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…
May 21, 2020
Are people with underlying conditions at higher risk for COVID-19 complications and death?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: People with underlying conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes seem to be at higher risk for complications and death from COVID-19. Can you tell me more about this? Is there anything I can do to minimize the chance of a severe illness if I become infected? A. This is a very important Read more…
May 20, 2020
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
May 17, 2020
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
May 10, 2020
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
May 9, 2020
What is Kawasaki disease? Is it linked to Covid-19 in children?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Kawasaki disease is a rare inflammatory condition that affects children, typically under 5 years of age. Cases of Kawasaki-like illness, currently referred to as Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome, appear to be linked to Covid-19 infection. This condition remains a very rare complication of Covid-19 in children and teenagers. Further tracking and study is required. Read more…
May 7, 2020
Why are people with COVID-19 suddenly developing blood clots?
Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While it is scary, it isn’t surprising. We still don’t know why this is happening. But here are a few key hopeful points. 1-This isn’t rare. Clots have long been a concern for critically ill patients in the ICU. We have also seen similar patterns in previous viral outbreaks (H1N1, SARS). Given the rise Read more…
May 6, 2020
Help! I’m having poop problems!
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: You’re not alone: “PANDEMIC POOP” is real. Disruptions in daily routines – for example, reduced exercise, changes in sleep habits, and increased stress – can throw off the colon’s circadian rhythm, often causing constipation. Physicians recommend upping fiber intake and ensuring proper hydration to get back on track. And don’t hesitate to reach out Read more…
April 28, 2020
Potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Researchers are just beginning to understand the potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body – not just the lungs. Many recent news articles have highlighted these impacts to the heart, on clotting, on toes, etc. This article from Science Magazine summarizes the damage COVID-19 can inflict by organ system (heart Read more…
April 28, 2020
What is a pulse oximeter and how should it be used during Covid-19 infection?
Clinical Symptoms
A: A pulse oximeter is a small device that shines a red light on your fingertip to track your heartbeat and the amount of red blood cells carrying oxygen. This tool then reports your pulse and oxygen saturation. Both are helpful numbers in understanding how the body is responding to increased physiologic work, like when Read more…
April 26, 2020
Are there neurological issues, other than strokes, that I should worry about?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
April 26, 2020
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
April 23, 2020
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
April 22, 2020
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
April 22, 2020
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
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…
Are people with underlying conditions at higher risk for COVID-19 complications and death?
Clinical SymptomsSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: People with underlying conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes seem to be at higher risk for complications and death from COVID-19. Can you tell me more about this? Is there anything I can do to minimize the chance of a severe illness if I become infected? A. This is a very important Read more…
May 20, 2020
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
May 17, 2020
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
May 10, 2020
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
May 9, 2020
What is Kawasaki disease? Is it linked to Covid-19 in children?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Kawasaki disease is a rare inflammatory condition that affects children, typically under 5 years of age. Cases of Kawasaki-like illness, currently referred to as Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome, appear to be linked to Covid-19 infection. This condition remains a very rare complication of Covid-19 in children and teenagers. Further tracking and study is required. Read more…
May 7, 2020
Why are people with COVID-19 suddenly developing blood clots?
Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While it is scary, it isn’t surprising. We still don’t know why this is happening. But here are a few key hopeful points. 1-This isn’t rare. Clots have long been a concern for critically ill patients in the ICU. We have also seen similar patterns in previous viral outbreaks (H1N1, SARS). Given the rise Read more…
May 6, 2020
Help! I’m having poop problems!
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: You’re not alone: “PANDEMIC POOP” is real. Disruptions in daily routines – for example, reduced exercise, changes in sleep habits, and increased stress – can throw off the colon’s circadian rhythm, often causing constipation. Physicians recommend upping fiber intake and ensuring proper hydration to get back on track. And don’t hesitate to reach out Read more…
April 28, 2020
Potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Researchers are just beginning to understand the potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body – not just the lungs. Many recent news articles have highlighted these impacts to the heart, on clotting, on toes, etc. This article from Science Magazine summarizes the damage COVID-19 can inflict by organ system (heart Read more…
April 28, 2020
What is a pulse oximeter and how should it be used during Covid-19 infection?
