What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 05/26/23
Data and Metrics Health Policy Videos
Those Nerdy Girls present the facts, bust myths, and discuss solutions to the gun violence crisis in America. Hosted by: – Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Contributing Writer at TNG, co-Founder of Critica & Author of Denying to the Grave – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Read more…
What is gun violence, and who does it affect?
Data and Metrics Health Policy
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Gun violence has become an alarming public health crisis in the United States. Its toll goes well beyond the thousands of lives lost each year. It devastates families and communities. It threatens our sense of safety and security. In a series on gun violence as a public health issue, we explain the different types of Read more…
How can I keep track of COVID levels in my area now that cases are not being reported?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Follow the feces. Wastewater data is one of our best remaining tools for COVID-19 surveillance. With the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency in the US, the US CDC will stop reporting community levels of COVID-19 cases or positivity rates. The accuracy of these numbers has also likely declined over time as people tested Read more…
Are COVID re-infections worse than a first infection?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No, not for most people. But for vulnerable people, repeated infections can still be dangerous. And each infection carries its own risk of Long Covid. TL;DR: Repeated COVID-19 infections are neither destroying our immune systems NOR completely harmless. Like many things with COVID-19, the truth lies somewhere in between. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is here to Read more…
Are you truly a COVID-19 virgin?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe …or maybe not. Recent studies suggest that many people are unaware of their past COVID-19 infections. A Canadian study found that, in people with antibodies showing previous infection, roughly half of them thought they were COVID-19 virgins. This study used blood samples from roughly 15,000 Canadian adults surveyed across the country from April 2022 Read more…
Are vaccinated people “dying suddenly?”
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. The Office of National Statistics in England just released some comprehensive new data comparing deaths from ALL causes by COVID vaccination status. Across all age groups, death rates are consistently lower among vaccinated vs. unvaccinated people. You can also clearly see the spikes in mortality associated with the Delta & Omicron waves that Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Life Expectancy Update 2021
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In many countries, life expectancy dropped substantially in 2020 due to COVID. Did life expectancy bounce back in 2021, or did things get even worse? TL;DR: A mixed bag, w/ greater divergence of experiences as the pandemic wore on. While Western Europe saw improvements from 2020, the US and Eastern Europe saw continued losses. Read Read more…
I heard that US life expectancy fell again. Does this mean *my* lifespan will be shorter?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not necessarily. Despite the name, life expectancy doesn’t predict the lifespan of individuals. But as a “snapshot” of mortality in the US, the news is not good. Recent U.S. CDC estimates show a loss of a 2.7 years of life expectancy in 2021 compared to 2019. Surprisingly, despite the vaccine roll-out, U.S. life expectancy Read more…
How many kids are affected by Long COVID?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Long COVID
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A large study conducted in Denmark found that kids who recently had COVID-19 experienced symptoms of long COVID more often than similar kids who didn’t have a COVID-19 diagnosis. But, long COVID among children seems less common than it is among adults. Researchers asked thousands of parents about their kids’ symptoms that lasted more than Read more…
Why do long COVID estimates seem to vary so much from study to study?
Data and Metrics Long COVID
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Different case definitions, study participants, data collection methods, and study timing across studies. TL:DR: Current estimates of the proportion of COVID-19 cases that develop long COVID range from 3-20% and have been as high as 50%! Considering how studies differ can help us understand why estimates vary so much across studies. Things to keep Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 05/26/23
Data and Metrics Health Policy Videos
Those Nerdy Girls present the facts, bust myths, and discuss solutions to the gun violence crisis in America. Hosted by: – Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Contributing Writer at TNG, co-Founder of Critica & Author of Denying to the Grave – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Hello and Read more…
What is gun violence, and who does it affect?
