Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
Is it true that some people already have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 from previous exposure to seasonal coronaviruses?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Maybe; there *is* evidence of antibodies to seasonal coronaviruses reacting to some parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. BUT so far there is no solid evidence that these antibodies protect from COVID-19 infection or disease. What does it mean to have “cross-reactive” antibodies? There are four “common” or seasonal human coronaviruses which are one cause Read more…
Should I be worried about this story of mink to human transmission of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 in Denmark?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No need to panic, but scientists are keeping an eye on it. RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 are always mutating in small ways– this is normal and expected. While scientists will be watching closely, so far there is no solid evidence that this new mutation has changed the virus in meaningful ways. In a press Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger & Malia Jones tackle your COVID questions, including what’s up with curfews, immunity passes, and declining death rates. ➡️ Intro and website info (:00 – 3:59) ➡️ Lightning round (4:00 – 9:39) ➡️ Immunity: personal + herd (9:40 – 17:55) ➡️ Curfews to curb spread? (18:30 – 25:15) ➡️ Cases up, death Read more…
What do we currently know about SARS-CoV-2 re-infection?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far it seems that short-term re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 is possible, but (hopefully) rare. A key question from the beginning of the pandemic has been what is the duration of immunity for SARS-CoV-2. Viruses like measles can provide lifelong immunity, but immunity to seasonal coronaviruses has generally been short-lived (around 12 months). One challenge Read more…
What does the new study from last week add to our knowledge about surface transmission of SARS-CoV-2?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Do we need to wipe the groceries again? Thanks for this great question from Kat in LA and Katey in the UK. A: No need to return to grocery wiping, but wipe down your phone regularly and keep those hands clean. A new study released last week from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Read more…
Is the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutating and if so, does it matter?
Biology/Immunity
A: Yes, since it began spreading, the virus has picked up several mutations, but not necessarily more than expected, and as Ed Yong explains in this article, these changes to the virus are not necessarily cause for alarm. Key Points: -When viruses infect a host, they make new copies and while duplicating their genes, mutations Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
What’s the hoopla about monoclonal neutralizing antibody therapies?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are specialized proteins that can stop a particular virus from entering a cell and using it to make lots of copies of itself. Drug companies are developing a few different monoclonal antibodies intended to both prevent and treat COVID-19. When a virus gets inside your body and is identified Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
Why do men suffer more severe COVID-19 and a higher risk of death? Do we know anything new?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Women may mount a stronger T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a recent paper in Nature from the lab of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. In the study, researchers collected blood, saliva and other samples from 17 men and 22 women aged 60+ admitted to the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test and Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
Is it true that some people already have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 from previous exposure to seasonal coronaviruses?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Maybe; there *is* evidence of antibodies to seasonal coronaviruses reacting to some parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. BUT so far there is no solid evidence that these antibodies protect from COVID-19 infection or disease. What does it mean to have “cross-reactive” antibodies? There are four “common” or seasonal human coronaviruses which are one cause Read more…
Should I be worried about this story of mink to human transmission of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 in Denmark?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No need to panic, but scientists are keeping an eye on it. RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 are always mutating in small ways– this is normal and expected. While scientists will be watching closely, so far there is no solid evidence that this new mutation has changed the virus in meaningful ways. In a press Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger & Malia Jones tackle your COVID questions, including what’s up with curfews, immunity passes, and declining death rates. ➡️ Intro and website info (:00 – 3:59) ➡️ Lightning round (4:00 – 9:39) ➡️ Immunity: personal + herd (9:40 – 17:55) ➡️ Curfews to curb spread? (18:30 – 25:15) ➡️ Cases up, death Read more…
What do we currently know about SARS-CoV-2 re-infection?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far it seems that short-term re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 is possible, but (hopefully) rare. A key question from the beginning of the pandemic has been what is the duration of immunity for SARS-CoV-2. Viruses like measles can provide lifelong immunity, but immunity to seasonal coronaviruses has generally been short-lived (around 12 months). One challenge Read more…
What does the new study from last week add to our knowledge about surface transmission of SARS-CoV-2?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Do we need to wipe the groceries again? Thanks for this great question from Kat in LA and Katey in the UK. A: No need to return to grocery wiping, but wipe down your phone regularly and keep those hands clean. A new study released last week from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Read more…
Is the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutating and if so, does it matter?