Clinical Symptoms
A: A pulse oximeter is a small device that shines a red light on your fingertip to track your heartbeat and the amount of red blood cells carrying oxygen. This tool then reports your pulse and oxygen saturation. Both are helpful numbers in understanding how the body is responding to increased physiologic work, like when Read more…
April 26, 2020
Are there neurological issues, other than strokes, that I should worry about?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
April 26, 2020
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
April 23, 2020
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
April 22, 2020
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
April 22, 2020
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
Q: People with underlying conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes seem to be at higher risk for complications and death from COVID-19. Can you tell me more about this? Is there anything I can do to minimize the chance of a severe illness if I become infected? A. This is a very important Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying SafeLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
May 17, 2020
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
May 10, 2020
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
May 9, 2020
What is Kawasaki disease? Is it linked to Covid-19 in children?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Kawasaki disease is a rare inflammatory condition that affects children, typically under 5 years of age. Cases of Kawasaki-like illness, currently referred to as Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome, appear to be linked to Covid-19 infection. This condition remains a very rare complication of Covid-19 in children and teenagers. Further tracking and study is required. Read more…
May 7, 2020
Why are people with COVID-19 suddenly developing blood clots?
Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While it is scary, it isn’t surprising. We still don’t know why this is happening. But here are a few key hopeful points. 1-This isn’t rare. Clots have long been a concern for critically ill patients in the ICU. We have also seen similar patterns in previous viral outbreaks (H1N1, SARS). Given the rise Read more…
May 6, 2020
Help! I’m having poop problems!
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: You’re not alone: “PANDEMIC POOP” is real. Disruptions in daily routines – for example, reduced exercise, changes in sleep habits, and increased stress – can throw off the colon’s circadian rhythm, often causing constipation. Physicians recommend upping fiber intake and ensuring proper hydration to get back on track. And don’t hesitate to reach out Read more…
April 28, 2020
Potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Researchers are just beginning to understand the potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body – not just the lungs. Many recent news articles have highlighted these impacts to the heart, on clotting, on toes, etc. This article from Science Magazine summarizes the damage COVID-19 can inflict by organ system (heart Read more…
April 28, 2020
What is a pulse oximeter and how should it be used during Covid-19 infection?
Clinical Symptoms
A: A pulse oximeter is a small device that shines a red light on your fingertip to track your heartbeat and the amount of red blood cells carrying oxygen. This tool then reports your pulse and oxygen saturation. Both are helpful numbers in understanding how the body is responding to increased physiologic work, like when Read more…
April 26, 2020
Are there neurological issues, other than strokes, that I should worry about?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
April 26, 2020
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
April 23, 2020
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
April 22, 2020
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
April 22, 2020
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and SpreadAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
May 10, 2020
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
May 9, 2020
What is Kawasaki disease? Is it linked to Covid-19 in children?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Kawasaki disease is a rare inflammatory condition that affects children, typically under 5 years of age. Cases of Kawasaki-like illness, currently referred to as Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome, appear to be linked to Covid-19 infection. This condition remains a very rare complication of Covid-19 in children and teenagers. Further tracking and study is required. Read more…
May 7, 2020
Why are people with COVID-19 suddenly developing blood clots?
Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While it is scary, it isn’t surprising. We still don’t know why this is happening. But here are a few key hopeful points. 1-This isn’t rare. Clots have long been a concern for critically ill patients in the ICU. We have also seen similar patterns in previous viral outbreaks (H1N1, SARS). Given the rise Read more…
May 6, 2020
Help! I’m having poop problems!