Data and Metrics Health PolicyMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Gun violence has become an alarming public health crisis in the United States. Its toll goes well beyond the thousands of lives lost each year. It devastates families and communities. It threatens our sense of safety and security. In a series on gun violence as a public health issue, we explain the different types of Read more…
How can I keep track of COVID levels in my area now that cases are not being reported?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Follow the feces. Wastewater data is one of our best remaining tools for COVID-19 surveillance. With the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency in the US, the US CDC will stop reporting community levels of COVID-19 cases or positivity rates. The accuracy of these numbers has also likely declined over time as people tested Read more…
Are COVID re-infections worse than a first infection?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No, not for most people. But for vulnerable people, repeated infections can still be dangerous. And each infection carries its own risk of Long Covid. TL;DR: Repeated COVID-19 infections are neither destroying our immune systems NOR completely harmless. Like many things with COVID-19, the truth lies somewhere in between. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is here to Read more…
Are you truly a COVID-19 virgin?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe …or maybe not. Recent studies suggest that many people are unaware of their past COVID-19 infections. A Canadian study found that, in people with antibodies showing previous infection, roughly half of them thought they were COVID-19 virgins. This study used blood samples from roughly 15,000 Canadian adults surveyed across the country from April 2022 Read more…
Are vaccinated people “dying suddenly?”
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. The Office of National Statistics in England just released some comprehensive new data comparing deaths from ALL causes by COVID vaccination status. Across all age groups, death rates are consistently lower among vaccinated vs. unvaccinated people. You can also clearly see the spikes in mortality associated with the Delta & Omicron waves that Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Life Expectancy Update 2021
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In many countries, life expectancy dropped substantially in 2020 due to COVID. Did life expectancy bounce back in 2021, or did things get even worse? TL;DR: A mixed bag, w/ greater divergence of experiences as the pandemic wore on. While Western Europe saw improvements from 2020, the US and Eastern Europe saw continued losses. Read Read more…
I heard that US life expectancy fell again. Does this mean *my* lifespan will be shorter?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not necessarily. Despite the name, life expectancy doesn’t predict the lifespan of individuals. But as a “snapshot” of mortality in the US, the news is not good. Recent U.S. CDC estimates show a loss of a 2.7 years of life expectancy in 2021 compared to 2019. Surprisingly, despite the vaccine roll-out, U.S. life expectancy Read more…
How many kids are affected by Long COVID?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Long COVID
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A large study conducted in Denmark found that kids who recently had COVID-19 experienced symptoms of long COVID more often than similar kids who didn’t have a COVID-19 diagnosis. But, long COVID among children seems less common than it is among adults. Researchers asked thousands of parents about their kids’ symptoms that lasted more than Read more…
Why do long COVID estimates seem to vary so much from study to study?
Data and Metrics Long COVID
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Different case definitions, study participants, data collection methods, and study timing across studies. TL:DR: Current estimates of the proportion of COVID-19 cases that develop long COVID range from 3-20% and have been as high as 50%! Considering how studies differ can help us understand why estimates vary so much across studies. Things to keep Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
Gun violence has become an alarming public health crisis in the United States. Its toll goes well beyond the thousands of lives lost each year. It devastates families and communities. It threatens our sense of safety and security. In a series on gun violence as a public health issue, we explain the different types of Read more…
How can I keep track of COVID levels in my area now that cases are not being reported?
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Follow the feces. Wastewater data is one of our best remaining tools for COVID-19 surveillance. With the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency in the US, the US CDC will stop reporting community levels of COVID-19 cases or positivity rates. The accuracy of these numbers has also likely declined over time as people tested Read more…
Are COVID re-infections worse than a first infection?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No, not for most people. But for vulnerable people, repeated infections can still be dangerous. And each infection carries its own risk of Long Covid. TL;DR: Repeated COVID-19 infections are neither destroying our immune systems NOR completely harmless. Like many things with COVID-19, the truth lies somewhere in between. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is here to Read more…
Are you truly a COVID-19 virgin?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe …or maybe not. Recent studies suggest that many people are unaware of their past COVID-19 infections. A Canadian study found that, in people with antibodies showing previous infection, roughly half of them thought they were COVID-19 virgins. This study used blood samples from roughly 15,000 Canadian adults surveyed across the country from April 2022 Read more…
Are vaccinated people “dying suddenly?”
