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…
Can I get RE-infected with COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While we can’t say it is *impossible,* current scientific consensus is that re-infection is *unlikely.* There are various stories from doctors and patients alike making the rounds about individuals testing positive for COVID-19, perhaps having a mild case and recovering, and then a couple of months later falling ill and testing positive for COVID-19 Read more…
Immunology 101 Video
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Hi Awesome Nerds! As a “booster” to our recent post on vaccine developments, we want to share with you all an amazing 8-minute video on “Immunology 101” made by Prof. Akiko Iwasaki, Professor of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. Watch with your kids, it’s very accessible and the visualizations are great!! Link to original Read more…
What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! As a demographer and epidemiologist, mortality rates are in my wheelhouse so to speak, but getting a handle on COVID-19 has challenged us all. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 4.33% In the U.K., the Read more…
Has the virus really mutated?! Does this make it even MORE infectious or deadly?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES, and NOT NECESSARILY. There is evidence of a genetic change in the virus’ spike protein, with the new variant (G614) becoming dominant in Europe and the U.S. These types of small genetic changes are not unusual, and there are a couple of main reasons why a new variant could become dominant: 1) Natural Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
A lot has changed over the past few months. Can you explain how the coronavirus (also known as SARS-Co-V-2) infects the body and how it can be stopped?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We love this brilliant series of illustrations on how the coronavirus takes hold in the body as well as potential drug and vaccine targets. Here is a quick summary of what you will see. -The virus enters cells through the ACE2 receptor and then replicates and breaks out—>Once it breaks out, it can either Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
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…
Can I get RE-infected with COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While we can’t say it is *impossible,* current scientific consensus is that re-infection is *unlikely.* There are various stories from doctors and patients alike making the rounds about individuals testing positive for COVID-19, perhaps having a mild case and recovering, and then a couple of months later falling ill and testing positive for COVID-19 Read more…
Immunology 101 Video
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Hi Awesome Nerds! As a “booster” to our recent post on vaccine developments, we want to share with you all an amazing 8-minute video on “Immunology 101” made by Prof. Akiko Iwasaki, Professor of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. Watch with your kids, it’s very accessible and the visualizations are great!! Link to original Read more…
What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! As a demographer and epidemiologist, mortality rates are in my wheelhouse so to speak, but getting a handle on COVID-19 has challenged us all. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 4.33% In the U.K., the Read more…
Has the virus really mutated?! Does this make it even MORE infectious or deadly?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES, and NOT NECESSARILY. There is evidence of a genetic change in the virus’ spike protein, with the new variant (G614) becoming dominant in Europe and the U.S. These types of small genetic changes are not unusual, and there are a couple of main reasons why a new variant could become dominant: 1) Natural Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
A lot has changed over the past few months. Can you explain how the coronavirus (also known as SARS-Co-V-2) infects the body and how it can be stopped?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We love this brilliant series of illustrations on how the coronavirus takes hold in the body as well as potential drug and vaccine targets. Here is a quick summary of what you will see. -The virus enters cells through the ACE2 receptor and then replicates and breaks out—>Once it breaks out, it can either Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
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…
Can I get RE-infected with COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While we can’t say it is *impossible,* current scientific consensus is that re-infection is *unlikely.* There are various stories from doctors and patients alike making the rounds about individuals testing positive for COVID-19, perhaps having a mild case and recovering, and then a couple of months later falling ill and testing positive for COVID-19 Read more…
Immunology 101 Video
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Hi Awesome Nerds! As a “booster” to our recent post on vaccine developments, we want to share with you all an amazing 8-minute video on “Immunology 101” made by Prof. Akiko Iwasaki, Professor of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. Watch with your kids, it’s very accessible and the visualizations are great!! Link to original Read more…
What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! As a demographer and epidemiologist, mortality rates are in my wheelhouse so to speak, but getting a handle on COVID-19 has challenged us all. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 4.33% In the U.K., the Read more…
Has the virus really mutated?! Does this make it even MORE infectious or deadly?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES, and NOT NECESSARILY. There is evidence of a genetic change in the virus’ spike protein, with the new variant (G614) becoming dominant in Europe and the U.S. These types of small genetic changes are not unusual, and there are a couple of main reasons why a new variant could become dominant: 1) Natural Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
