Can a common asthma treatment also treat COVID-19?
Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: New clues are hopeful! Alas we can’t yet declare “case closed.” New data out of Oxford suggest that the inhaled drug budesonide* may greatly reduce hospitalization risk for COVID-19 patients when used within one week of symptom onset. As noted in the press release: “The 28-day study of 146 patients suggested that inhaled budesonide Read more…
Tips for Improving Communication While Masked
Masks Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: I’m having a hard time hearing. Any tips for improving communication while masked? A: We can’t ditch the masks but we can slow down our conversations, speak up, and add additional tools to improve communication. Universal efforts to improve masked communication aim to keep everyone engaged, regardless of their hearing abilities. Hearing difficulty in Read more…
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
¿Cómo se puede luchar contra las noticias falsas?
Posts en Español Uncertainty and Misinformation
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Use las 3 D para deshacerse de la desinformación: detectar; documentar; y desenmascarar. “Durante los últimos años, cada vez que ha habido una propagación de gérmenes también se ha acompañado por la propagación de mentiras.” Estas palabras sabias del sociólogo médico Dr. Nicholas Christakis resuenan. Nosotras, las Nerdy Girls, estamos comprometidas a la causa Read more…
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
Conoce a las “Nerdy Girls” – Dra. Alison Buttenheim
Posts en Español Uncategorized
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Hoy empezamos una nueva serie: ¡Una oportunidad de conocer a las Nerdy Girls – las científicas que manejan esta página Querida Pandemia, y la página en inglés, Dear Pandemic! Vamos a presentar a una de nuestras expertas cada semana para que ustedes puedan conocernos un poco mejor. En primer lugar, nos gustaría presentarle a nuestra Read more…
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
I’m really stressed out. And I feel like it might be getting worse, not better.
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
A: New clues are hopeful! Alas we can’t yet declare “case closed.” New data out of Oxford suggest that the inhaled drug budesonide* may greatly reduce hospitalization risk for COVID-19 patients when used within one week of symptom onset. As noted in the press release: “The 28-day study of 146 patients suggested that inhaled budesonide Read more…
Tips for Improving Communication While Masked
Masks SocializingAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: I’m having a hard time hearing. Any tips for improving communication while masked? A: We can’t ditch the masks but we can slow down our conversations, speak up, and add additional tools to improve communication. Universal efforts to improve masked communication aim to keep everyone engaged, regardless of their hearing abilities. Hearing difficulty in Read more…
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
¿Cómo se puede luchar contra las noticias falsas?
Posts en Español Uncertainty and Misinformation
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Use las 3 D para deshacerse de la desinformación: detectar; documentar; y desenmascarar. “Durante los últimos años, cada vez que ha habido una propagación de gérmenes también se ha acompañado por la propagación de mentiras.” Estas palabras sabias del sociólogo médico Dr. Nicholas Christakis resuenan. Nosotras, las Nerdy Girls, estamos comprometidas a la causa Read more…
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
Conoce a las “Nerdy Girls” – Dra. Alison Buttenheim
Posts en Español Uncategorized
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Hoy empezamos una nueva serie: ¡Una oportunidad de conocer a las Nerdy Girls – las científicas que manejan esta página Querida Pandemia, y la página en inglés, Dear Pandemic! Vamos a presentar a una de nuestras expertas cada semana para que ustedes puedan conocernos un poco mejor. En primer lugar, nos gustaría presentarle a nuestra Read more…
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
I’m really stressed out. And I feel like it might be getting worse, not better.
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Q: I’m having a hard time hearing. Any tips for improving communication while masked? A: We can’t ditch the masks but we can slow down our conversations, speak up, and add additional tools to improve communication. Universal efforts to improve masked communication aim to keep everyone engaged, regardless of their hearing abilities. Hearing difficulty in Read more…
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
¿Cómo se puede luchar contra las noticias falsas?
Posts en Español Uncertainty and Misinformation
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Use las 3 D para deshacerse de la desinformación: detectar; documentar; y desenmascarar. “Durante los últimos años, cada vez que ha habido una propagación de gérmenes también se ha acompañado por la propagación de mentiras.” Estas palabras sabias del sociólogo médico Dr. Nicholas Christakis resuenan. Nosotras, las Nerdy Girls, estamos comprometidas a la causa Read more…
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
Conoce a las “Nerdy Girls” – Dra. Alison Buttenheim
Posts en Español Uncategorized
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Hoy empezamos una nueva serie: ¡Una oportunidad de conocer a las Nerdy Girls – las científicas que manejan esta página Querida Pandemia, y la página en inglés, Dear Pandemic! Vamos a presentar a una de nuestras expertas cada semana para que ustedes puedan conocernos un poco mejor. En primer lugar, nos gustaría presentarle a nuestra Read more…
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
I’m really stressed out. And I feel like it might be getting worse, not better.