Biology/Immunity
A: Yes, since it began spreading, the virus has picked up several mutations, but not necessarily more than expected, and as Ed Yong explains in this article, these changes to the virus are not necessarily cause for alarm. Key Points: -When viruses infect a host, they make new copies and while duplicating their genes, mutations Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
What’s the hoopla about monoclonal neutralizing antibody therapies?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are specialized proteins that can stop a particular virus from entering a cell and using it to make lots of copies of itself. Drug companies are developing a few different monoclonal antibodies intended to both prevent and treat COVID-19. When a virus gets inside your body and is identified Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
Why do men suffer more severe COVID-19 and a higher risk of death? Do we know anything new?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Women may mount a stronger T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a recent paper in Nature from the lab of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. In the study, researchers collected blood, saliva and other samples from 17 men and 22 women aged 60+ admitted to the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test and Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
Is it true that some people already have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 from previous exposure to seasonal coronaviruses?
Biology/ImmunityJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Maybe; there *is* evidence of antibodies to seasonal coronaviruses reacting to some parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. BUT so far there is no solid evidence that these antibodies protect from COVID-19 infection or disease. What does it mean to have “cross-reactive” antibodies? There are four “common” or seasonal human coronaviruses which are one cause Read more…
Should I be worried about this story of mink to human transmission of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 in Denmark?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No need to panic, but scientists are keeping an eye on it. RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 are always mutating in small ways– this is normal and expected. While scientists will be watching closely, so far there is no solid evidence that this new mutation has changed the virus in meaningful ways. In a press Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger & Malia Jones tackle your COVID questions, including what’s up with curfews, immunity passes, and declining death rates. ➡️ Intro and website info (:00 – 3:59) ➡️ Lightning round (4:00 – 9:39) ➡️ Immunity: personal + herd (9:40 – 17:55) ➡️ Curfews to curb spread? (18:30 – 25:15) ➡️ Cases up, death Read more…
What do we currently know about SARS-CoV-2 re-infection?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far it seems that short-term re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 is possible, but (hopefully) rare. A key question from the beginning of the pandemic has been what is the duration of immunity for SARS-CoV-2. Viruses like measles can provide lifelong immunity, but immunity to seasonal coronaviruses has generally been short-lived (around 12 months). One challenge Read more…
What does the new study from last week add to our knowledge about surface transmission of SARS-CoV-2?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Do we need to wipe the groceries again? Thanks for this great question from Kat in LA and Katey in the UK. A: No need to return to grocery wiping, but wipe down your phone regularly and keep those hands clean. A new study released last week from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Read more…
Is the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutating and if so, does it matter?
Biology/Immunity
A: Yes, since it began spreading, the virus has picked up several mutations, but not necessarily more than expected, and as Ed Yong explains in this article, these changes to the virus are not necessarily cause for alarm. Key Points: -When viruses infect a host, they make new copies and while duplicating their genes, mutations Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
What’s the hoopla about monoclonal neutralizing antibody therapies?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are specialized proteins that can stop a particular virus from entering a cell and using it to make lots of copies of itself. Drug companies are developing a few different monoclonal antibodies intended to both prevent and treat COVID-19. When a virus gets inside your body and is identified Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
Why do men suffer more severe COVID-19 and a higher risk of death? Do we know anything new?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Women may mount a stronger T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a recent paper in Nature from the lab of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. In the study, researchers collected blood, saliva and other samples from 17 men and 22 women aged 60+ admitted to the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test and Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
A: Maybe; there *is* evidence of antibodies to seasonal coronaviruses reacting to some parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. BUT so far there is no solid evidence that these antibodies protect from COVID-19 infection or disease. What does it mean to have “cross-reactive” antibodies? There are four “common” or seasonal human coronaviruses which are one cause Read more…
Should I be worried about this story of mink to human transmission of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 in Denmark?