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. The Office of National Statistics in England just released some comprehensive new data comparing deaths from ALL causes by COVID vaccination status. Across all age groups, death rates are consistently lower among vaccinated vs. unvaccinated people. You can also clearly see the spikes in mortality associated with the Delta & Omicron waves that Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Life Expectancy Update 2021
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In many countries, life expectancy dropped substantially in 2020 due to COVID. Did life expectancy bounce back in 2021, or did things get even worse? TL;DR: A mixed bag, w/ greater divergence of experiences as the pandemic wore on. While Western Europe saw improvements from 2020, the US and Eastern Europe saw continued losses. Read Read more…
I heard that US life expectancy fell again. Does this mean *my* lifespan will be shorter?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not necessarily. Despite the name, life expectancy doesn’t predict the lifespan of individuals. But as a “snapshot” of mortality in the US, the news is not good. Recent U.S. CDC estimates show a loss of a 2.7 years of life expectancy in 2021 compared to 2019. Surprisingly, despite the vaccine roll-out, U.S. life expectancy Read more…
How many kids are affected by Long COVID?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Long COVID
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A large study conducted in Denmark found that kids who recently had COVID-19 experienced symptoms of long COVID more often than similar kids who didn’t have a COVID-19 diagnosis. But, long COVID among children seems less common than it is among adults. Researchers asked thousands of parents about their kids’ symptoms that lasted more than Read more…
Why do long COVID estimates seem to vary so much from study to study?
Data and Metrics Long COVID
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Different case definitions, study participants, data collection methods, and study timing across studies. TL:DR: Current estimates of the proportion of COVID-19 cases that develop long COVID range from 3-20% and have been as high as 50%! Considering how studies differ can help us understand why estimates vary so much across studies. Things to keep Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
Follow the feces. Wastewater data is one of our best remaining tools for COVID-19 surveillance. With the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency in the US, the US CDC will stop reporting community levels of COVID-19 cases or positivity rates. The accuracy of these numbers has also likely declined over time as people tested Read more…
Are COVID re-infections worse than a first infection?
Data and Metrics Infectious DiseasesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No, not for most people. But for vulnerable people, repeated infections can still be dangerous. And each infection carries its own risk of Long Covid. TL;DR: Repeated COVID-19 infections are neither destroying our immune systems NOR completely harmless. Like many things with COVID-19, the truth lies somewhere in between. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is here to Read more…
Are you truly a COVID-19 virgin?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe …or maybe not. Recent studies suggest that many people are unaware of their past COVID-19 infections. A Canadian study found that, in people with antibodies showing previous infection, roughly half of them thought they were COVID-19 virgins. This study used blood samples from roughly 15,000 Canadian adults surveyed across the country from April 2022 Read more…
Are vaccinated people “dying suddenly?”
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. The Office of National Statistics in England just released some comprehensive new data comparing deaths from ALL causes by COVID vaccination status. Across all age groups, death rates are consistently lower among vaccinated vs. unvaccinated people. You can also clearly see the spikes in mortality associated with the Delta & Omicron waves that Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Life Expectancy Update 2021
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In many countries, life expectancy dropped substantially in 2020 due to COVID. Did life expectancy bounce back in 2021, or did things get even worse? TL;DR: A mixed bag, w/ greater divergence of experiences as the pandemic wore on. While Western Europe saw improvements from 2020, the US and Eastern Europe saw continued losses. Read Read more…
I heard that US life expectancy fell again. Does this mean *my* lifespan will be shorter?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not necessarily. Despite the name, life expectancy doesn’t predict the lifespan of individuals. But as a “snapshot” of mortality in the US, the news is not good. Recent U.S. CDC estimates show a loss of a 2.7 years of life expectancy in 2021 compared to 2019. Surprisingly, despite the vaccine roll-out, U.S. life expectancy Read more…
How many kids are affected by Long COVID?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Long COVID
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A large study conducted in Denmark found that kids who recently had COVID-19 experienced symptoms of long COVID more often than similar kids who didn’t have a COVID-19 diagnosis. But, long COVID among children seems less common than it is among adults. Researchers asked thousands of parents about their kids’ symptoms that lasted more than Read more…
Why do long COVID estimates seem to vary so much from study to study?