A lot has changed over the past few months. Can you explain how the coronavirus (also known as SARS-Co-V-2) infects the body and how it can be stopped?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We love this brilliant series of illustrations on how the coronavirus takes hold in the body as well as potential drug and vaccine targets. Here is a quick summary of what you will see. -The virus enters cells through the ACE2 receptor and then replicates and breaks out—>Once it breaks out, it can either Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
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…
Can I get RE-infected with COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While we can’t say it is *impossible,* current scientific consensus is that re-infection is *unlikely.* There are various stories from doctors and patients alike making the rounds about individuals testing positive for COVID-19, perhaps having a mild case and recovering, and then a couple of months later falling ill and testing positive for COVID-19 Read more…
Immunology 101 Video
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Hi Awesome Nerds! As a “booster” to our recent post on vaccine developments, we want to share with you all an amazing 8-minute video on “Immunology 101” made by Prof. Akiko Iwasaki, Professor of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. Watch with your kids, it’s very accessible and the visualizations are great!! Link to original Read more…
What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! As a demographer and epidemiologist, mortality rates are in my wheelhouse so to speak, but getting a handle on COVID-19 has challenged us all. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 4.33% In the U.K., the Read more…
Has the virus really mutated?! Does this make it even MORE infectious or deadly?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES, and NOT NECESSARILY. There is evidence of a genetic change in the virus’ spike protein, with the new variant (G614) becoming dominant in Europe and the U.S. These types of small genetic changes are not unusual, and there are a couple of main reasons why a new variant could become dominant: 1) Natural Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
A lot has changed over the past few months. Can you explain how the coronavirus (also known as SARS-Co-V-2) infects the body and how it can be stopped?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We love this brilliant series of illustrations on how the coronavirus takes hold in the body as well as potential drug and vaccine targets. Here is a quick summary of what you will see. -The virus enters cells through the ACE2 receptor and then replicates and breaks out—>Once it breaks out, it can either Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
A: While we can’t say it is *impossible,* current scientific consensus is that re-infection is *unlikely.* There are various stories from doctors and patients alike making the rounds about individuals testing positive for COVID-19, perhaps having a mild case and recovering, and then a couple of months later falling ill and testing positive for COVID-19 Read more…
Immunology 101 Video
Biology/Immunity VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Hi Awesome Nerds! As a “booster” to our recent post on vaccine developments, we want to share with you all an amazing 8-minute video on “Immunology 101” made by Prof. Akiko Iwasaki, Professor of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. Watch with your kids, it’s very accessible and the visualizations are great!! Link to original Read more…
What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! As a demographer and epidemiologist, mortality rates are in my wheelhouse so to speak, but getting a handle on COVID-19 has challenged us all. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 4.33% In the U.K., the Read more…
Has the virus really mutated?! Does this make it even MORE infectious or deadly?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES, and NOT NECESSARILY. There is evidence of a genetic change in the virus’ spike protein, with the new variant (G614) becoming dominant in Europe and the U.S. These types of small genetic changes are not unusual, and there are a couple of main reasons why a new variant could become dominant: 1) Natural Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
A lot has changed over the past few months. Can you explain how the coronavirus (also known as SARS-Co-V-2) infects the body and how it can be stopped?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We love this brilliant series of illustrations on how the coronavirus takes hold in the body as well as potential drug and vaccine targets. Here is a quick summary of what you will see. -The virus enters cells through the ACE2 receptor and then replicates and breaks out—>Once it breaks out, it can either Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
Hi Awesome Nerds! As a “booster” to our recent post on vaccine developments, we want to share with you all an amazing 8-minute video on “Immunology 101” made by Prof. Akiko Iwasaki, Professor of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. Watch with your kids, it’s very accessible and the visualizations are great!! Link to original Read more…
What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and MisinformationJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! As a demographer and epidemiologist, mortality rates are in my wheelhouse so to speak, but getting a handle on COVID-19 has challenged us all. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 4.33% In the U.K., the Read more…
Has the virus really mutated?! Does this make it even MORE infectious or deadly?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES, and NOT NECESSARILY. There is evidence of a genetic change in the virus’ spike protein, with the new variant (G614) becoming dominant in Europe and the U.S. These types of small genetic changes are not unusual, and there are a couple of main reasons why a new variant could become dominant: 1) Natural Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