Biology/ImmunityJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No need to panic, but scientists are keeping an eye on it. RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 are always mutating in small ways– this is normal and expected. While scientists will be watching closely, so far there is no solid evidence that this new mutation has changed the virus in meaningful ways. In a press Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger & Malia Jones tackle your COVID questions, including what’s up with curfews, immunity passes, and declining death rates. ➡️ Intro and website info (:00 – 3:59) ➡️ Lightning round (4:00 – 9:39) ➡️ Immunity: personal + herd (9:40 – 17:55) ➡️ Curfews to curb spread? (18:30 – 25:15) ➡️ Cases up, death Read more…
What do we currently know about SARS-CoV-2 re-infection?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far it seems that short-term re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 is possible, but (hopefully) rare. A key question from the beginning of the pandemic has been what is the duration of immunity for SARS-CoV-2. Viruses like measles can provide lifelong immunity, but immunity to seasonal coronaviruses has generally been short-lived (around 12 months). One challenge Read more…
What does the new study from last week add to our knowledge about surface transmission of SARS-CoV-2?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Do we need to wipe the groceries again? Thanks for this great question from Kat in LA and Katey in the UK. A: No need to return to grocery wiping, but wipe down your phone regularly and keep those hands clean. A new study released last week from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Read more…
Is the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutating and if so, does it matter?
Biology/Immunity
A: Yes, since it began spreading, the virus has picked up several mutations, but not necessarily more than expected, and as Ed Yong explains in this article, these changes to the virus are not necessarily cause for alarm. Key Points: -When viruses infect a host, they make new copies and while duplicating their genes, mutations Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
What’s the hoopla about monoclonal neutralizing antibody therapies?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are specialized proteins that can stop a particular virus from entering a cell and using it to make lots of copies of itself. Drug companies are developing a few different monoclonal antibodies intended to both prevent and treat COVID-19. When a virus gets inside your body and is identified Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
Why do men suffer more severe COVID-19 and a higher risk of death? Do we know anything new?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Women may mount a stronger T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a recent paper in Nature from the lab of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. In the study, researchers collected blood, saliva and other samples from 17 men and 22 women aged 60+ admitted to the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test and Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
A: No need to panic, but scientists are keeping an eye on it. RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 are always mutating in small ways– this is normal and expected. While scientists will be watching closely, so far there is no solid evidence that this new mutation has changed the virus in meaningful ways. In a press Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger & Malia Jones tackle your COVID questions, including what’s up with curfews, immunity passes, and declining death rates. ➡️ Intro and website info (:00 – 3:59) ➡️ Lightning round (4:00 – 9:39) ➡️ Immunity: personal + herd (9:40 – 17:55) ➡️ Curfews to curb spread? (18:30 – 25:15) ➡️ Cases up, death Read more…
What do we currently know about SARS-CoV-2 re-infection?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far it seems that short-term re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 is possible, but (hopefully) rare. A key question from the beginning of the pandemic has been what is the duration of immunity for SARS-CoV-2. Viruses like measles can provide lifelong immunity, but immunity to seasonal coronaviruses has generally been short-lived (around 12 months). One challenge Read more…
What does the new study from last week add to our knowledge about surface transmission of SARS-CoV-2?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Do we need to wipe the groceries again? Thanks for this great question from Kat in LA and Katey in the UK. A: No need to return to grocery wiping, but wipe down your phone regularly and keep those hands clean. A new study released last week from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Read more…
Is the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutating and if so, does it matter?