Data and Metrics Long COVID
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Different case definitions, study participants, data collection methods, and study timing across studies. TL:DR: Current estimates of the proportion of COVID-19 cases that develop long COVID range from 3-20% and have been as high as 50%! Considering how studies differ can help us understand why estimates vary so much across studies. Things to keep Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
No, not for most people. But for vulnerable people, repeated infections can still be dangerous. And each infection carries its own risk of Long Covid. TL;DR: Repeated COVID-19 infections are neither destroying our immune systems NOR completely harmless. Like many things with COVID-19, the truth lies somewhere in between. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is here to Read more…
Are you truly a COVID-19 virgin?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
Maybe …or maybe not. Recent studies suggest that many people are unaware of their past COVID-19 infections. A Canadian study found that, in people with antibodies showing previous infection, roughly half of them thought they were COVID-19 virgins. This study used blood samples from roughly 15,000 Canadian adults surveyed across the country from April 2022 Read more…
Are vaccinated people “dying suddenly?”
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. The Office of National Statistics in England just released some comprehensive new data comparing deaths from ALL causes by COVID vaccination status. Across all age groups, death rates are consistently lower among vaccinated vs. unvaccinated people. You can also clearly see the spikes in mortality associated with the Delta & Omicron waves that Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Life Expectancy Update 2021
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In many countries, life expectancy dropped substantially in 2020 due to COVID. Did life expectancy bounce back in 2021, or did things get even worse? TL;DR: A mixed bag, w/ greater divergence of experiences as the pandemic wore on. While Western Europe saw improvements from 2020, the US and Eastern Europe saw continued losses. Read Read more…
I heard that US life expectancy fell again. Does this mean *my* lifespan will be shorter?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not necessarily. Despite the name, life expectancy doesn’t predict the lifespan of individuals. But as a “snapshot” of mortality in the US, the news is not good. Recent U.S. CDC estimates show a loss of a 2.7 years of life expectancy in 2021 compared to 2019. Surprisingly, despite the vaccine roll-out, U.S. life expectancy Read more…
How many kids are affected by Long COVID?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Long COVID
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A large study conducted in Denmark found that kids who recently had COVID-19 experienced symptoms of long COVID more often than similar kids who didn’t have a COVID-19 diagnosis. But, long COVID among children seems less common than it is among adults. Researchers asked thousands of parents about their kids’ symptoms that lasted more than Read more…
Why do long COVID estimates seem to vary so much from study to study?
Data and Metrics Long COVID
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Different case definitions, study participants, data collection methods, and study timing across studies. TL:DR: Current estimates of the proportion of COVID-19 cases that develop long COVID range from 3-20% and have been as high as 50%! Considering how studies differ can help us understand why estimates vary so much across studies. Things to keep Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
Maybe …or maybe not. Recent studies suggest that many people are unaware of their past COVID-19 infections. A Canadian study found that, in people with antibodies showing previous infection, roughly half of them thought they were COVID-19 virgins. This study used blood samples from roughly 15,000 Canadian adults surveyed across the country from April 2022 Read more…
Are vaccinated people “dying suddenly?”