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: You’re not alone: “PANDEMIC POOP” is real. Disruptions in daily routines – for example, reduced exercise, changes in sleep habits, and increased stress – can throw off the colon’s circadian rhythm, often causing constipation. Physicians recommend upping fiber intake and ensuring proper hydration to get back on track. And don’t hesitate to reach out Read more…
April 28, 2020
Potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Researchers are just beginning to understand the potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body – not just the lungs. Many recent news articles have highlighted these impacts to the heart, on clotting, on toes, etc. This article from Science Magazine summarizes the damage COVID-19 can inflict by organ system (heart Read more…
April 28, 2020
What is a pulse oximeter and how should it be used during Covid-19 infection?
Clinical Symptoms
A: A pulse oximeter is a small device that shines a red light on your fingertip to track your heartbeat and the amount of red blood cells carrying oxygen. This tool then reports your pulse and oxygen saturation. Both are helpful numbers in understanding how the body is responding to increased physiologic work, like when Read more…
April 26, 2020
Are there neurological issues, other than strokes, that I should worry about?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
April 26, 2020
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
April 23, 2020
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
April 22, 2020
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
April 22, 2020
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and SpreadAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
May 9, 2020
What is Kawasaki disease? Is it linked to Covid-19 in children?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Kawasaki disease is a rare inflammatory condition that affects children, typically under 5 years of age. Cases of Kawasaki-like illness, currently referred to as Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome, appear to be linked to Covid-19 infection. This condition remains a very rare complication of Covid-19 in children and teenagers. Further tracking and study is required. Read more…
May 7, 2020
Why are people with COVID-19 suddenly developing blood clots?
Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While it is scary, it isn’t surprising. We still don’t know why this is happening. But here are a few key hopeful points. 1-This isn’t rare. Clots have long been a concern for critically ill patients in the ICU. We have also seen similar patterns in previous viral outbreaks (H1N1, SARS). Given the rise Read more…
May 6, 2020
Help! I’m having poop problems!
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: You’re not alone: “PANDEMIC POOP” is real. Disruptions in daily routines – for example, reduced exercise, changes in sleep habits, and increased stress – can throw off the colon’s circadian rhythm, often causing constipation. Physicians recommend upping fiber intake and ensuring proper hydration to get back on track. And don’t hesitate to reach out Read more…
April 28, 2020
Potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Researchers are just beginning to understand the potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body – not just the lungs. Many recent news articles have highlighted these impacts to the heart, on clotting, on toes, etc. This article from Science Magazine summarizes the damage COVID-19 can inflict by organ system (heart Read more…
April 28, 2020
What is a pulse oximeter and how should it be used during Covid-19 infection?
Clinical Symptoms
A: A pulse oximeter is a small device that shines a red light on your fingertip to track your heartbeat and the amount of red blood cells carrying oxygen. This tool then reports your pulse and oxygen saturation. Both are helpful numbers in understanding how the body is responding to increased physiologic work, like when Read more…
April 26, 2020
Are there neurological issues, other than strokes, that I should worry about?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
April 26, 2020
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
April 23, 2020
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
April 22, 2020
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
April 22, 2020
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
What is Kawasaki disease? Is it linked to Covid-19 in children?
Clinical SymptomsAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Kawasaki disease is a rare inflammatory condition that affects children, typically under 5 years of age. Cases of Kawasaki-like illness, currently referred to as Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome, appear to be linked to Covid-19 infection. This condition remains a very rare complication of Covid-19 in children and teenagers. Further tracking and study is required. Read more…
May 7, 2020
Why are people with COVID-19 suddenly developing blood clots?
Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While it is scary, it isn’t surprising. We still don’t know why this is happening. But here are a few key hopeful points. 1-This isn’t rare. Clots have long been a concern for critically ill patients in the ICU. We have also seen similar patterns in previous viral outbreaks (H1N1, SARS). Given the rise Read more…
May 6, 2020
Help! I’m having poop problems!
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: You’re not alone: “PANDEMIC POOP” is real. Disruptions in daily routines – for example, reduced exercise, changes in sleep habits, and increased stress – can throw off the colon’s circadian rhythm, often causing constipation. Physicians recommend upping fiber intake and ensuring proper hydration to get back on track. And don’t hesitate to reach out Read more…
April 28, 2020
Potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Researchers are just beginning to understand the potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body – not just the lungs. Many recent news articles have highlighted these impacts to the heart, on clotting, on toes, etc. This article from Science Magazine summarizes the damage COVID-19 can inflict by organ system (heart Read more…
April 28, 2020
What is a pulse oximeter and how should it be used during Covid-19 infection?