Biology/Immunity
A: Yes, since it began spreading, the virus has picked up several mutations, but not necessarily more than expected, and as Ed Yong explains in this article, these changes to the virus are not necessarily cause for alarm. Key Points: -When viruses infect a host, they make new copies and while duplicating their genes, mutations Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
What’s the hoopla about monoclonal neutralizing antibody therapies?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are specialized proteins that can stop a particular virus from entering a cell and using it to make lots of copies of itself. Drug companies are developing a few different monoclonal antibodies intended to both prevent and treat COVID-19. When a virus gets inside your body and is identified Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
Why do men suffer more severe COVID-19 and a higher risk of death? Do we know anything new?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Women may mount a stronger T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a recent paper in Nature from the lab of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. In the study, researchers collected blood, saliva and other samples from 17 men and 22 women aged 60+ admitted to the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test and Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Drs. Lindsey Leininger & Malia Jones tackle your COVID questions, including what’s up with curfews, immunity passes, and declining death rates. ➡️ Intro and website info (:00 – 3:59) ➡️ Lightning round (4:00 – 9:39) ➡️ Immunity: personal + herd (9:40 – 17:55) ➡️ Curfews to curb spread? (18:30 – 25:15) ➡️ Cases up, death Read more…
What do we currently know about SARS-CoV-2 re-infection?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: So far it seems that short-term re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 is possible, but (hopefully) rare. A key question from the beginning of the pandemic has been what is the duration of immunity for SARS-CoV-2. Viruses like measles can provide lifelong immunity, but immunity to seasonal coronaviruses has generally been short-lived (around 12 months). One challenge Read more…
What does the new study from last week add to our knowledge about surface transmission of SARS-CoV-2?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Do we need to wipe the groceries again? Thanks for this great question from Kat in LA and Katey in the UK. A: No need to return to grocery wiping, but wipe down your phone regularly and keep those hands clean. A new study released last week from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Read more…
Is the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutating and if so, does it matter?
Biology/Immunity
A: Yes, since it began spreading, the virus has picked up several mutations, but not necessarily more than expected, and as Ed Yong explains in this article, these changes to the virus are not necessarily cause for alarm. Key Points: -When viruses infect a host, they make new copies and while duplicating their genes, mutations Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
What’s the hoopla about monoclonal neutralizing antibody therapies?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are specialized proteins that can stop a particular virus from entering a cell and using it to make lots of copies of itself. Drug companies are developing a few different monoclonal antibodies intended to both prevent and treat COVID-19. When a virus gets inside your body and is identified Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
Why do men suffer more severe COVID-19 and a higher risk of death? Do we know anything new?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Women may mount a stronger T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a recent paper in Nature from the lab of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. In the study, researchers collected blood, saliva and other samples from 17 men and 22 women aged 60+ admitted to the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test and Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
A: So far it seems that short-term re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 is possible, but (hopefully) rare. A key question from the beginning of the pandemic has been what is the duration of immunity for SARS-CoV-2. Viruses like measles can provide lifelong immunity, but immunity to seasonal coronaviruses has generally been short-lived (around 12 months). One challenge Read more…
What does the new study from last week add to our knowledge about surface transmission of SARS-CoV-2?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Do we need to wipe the groceries again? Thanks for this great question from Kat in LA and Katey in the UK. A: No need to return to grocery wiping, but wipe down your phone regularly and keep those hands clean. A new study released last week from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Read more…
Is the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutating and if so, does it matter?
Biology/Immunity
A: Yes, since it began spreading, the virus has picked up several mutations, but not necessarily more than expected, and as Ed Yong explains in this article, these changes to the virus are not necessarily cause for alarm. Key Points: -When viruses infect a host, they make new copies and while duplicating their genes, mutations Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
What’s the hoopla about monoclonal neutralizing antibody therapies?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are specialized proteins that can stop a particular virus from entering a cell and using it to make lots of copies of itself. Drug companies are developing a few different monoclonal antibodies intended to both prevent and treat COVID-19. When a virus gets inside your body and is identified Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
Why do men suffer more severe COVID-19 and a higher risk of death? Do we know anything new?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Women may mount a stronger T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a recent paper in Nature from the lab of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. In the study, researchers collected blood, saliva and other samples from 17 men and 22 women aged 60+ admitted to the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test and Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Q: Do we need to wipe the groceries again? Thanks for this great question from Kat in LA and Katey in the UK. A: No need to return to grocery wiping, but wipe down your phone regularly and keep those hands clean. A new study released last week from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Read more…
Is the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutating and if so, does it matter?
