Yes. There is a recent global uptick in colorectal cancer rates among adults under 50. If you are aged 45 or older (or <45 with increased risk of colorectal cancer due to family history or certain medical conditions), talk to your clinician about getting screened. In the US, colorectal cancer (CRC) – cancer that starts in Read more…
What is brain fog then? Brain fog describes a group of symptoms that are caused by the body. Researchers and clinicians are starting to think of it more like a neurological disease. TL; DR: Brain fog is a general term used to describe many issues including poor attention, memory, and planning abilities. This can happen Read more…
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Exercise intolerance is one of the most commonly reported long-term symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Scientists continue to research the underlying cause of these symptoms with attention on the autonomic nervous system. This post provides information on two common symptoms of exercise intolerance after COVID-19 and strategies to support your recovery. Nerdy Girl Ashley here. I Read more…
Yes! But likely not the only symptom. TL;DR: Many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, can cause a rash, usually in addition to other more common symptoms. There have been cases of different kinds of rashes associated with COVID-19 infections, although it’s too early to tell if there is a specific Omicron rash. If you have a new Read more…
TL;DR: Sadly, it definitely could be COVID-19. The Omicron variant is more likely to cause sore throat and less likely to cause a loss of taste and smell. Don’t blow off that scratchy sore throat. It could be a symptom of COVID-19. The symptoms of COVID-19 have shifted a little bit as new variants take Read more…
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Stay calm and isolate. Let someone know you are not feeling well if you are alone. Continue to monitor for worsening symptoms. Call for help if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if you are unable to care for yourself at home. COVID-19 testing is difficult to find at the moment in many places. If you Read more…
HELP! My hair is falling out. -Many readers from many places A: You are not alone. Be selective in your panic Googling (tips below). Don’t fall for product peddlers on the internet. Talk to a trusted medical provider. First, hugs from the Nerdy Girls. Pandemic-era living stinks for a lot of reasons, and the “near-perfect Read more…
A: Sadly, yes. Though we don’t know exactly how many kids who had COVID-19 will have prolonged symptoms (often called Long Covid), Long Covid is possible even in kids who had mild or asymptomatic infections. You might hear it called “Long Covid,” “Long Haul Covid,” or “Post-Covid Conditions.” All these names are talking about the Read more…
A: Here are some self-care tips from our visiting scholar, Dr. Maya Clark-Cutaia. Dr. Clark-Cutaia is a nurse practitioner and researcher who has triaged thousands of patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms in the last 18 months. Perhaps you are experiencing fevers, cough, shortness of breath, congestion, headache, sore throat. Maybe you have some nausea or diarrhea. Read more…
A. TL;DR. Some COVID-19 survivors have noticed that their fingernails have developed horizontal grooves. While these nail markings do not occur in all COVID-19 patients, they could be caused by a temporary interruption in nail growth. These changes are not permanent and nothing to worry about. We continue to learn new things about COVID-19, which Read more…
A: It’s possible. #VaxUpToGetItUp TL;DR: Due to its impact on inflammation and the vascular system, it is biologically plausible that COVID-19 contributes to erectile dysfunction. But as with much COVID-19 research more, ahem, hard data is needed. COVID-19 infection HAS been associated with a reduction in sperm counts in early research. A recent study found Read more…