Clinical Symptoms
A: A pulse oximeter is a small device that shines a red light on your fingertip to track your heartbeat and the amount of red blood cells carrying oxygen. This tool then reports your pulse and oxygen saturation. Both are helpful numbers in understanding how the body is responding to increased physiologic work, like when Read more…
April 26, 2020
Are there neurological issues, other than strokes, that I should worry about?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
April 26, 2020
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
April 23, 2020
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
April 22, 2020
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
April 22, 2020
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
A: Kawasaki disease is a rare inflammatory condition that affects children, typically under 5 years of age. Cases of Kawasaki-like illness, currently referred to as Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome, appear to be linked to Covid-19 infection. This condition remains a very rare complication of Covid-19 in children and teenagers. Further tracking and study is required. Read more…
Why are people with COVID-19 suddenly developing blood clots?
Clinical SymptomsAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While it is scary, it isn’t surprising. We still don’t know why this is happening. But here are a few key hopeful points. 1-This isn’t rare. Clots have long been a concern for critically ill patients in the ICU. We have also seen similar patterns in previous viral outbreaks (H1N1, SARS). Given the rise Read more…
May 6, 2020
Help! I’m having poop problems!
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: You’re not alone: “PANDEMIC POOP” is real. Disruptions in daily routines – for example, reduced exercise, changes in sleep habits, and increased stress – can throw off the colon’s circadian rhythm, often causing constipation. Physicians recommend upping fiber intake and ensuring proper hydration to get back on track. And don’t hesitate to reach out Read more…
April 28, 2020
Potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Researchers are just beginning to understand the potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body – not just the lungs. Many recent news articles have highlighted these impacts to the heart, on clotting, on toes, etc. This article from Science Magazine summarizes the damage COVID-19 can inflict by organ system (heart Read more…
April 28, 2020
What is a pulse oximeter and how should it be used during Covid-19 infection?
Clinical Symptoms
A: A pulse oximeter is a small device that shines a red light on your fingertip to track your heartbeat and the amount of red blood cells carrying oxygen. This tool then reports your pulse and oxygen saturation. Both are helpful numbers in understanding how the body is responding to increased physiologic work, like when Read more…
April 26, 2020
Are there neurological issues, other than strokes, that I should worry about?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
April 26, 2020
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
April 23, 2020
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
April 22, 2020
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
April 22, 2020
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
A: While it is scary, it isn’t surprising. We still don’t know why this is happening. But here are a few key hopeful points. 1-This isn’t rare. Clots have long been a concern for critically ill patients in the ICU. We have also seen similar patterns in previous viral outbreaks (H1N1, SARS). Given the rise Read more…
Help! I’m having poop problems!
Clinical SymptomsLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: You’re not alone: “PANDEMIC POOP” is real. Disruptions in daily routines – for example, reduced exercise, changes in sleep habits, and increased stress – can throw off the colon’s circadian rhythm, often causing constipation. Physicians recommend upping fiber intake and ensuring proper hydration to get back on track. And don’t hesitate to reach out Read more…
April 28, 2020
Potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Researchers are just beginning to understand the potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body – not just the lungs. Many recent news articles have highlighted these impacts to the heart, on clotting, on toes, etc. This article from Science Magazine summarizes the damage COVID-19 can inflict by organ system (heart Read more…
April 28, 2020
What is a pulse oximeter and how should it be used during Covid-19 infection?