Biology/ImmunityA: Yes, since it began spreading, the virus has picked up several mutations, but not necessarily more than expected, and as Ed Yong explains in this article, these changes to the virus are not necessarily cause for alarm. Key Points: -When viruses infect a host, they make new copies and while duplicating their genes, mutations Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
What’s the hoopla about monoclonal neutralizing antibody therapies?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are specialized proteins that can stop a particular virus from entering a cell and using it to make lots of copies of itself. Drug companies are developing a few different monoclonal antibodies intended to both prevent and treat COVID-19. When a virus gets inside your body and is identified Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
Why do men suffer more severe COVID-19 and a higher risk of death? Do we know anything new?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Women may mount a stronger T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a recent paper in Nature from the lab of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. In the study, researchers collected blood, saliva and other samples from 17 men and 22 women aged 60+ admitted to the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test and Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
What’s the hoopla about monoclonal neutralizing antibody therapies?
Biology/Immunity TreatmentsMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: In short, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are specialized proteins that can stop a particular virus from entering a cell and using it to make lots of copies of itself. Drug companies are developing a few different monoclonal antibodies intended to both prevent and treat COVID-19. When a virus gets inside your body and is identified Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
Why do men suffer more severe COVID-19 and a higher risk of death? Do we know anything new?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Women may mount a stronger T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a recent paper in Nature from the lab of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. In the study, researchers collected blood, saliva and other samples from 17 men and 22 women aged 60+ admitted to the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test and Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
A: In short, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are specialized proteins that can stop a particular virus from entering a cell and using it to make lots of copies of itself. Drug companies are developing a few different monoclonal antibodies intended to both prevent and treat COVID-19. When a virus gets inside your body and is identified Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
Why do men suffer more severe COVID-19 and a higher risk of death? Do we know anything new?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Women may mount a stronger T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a recent paper in Nature from the lab of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. In the study, researchers collected blood, saliva and other samples from 17 men and 22 women aged 60+ admitted to the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test and Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
Why do men suffer more severe COVID-19 and a higher risk of death? Do we know anything new?
Biology/Immunity Clinical SymptomsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Women may mount a stronger T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a recent paper in Nature from the lab of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. In the study, researchers collected blood, saliva and other samples from 17 men and 22 women aged 60+ admitted to the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test and Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
A: Women may mount a stronger T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a recent paper in Nature from the lab of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki. In the study, researchers collected blood, saliva and other samples from 17 men and 22 women aged 60+ admitted to the hospital after a positive COVID-19 test and Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
How does a vaccine work? What viruses are particularly difficult to design a vaccine for?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
A: Thank you for this GREAT question from an awesome 6-year old follower. A vaccine takes a dead or very weak virus and introduces it to the body to trick your immune system into building an immune response that protects you. Viruses have antigens that work sort of like a name tag. When your body Read more…
I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
A: Not very. In the words of immunologist Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, “This is no cause for alarm – this is a textbook example of how immunity should work.” What do we know? In a press release yesterday, researchers described the first confirmed case of re-infection in a 33-year old Hong Kong man returning from Spain. Read more…
Will staying isolated weaken our immune systems since we are not being exposed to other viruses like the common cold?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
A: Thank you for this great question from a follower. The immune system gets stronger by learning to differentiate between friendly microbes and unfriendly microbes. Friendly microbes are present in our daily environment in the dirt and in our homes. Bad microbes include viruses such as the common cold that can make us very sick. Read more…
Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
In the run up to flu season, a great summary of differences between flu and COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your flu shot!! Your local epidemiologist is sharing a COVID-19 Update. August 19 at 8:12 PM · Flu season is around the corner. This, combined with COVID19, will have an impact on the health our Read more…
What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and MisinformationJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
A: NOPE In a news story picked up by many media outlets yesterday, headlines regarding the duration of immunity were inferred from recent CDC guidance on quarantine. The relevant sentence from the CDC was: “People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months Read more…
