’s Read more…

Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.

Infection and Spread Staying Safe

A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…

Why do men suffer more severe COVID-19 and a higher risk of death? Do we know anything new?

Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms

A: Women may mount a stronger T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a recent paper in Nature from the lab of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. In the study, researchers collected blood, saliva and other samples from 17 men and 22 women aged 60+ admitted to the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test and Read more…

Other than social distancing, wearing masks, staying outside, and washing hands, what else can we do to stay safe?

Families/Kids Masks Socializing Staying Safe

Q:  Also, now that cooler weather is coming, what can my teenagers do indoors? We are already bored. A: It seems like you and your family are doing a lot of things right! Think about how much we’ve learned and adapted in the past 6 months. Wow. Congratulations. Here’s one more important factor to consider: Read more…

I live alone. What things should I think about to keep on keeping on during this pandemic?

Mental Health

A: Whether you’re a student living in a studio apartment downtown or retired and living alone in the community, this pandemic has been HARD. Balancing infection control risks with social connection and extreme levels of uncertainty can be especially stressful when living alone. Three common areas of concern among individuals who live alone include maintaining Read more…

What should I be considering when it comes to deciding on participation in team sports for my kids this Fall?

Families/Kids Reopening School Staying Safe

A: Great question from a follower! We recommend keeping in mind three main things when considering the safety of a team sport: Space, Sharing and Stability! Space -To what extent is physical closeness a requirement of team play? -Can players socially distance when not in the field of play? -Can spectators socially distance? -Can team Read more…