Data and Metrics VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. The Office of National Statistics in England just released some comprehensive new data comparing deaths from ALL causes by COVID vaccination status. Across all age groups, death rates are consistently lower among vaccinated vs. unvaccinated people. You can also clearly see the spikes in mortality associated with the Delta & Omicron waves that Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Life Expectancy Update 2021
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In many countries, life expectancy dropped substantially in 2020 due to COVID. Did life expectancy bounce back in 2021, or did things get even worse? TL;DR: A mixed bag, w/ greater divergence of experiences as the pandemic wore on. While Western Europe saw improvements from 2020, the US and Eastern Europe saw continued losses. Read Read more…
I heard that US life expectancy fell again. Does this mean *my* lifespan will be shorter?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not necessarily. Despite the name, life expectancy doesn’t predict the lifespan of individuals. But as a “snapshot” of mortality in the US, the news is not good. Recent U.S. CDC estimates show a loss of a 2.7 years of life expectancy in 2021 compared to 2019. Surprisingly, despite the vaccine roll-out, U.S. life expectancy Read more…
How many kids are affected by Long COVID?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Long COVID
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A large study conducted in Denmark found that kids who recently had COVID-19 experienced symptoms of long COVID more often than similar kids who didn’t have a COVID-19 diagnosis. But, long COVID among children seems less common than it is among adults. Researchers asked thousands of parents about their kids’ symptoms that lasted more than Read more…
Why do long COVID estimates seem to vary so much from study to study?
Data and Metrics Long COVID
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Different case definitions, study participants, data collection methods, and study timing across studies. TL:DR: Current estimates of the proportion of COVID-19 cases that develop long COVID range from 3-20% and have been as high as 50%! Considering how studies differ can help us understand why estimates vary so much across studies. Things to keep Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
A: No. The Office of National Statistics in England just released some comprehensive new data comparing deaths from ALL causes by COVID vaccination status. Across all age groups, death rates are consistently lower among vaccinated vs. unvaccinated people. You can also clearly see the spikes in mortality associated with the Delta & Omicron waves that Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Life Expectancy Update 2021
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In many countries, life expectancy dropped substantially in 2020 due to COVID. Did life expectancy bounce back in 2021, or did things get even worse? TL;DR: A mixed bag, w/ greater divergence of experiences as the pandemic wore on. While Western Europe saw improvements from 2020, the US and Eastern Europe saw continued losses. Read Read more…
I heard that US life expectancy fell again. Does this mean *my* lifespan will be shorter?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not necessarily. Despite the name, life expectancy doesn’t predict the lifespan of individuals. But as a “snapshot” of mortality in the US, the news is not good. Recent U.S. CDC estimates show a loss of a 2.7 years of life expectancy in 2021 compared to 2019. Surprisingly, despite the vaccine roll-out, U.S. life expectancy Read more…
How many kids are affected by Long COVID?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Long COVID
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A large study conducted in Denmark found that kids who recently had COVID-19 experienced symptoms of long COVID more often than similar kids who didn’t have a COVID-19 diagnosis. But, long COVID among children seems less common than it is among adults. Researchers asked thousands of parents about their kids’ symptoms that lasted more than Read more…
Why do long COVID estimates seem to vary so much from study to study?
Data and Metrics Long COVID
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Different case definitions, study participants, data collection methods, and study timing across studies. TL:DR: Current estimates of the proportion of COVID-19 cases that develop long COVID range from 3-20% and have been as high as 50%! Considering how studies differ can help us understand why estimates vary so much across studies. Things to keep Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
Life Expectancy Update 2021
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In many countries, life expectancy dropped substantially in 2020 due to COVID. Did life expectancy bounce back in 2021, or did things get even worse? TL;DR: A mixed bag, w/ greater divergence of experiences as the pandemic wore on. While Western Europe saw improvements from 2020, the US and Eastern Europe saw continued losses. Read Read more…
I heard that US life expectancy fell again. Does this mean *my* lifespan will be shorter?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not necessarily. Despite the name, life expectancy doesn’t predict the lifespan of individuals. But as a “snapshot” of mortality in the US, the news is not good. Recent U.S. CDC estimates show a loss of a 2.7 years of life expectancy in 2021 compared to 2019. Surprisingly, despite the vaccine roll-out, U.S. life expectancy Read more…
How many kids are affected by Long COVID?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Long COVID
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A large study conducted in Denmark found that kids who recently had COVID-19 experienced symptoms of long COVID more often than similar kids who didn’t have a COVID-19 diagnosis. But, long COVID among children seems less common than it is among adults. Researchers asked thousands of parents about their kids’ symptoms that lasted more than Read more…
Why do long COVID estimates seem to vary so much from study to study?