A lot has changed over the past few months. Can you explain how the coronavirus (also known as SARS-Co-V-2) infects the body and how it can be stopped?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We love this brilliant series of illustrations on how the coronavirus takes hold in the body as well as potential drug and vaccine targets. Here is a quick summary of what you will see. -The virus enters cells through the ACE2 receptor and then replicates and breaks out—>Once it breaks out, it can either Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! As a demographer and epidemiologist, mortality rates are in my wheelhouse so to speak, but getting a handle on COVID-19 has challenged us all. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 4.33% In the U.K., the Read more…
Has the virus really mutated?! Does this make it even MORE infectious or deadly?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES, and NOT NECESSARILY. There is evidence of a genetic change in the virus’ spike protein, with the new variant (G614) becoming dominant in Europe and the U.S. These types of small genetic changes are not unusual, and there are a couple of main reasons why a new variant could become dominant: 1) Natural Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
A lot has changed over the past few months. Can you explain how the coronavirus (also known as SARS-Co-V-2) infects the body and how it can be stopped?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We love this brilliant series of illustrations on how the coronavirus takes hold in the body as well as potential drug and vaccine targets. Here is a quick summary of what you will see. -The virus enters cells through the ACE2 receptor and then replicates and breaks out—>Once it breaks out, it can either Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
A: YES, and NOT NECESSARILY. There is evidence of a genetic change in the virus’ spike protein, with the new variant (G614) becoming dominant in Europe and the U.S. These types of small genetic changes are not unusual, and there are a couple of main reasons why a new variant could become dominant: 1) Natural Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
A lot has changed over the past few months. Can you explain how the coronavirus (also known as SARS-Co-V-2) infects the body and how it can be stopped?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We love this brilliant series of illustrations on how the coronavirus takes hold in the body as well as potential drug and vaccine targets. Here is a quick summary of what you will see. -The virus enters cells through the ACE2 receptor and then replicates and breaks out—>Once it breaks out, it can either Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
A lot has changed over the past few months. Can you explain how the coronavirus (also known as SARS-Co-V-2) infects the body and how it can be stopped?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We love this brilliant series of illustrations on how the coronavirus takes hold in the body as well as potential drug and vaccine targets. Here is a quick summary of what you will see. -The virus enters cells through the ACE2 receptor and then replicates and breaks out—>Once it breaks out, it can either Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
A: We love this brilliant series of illustrations on how the coronavirus takes hold in the body as well as potential drug and vaccine targets. Here is a quick summary of what you will see. -The virus enters cells through the ACE2 receptor and then replicates and breaks out—>Once it breaks out, it can either Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/ImmunitySandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/KidsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact TracingJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Is Covid-19 a disease of the lungs or the blood vessels?
Biology/Immunity Clinical SymptomsAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
A: Both. A recent study published in The Lancet points to the importance of endothelial cells in the progression of Covid-19 infections. Healthy endothelial cells are tightly woven together and sometimes look like bricks under a microscope. Endothelial cells are found all over the body including your mouth, nose, lungs, blood vessels, and major organs. Read more…
How can a virus discriminate?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
Q: Shouldn’t everyone be equally vulnerable? A: A virus just wants to reproduce itself, and so in this sense it does not discriminate, seeking out any host it can find from your next-door neighbor to the Prime Minister of the UK. But to understand that while no one is completely safe, some people face much Read more…
I heard you say on the Dear Pandemic NG Live that the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate from Moderna is a new type of vaccine. Can you explain that?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
A: We recently heard reports from the pharmaceutical company Moderna that they had a successful early trial of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. The way this vaccine candidate works is completely different from previous vaccines that you have likely had. It’s called an mRNA vaccine. In order to explain this, we’re going to take a deeper Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and MisinformationAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system?
Biology/ImmunityJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
Q: Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? Don’t we need to be exposed to enough colds and bugs to keep our immune systems strong? A: Great question from one of our followers! This is a tricky concept for sure. You might have heard of the “hygiene” hypotheses, which suggests Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
Remind me again, how does Remdesivir work? Immunity?
Biology/Immunity TreatmentsAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
A: Quick version, watch these videos and share! Remdesivir Immunity ~Aparna Link to original FB post