Clinical Symptoms
A: A pulse oximeter is a small device that shines a red light on your fingertip to track your heartbeat and the amount of red blood cells carrying oxygen. This tool then reports your pulse and oxygen saturation. Both are helpful numbers in understanding how the body is responding to increased physiologic work, like when Read more…
April 26, 2020
Are there neurological issues, other than strokes, that I should worry about?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
April 26, 2020
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
April 23, 2020
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
April 22, 2020
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
April 22, 2020
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
A: You’re not alone: “PANDEMIC POOP” is real. Disruptions in daily routines – for example, reduced exercise, changes in sleep habits, and increased stress – can throw off the colon’s circadian rhythm, often causing constipation. Physicians recommend upping fiber intake and ensuring proper hydration to get back on track. And don’t hesitate to reach out Read more…
Potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body
Clinical SymptomsSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Researchers are just beginning to understand the potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body – not just the lungs. Many recent news articles have highlighted these impacts to the heart, on clotting, on toes, etc. This article from Science Magazine summarizes the damage COVID-19 can inflict by organ system (heart Read more…
April 28, 2020
What is a pulse oximeter and how should it be used during Covid-19 infection?
Clinical Symptoms
A: A pulse oximeter is a small device that shines a red light on your fingertip to track your heartbeat and the amount of red blood cells carrying oxygen. This tool then reports your pulse and oxygen saturation. Both are helpful numbers in understanding how the body is responding to increased physiologic work, like when Read more…
April 26, 2020
Are there neurological issues, other than strokes, that I should worry about?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
April 26, 2020
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
April 23, 2020
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
April 22, 2020
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
April 22, 2020
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
Researchers are just beginning to understand the potential for COVID-19 to inflict damage to different parts of the body – not just the lungs. Many recent news articles have highlighted these impacts to the heart, on clotting, on toes, etc. This article from Science Magazine summarizes the damage COVID-19 can inflict by organ system (heart Read more…
What is a pulse oximeter and how should it be used during Covid-19 infection?
Clinical SymptomsA: A pulse oximeter is a small device that shines a red light on your fingertip to track your heartbeat and the amount of red blood cells carrying oxygen. This tool then reports your pulse and oxygen saturation. Both are helpful numbers in understanding how the body is responding to increased physiologic work, like when Read more…
Are there neurological issues, other than strokes, that I should worry about?
Biology/Immunity Clinical SymptomsAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
April 26, 2020
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
April 23, 2020
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
April 22, 2020
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
April 22, 2020
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical SymptomsAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
April 23, 2020
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
April 22, 2020
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
April 22, 2020
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
April 22, 2020
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
April 22, 2020
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/KidsLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
April 22, 2020
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical SymptomsSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
April 16, 2020
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
I have been hearing about CT scans as possibly being better at testing for COVID-19 than the current swab test. Is this true?
Clinical Symptoms Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
April 1, 2020
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
A: It’s a little more complicated. Experts believe that the false negative rate (people who have a negative test result but are actually positive) can be around 30% with the swab test, generally due to improper sample collection. CT scans check for lung appearance, specifically ”ground glass” opacities, which are common to several diseases (pneumonia, Read more…
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Clinical Symptoms Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
March 26, 2020
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical Symptoms
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
For COVID-19, there are lag times from infection to being symptomatic to (in the worst case) hospitalization to death. Today’s case and death rates are like looking at “light from a distant star.” Control measures work, but we only see their effects *weeks* after implementing them. Keep the faith! Links: Twitter Graphic Original FB post
Is it COVID? A cold? The flu? Allergies?
Clinical SymptomsLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
March 23, 2020
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical Symptoms
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
This helpful viz helps you understand the different symptoms. Link to original FB post
Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste?
Clinical SymptomsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
March 20, 2020
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
Consider preemptive self-isolation as this may be a sign of early or mild COVID-19 infection. Links: The New York Times Original FB post
Can the novel coronavirus present with digestive symptoms instead of respiratory symptoms?
Clinical SymptomsAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…
A: Yes. FEVER and RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (including cough and shortness of breath) remain the most common presenting symptoms. A new study came out today highlighting a subset of people who instead presented to hospitals with digestive symptoms (loss of appetite and diarrhea). The study alerts healthcare providers to consider alternative presentations of this new virus. Read more…