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
¿Cómo se puede luchar contra las noticias falsas?
Posts en Español Uncertainty and Misinformation
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Use las 3 D para deshacerse de la desinformación: detectar; documentar; y desenmascarar. “Durante los últimos años, cada vez que ha habido una propagación de gérmenes también se ha acompañado por la propagación de mentiras.” Estas palabras sabias del sociólogo médico Dr. Nicholas Christakis resuenan. Nosotras, las Nerdy Girls, estamos comprometidas a la causa Read more…
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
Conoce a las “Nerdy Girls” – Dra. Alison Buttenheim
Posts en Español Uncategorized
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Hoy empezamos una nueva serie: ¡Una oportunidad de conocer a las Nerdy Girls – las científicas que manejan esta página Querida Pandemia, y la página en inglés, Dear Pandemic! Vamos a presentar a una de nuestras expertas cada semana para que ustedes puedan conocernos un poco mejor. En primer lugar, nos gustaría presentarle a nuestra Read more…
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
I’m really stressed out. And I feel like it might be getting worse, not better.
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
¿Cómo se puede luchar contra las noticias falsas?
Posts en Español Uncertainty and MisinformationDaisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: Use las 3 D para deshacerse de la desinformación: detectar; documentar; y desenmascarar. “Durante los últimos años, cada vez que ha habido una propagación de gérmenes también se ha acompañado por la propagación de mentiras.” Estas palabras sabias del sociólogo médico Dr. Nicholas Christakis resuenan. Nosotras, las Nerdy Girls, estamos comprometidas a la causa Read more…
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
Conoce a las “Nerdy Girls” – Dra. Alison Buttenheim
Posts en Español Uncategorized
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Hoy empezamos una nueva serie: ¡Una oportunidad de conocer a las Nerdy Girls – las científicas que manejan esta página Querida Pandemia, y la página en inglés, Dear Pandemic! Vamos a presentar a una de nuestras expertas cada semana para que ustedes puedan conocernos un poco mejor. En primer lugar, nos gustaría presentarle a nuestra Read more…
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
I’m really stressed out. And I feel like it might be getting worse, not better.
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
R: Use las 3 D para deshacerse de la desinformación: detectar; documentar; y desenmascarar. “Durante los últimos años, cada vez que ha habido una propagación de gérmenes también se ha acompañado por la propagación de mentiras.” Estas palabras sabias del sociólogo médico Dr. Nicholas Christakis resuenan. Nosotras, las Nerdy Girls, estamos comprometidas a la causa Read more…
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
UncategorizedMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
Conoce a las “Nerdy Girls” – Dra. Alison Buttenheim
Posts en Español Uncategorized
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Hoy empezamos una nueva serie: ¡Una oportunidad de conocer a las Nerdy Girls – las científicas que manejan esta página Querida Pandemia, y la página en inglés, Dear Pandemic! Vamos a presentar a una de nuestras expertas cada semana para que ustedes puedan conocernos un poco mejor. En primer lugar, nos gustaría presentarle a nuestra Read more…
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
I’m really stressed out. And I feel like it might be getting worse, not better.
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
Conoce a las “Nerdy Girls” – Dra. Alison Buttenheim
Posts en Español Uncategorized
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Hoy empezamos una nueva serie: ¡Una oportunidad de conocer a las Nerdy Girls – las científicas que manejan esta página Querida Pandemia, y la página en inglés, Dear Pandemic! Vamos a presentar a una de nuestras expertas cada semana para que ustedes puedan conocernos un poco mejor. En primer lugar, nos gustaría presentarle a nuestra Read more…
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
I’m really stressed out. And I feel like it might be getting worse, not better.
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
UncategorizedMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
Conoce a las “Nerdy Girls” – Dra. Alison Buttenheim
Posts en Español Uncategorized
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Hoy empezamos una nueva serie: ¡Una oportunidad de conocer a las Nerdy Girls – las científicas que manejan esta página Querida Pandemia, y la página en inglés, Dear Pandemic! Vamos a presentar a una de nuestras expertas cada semana para que ustedes puedan conocernos un poco mejor. En primer lugar, nos gustaría presentarle a nuestra Read more…
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
I’m really stressed out. And I feel like it might be getting worse, not better.