Data and Metrics Long COVID
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Different case definitions, study participants, data collection methods, and study timing across studies. TL:DR: Current estimates of the proportion of COVID-19 cases that develop long COVID range from 3-20% and have been as high as 50%! Considering how studies differ can help us understand why estimates vary so much across studies. Things to keep Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
In many countries, life expectancy dropped substantially in 2020 due to COVID. Did life expectancy bounce back in 2021, or did things get even worse? TL;DR: A mixed bag, w/ greater divergence of experiences as the pandemic wore on. While Western Europe saw improvements from 2020, the US and Eastern Europe saw continued losses. Read Read more…
I heard that US life expectancy fell again. Does this mean *my* lifespan will be shorter?
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not necessarily. Despite the name, life expectancy doesn’t predict the lifespan of individuals. But as a “snapshot” of mortality in the US, the news is not good. Recent U.S. CDC estimates show a loss of a 2.7 years of life expectancy in 2021 compared to 2019. Surprisingly, despite the vaccine roll-out, U.S. life expectancy Read more…
How many kids are affected by Long COVID?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Long COVID
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A large study conducted in Denmark found that kids who recently had COVID-19 experienced symptoms of long COVID more often than similar kids who didn’t have a COVID-19 diagnosis. But, long COVID among children seems less common than it is among adults. Researchers asked thousands of parents about their kids’ symptoms that lasted more than Read more…
Why do long COVID estimates seem to vary so much from study to study?
Data and Metrics Long COVID
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Different case definitions, study participants, data collection methods, and study timing across studies. TL:DR: Current estimates of the proportion of COVID-19 cases that develop long COVID range from 3-20% and have been as high as 50%! Considering how studies differ can help us understand why estimates vary so much across studies. Things to keep Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
A: Not necessarily. Despite the name, life expectancy doesn’t predict the lifespan of individuals. But as a “snapshot” of mortality in the US, the news is not good. Recent U.S. CDC estimates show a loss of a 2.7 years of life expectancy in 2021 compared to 2019. Surprisingly, despite the vaccine roll-out, U.S. life expectancy Read more…
How many kids are affected by Long COVID?
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Long COVIDMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A large study conducted in Denmark found that kids who recently had COVID-19 experienced symptoms of long COVID more often than similar kids who didn’t have a COVID-19 diagnosis. But, long COVID among children seems less common than it is among adults. Researchers asked thousands of parents about their kids’ symptoms that lasted more than Read more…
Why do long COVID estimates seem to vary so much from study to study?
Data and Metrics Long COVID
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Different case definitions, study participants, data collection methods, and study timing across studies. TL:DR: Current estimates of the proportion of COVID-19 cases that develop long COVID range from 3-20% and have been as high as 50%! Considering how studies differ can help us understand why estimates vary so much across studies. Things to keep Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
A large study conducted in Denmark found that kids who recently had COVID-19 experienced symptoms of long COVID more often than similar kids who didn’t have a COVID-19 diagnosis. But, long COVID among children seems less common than it is among adults. Researchers asked thousands of parents about their kids’ symptoms that lasted more than Read more…
Why do long COVID estimates seem to vary so much from study to study?
Data and Metrics Long COVIDAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Different case definitions, study participants, data collection methods, and study timing across studies. TL:DR: Current estimates of the proportion of COVID-19 cases that develop long COVID range from 3-20% and have been as high as 50%! Considering how studies differ can help us understand why estimates vary so much across studies. Things to keep Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
A: Different case definitions, study participants, data collection methods, and study timing across studies. TL:DR: Current estimates of the proportion of COVID-19 cases that develop long COVID range from 3-20% and have been as high as 50%! Considering how studies differ can help us understand why estimates vary so much across studies. Things to keep Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and MetricsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and MetricsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