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
Conoce a las “Nerdy Girls” – Dra. Alison Buttenheim
Posts en Español UncategorizedSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Hoy empezamos una nueva serie: ¡Una oportunidad de conocer a las Nerdy Girls – las científicas que manejan esta página Querida Pandemia, y la página en inglés, Dear Pandemic! Vamos a presentar a una de nuestras expertas cada semana para que ustedes puedan conocernos un poco mejor. En primer lugar, nos gustaría presentarle a nuestra Read more…
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
I’m really stressed out. And I feel like it might be getting worse, not better.
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Hoy empezamos una nueva serie: ¡Una oportunidad de conocer a las Nerdy Girls – las científicas que manejan esta página Querida Pandemia, y la página en inglés, Dear Pandemic! Vamos a presentar a una de nuestras expertas cada semana para que ustedes puedan conocernos un poco mejor. En primer lugar, nos gustaría presentarle a nuestra Read more…
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
I’m really stressed out. And I feel like it might be getting worse, not better.
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing VideosAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
I’m really stressed out. And I feel like it might be getting worse, not better.
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids SchoolLauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
I’m really stressed out. And I feel like it might be getting worse, not better.
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
I’m really stressed out. And I feel like it might be getting worse, not better.
Mental HealthChristine Whelan, PhD
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
A: You are not alone: Surveys tell us that adults in the U.S. are reporting the highest stress levels since the early days of the pandemic. If the obvious stress-busting advice hasn’t helped, we’ve got some bigger-picture ideas to ponder. According to the American Psychological Association’s just-released January 2021 Stress Snapshot, 84% of American adults Read more…
¿La vacuna de COVID19 causa anafilaxia?
Posts en Español VaccinesTita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
R: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica grave pero muy rara. Los síntomas de la anafilaxia pueden incluir: inflamación de la cara, garganta o lengua, dificultad para respirar, respiración sibilante, urticaria, dolor abdominal y presión arterial baja. La anafilaxia es una emergencia y se trata con epinefrina inyectada en el músculo de la pierna. Aunque Read more…
Where the heck is the flu?
Data and Metrics Staying SafeSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
A: There has been incredibly low influenza activity this season. Yay! Turns out, masking, washing hands, staying home when sick, and vaccinations really do work! Influenza season typically starts around October, peaks between December and February, and then tapers off. And flu is no joke. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated flu caused Read more…
How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way?
Families/Kids Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
Q: With school closures and working from home, I feel as if I am always saying no to my young child. How can I help my child understand “NO” in a kind way? A: Acknowledge feelings, help meet your child’s needs, and use nonverbal communication. Dr. Carolyn Broudy of the Family Connections Center provides a Read more…
¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.?
Posts en Español VaccinesDaisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
P: ¡La vacunación contra COVID-19 ha comenzado! ¿Cómo se controlará la seguridad de la vacuna en EE.UU.? R: A medida que mejoren los suministros de vacunas, más personas comenzarán a vacunarse en las próximas semanas y meses. Aunque los datos de seguridad de los ensayos clínicos son muy buenos, el monitoreo de la seguridad es Read more…
What’s going on globally with the vaccine rollout?
Data and Metrics VaccinesSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids Socializing
A: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
A. It’s not good – especially if we’re trying to reach herd immunity by the end of 2021. Getting “back to normal,” or some semblance of normal, even for the U.S., will require widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines all around the world. The virus doesn’t adhere to national boundaries, and long-term travels bans to limit Read more…
When can fully vaccinated older adults see family and friends again?
Families/Kids SocializingA: Full vaccination status (2 doses + 1-2 weeks) provides an additional layer of protection, but is not a silver bullet. Thankfully, existing COVID-19 vaccines drastically reduces the risk of severe infection and death. It’s not clear yet how much the vaccines reduce asymptomatic infection or transmission. Risk mitigation strategies (maintain space, wear masks, outdoor Read more…
What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy?
Families/Kids VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
A: Overall, there is no evidence that risks of vaccination would outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, but specific guidance varies by country. Why no clear guidance? As with almost all drug/vaccine trials, the current Phase III COVID-19 clinical trials did not include pregnant women (though some participants became pregnant during the Pfizer and Moderna Read more…
