COVID-19 cases are way down in the U.S. We’re out of the woods, right?!
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We REALLY hope so. But we’ve learned that making predictions during this pandemic is… unwise. After Delta spoiled optimistic summer and back to school plans in much of the U.S, the fall has brought an unexpected dive in confirmed case numbers. The 7-day rolling average of around 84K/day on October 16th is down more Read more…
Is COVID-19 99% survivable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes- BUT those odds are not as good as they sound. Ask yourself- would you let your family board a plane if 1 out of 100 passengers were going to be thrown out of the plane mid-flight? We continue to hear the “99% survivable” argument as a reason not to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Read more…
U.S. Passes 700,000 Official COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. passed a somber milestone this week of 700,000 official COVID-19 deaths. It is difficult to absorb that there are names, faces, and families behind each of these numbers. Today we remember 35-year-old Kimmie Pavone, a phlebotomist who had tried to get pregnant for 10 years. She delivered her baby at 30 weeks while Read more…
Are we over-stating COVID-19 mortality?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. It’s bad. ➡️ The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the largest loss of life expectancy seen in many countries since World War II. ⬇️ U.S. males saw some of the worst losses—2.2 years of lost life expectancy in 2020. The drop was 1.65 years for U.S. females. We’ve talked about “excess mortality” in Read more…
Roughly 1 in every 500 Americans has died of COVID-19.
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
As the official U.S. COVID-19 death toll passed 663,000 this past week, this means that roughly 1 in every 500 Americans has died of COVID-19. Sadly, as we wrote about last week, this number is likely an *underestimate* of the actual death toll. It also obscures social disparities in the burden of COVID-19 mortality. For Read more…
ICUs in Critical Condition
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
/* This is NOT a drill : ICUs in critical condition */ 🏥 1 in 4 U.S. hospitals report worrisome ICU bed occupancy levels, up from 1 in 10 from June As AP reports, “a maxed-out ICU can become a staffing and logistical nightmare.” Staff shortages are particularly acute in many places. At one hospital Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
📊 DATA SNAPSHOT: Hospital Strain 📊
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
How do we keep a pulse check on COVID-induced hospital overwhelm? Researchers monitor strain with a summary metric: % of total hospital beds filled with COVID-19 patients. No metric is perfect, but this one’s pretty darn useful. And by this measure, things are looking pretty grim in southern hospitals right now. Here’s the skinny on Read more…
What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
A: We REALLY hope so. But we’ve learned that making predictions during this pandemic is… unwise. After Delta spoiled optimistic summer and back to school plans in much of the U.S, the fall has brought an unexpected dive in confirmed case numbers. The 7-day rolling average of around 84K/day on October 16th is down more Read more…
Is COVID-19 99% survivable?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes- BUT those odds are not as good as they sound. Ask yourself- would you let your family board a plane if 1 out of 100 passengers were going to be thrown out of the plane mid-flight? We continue to hear the “99% survivable” argument as a reason not to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Read more…
U.S. Passes 700,000 Official COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. passed a somber milestone this week of 700,000 official COVID-19 deaths. It is difficult to absorb that there are names, faces, and families behind each of these numbers. Today we remember 35-year-old Kimmie Pavone, a phlebotomist who had tried to get pregnant for 10 years. She delivered her baby at 30 weeks while Read more…
Are we over-stating COVID-19 mortality?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. It’s bad. ➡️ The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the largest loss of life expectancy seen in many countries since World War II. ⬇️ U.S. males saw some of the worst losses—2.2 years of lost life expectancy in 2020. The drop was 1.65 years for U.S. females. We’ve talked about “excess mortality” in Read more…
Roughly 1 in every 500 Americans has died of COVID-19.
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
As the official U.S. COVID-19 death toll passed 663,000 this past week, this means that roughly 1 in every 500 Americans has died of COVID-19. Sadly, as we wrote about last week, this number is likely an *underestimate* of the actual death toll. It also obscures social disparities in the burden of COVID-19 mortality. For Read more…
ICUs in Critical Condition
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
/* This is NOT a drill : ICUs in critical condition */ 🏥 1 in 4 U.S. hospitals report worrisome ICU bed occupancy levels, up from 1 in 10 from June As AP reports, “a maxed-out ICU can become a staffing and logistical nightmare.” Staff shortages are particularly acute in many places. At one hospital Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
📊 DATA SNAPSHOT: Hospital Strain 📊
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
How do we keep a pulse check on COVID-induced hospital overwhelm? Researchers monitor strain with a summary metric: % of total hospital beds filled with COVID-19 patients. No metric is perfect, but this one’s pretty darn useful. And by this measure, things are looking pretty grim in southern hospitals right now. Here’s the skinny on Read more…
What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
A: Yes- BUT those odds are not as good as they sound. Ask yourself- would you let your family board a plane if 1 out of 100 passengers were going to be thrown out of the plane mid-flight? We continue to hear the “99% survivable” argument as a reason not to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Read more…
U.S. Passes 700,000 Official COVID-19 Deaths
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. passed a somber milestone this week of 700,000 official COVID-19 deaths. It is difficult to absorb that there are names, faces, and families behind each of these numbers. Today we remember 35-year-old Kimmie Pavone, a phlebotomist who had tried to get pregnant for 10 years. She delivered her baby at 30 weeks while Read more…
Are we over-stating COVID-19 mortality?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. It’s bad. ➡️ The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the largest loss of life expectancy seen in many countries since World War II. ⬇️ U.S. males saw some of the worst losses—2.2 years of lost life expectancy in 2020. The drop was 1.65 years for U.S. females. We’ve talked about “excess mortality” in Read more…
Roughly 1 in every 500 Americans has died of COVID-19.
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
As the official U.S. COVID-19 death toll passed 663,000 this past week, this means that roughly 1 in every 500 Americans has died of COVID-19. Sadly, as we wrote about last week, this number is likely an *underestimate* of the actual death toll. It also obscures social disparities in the burden of COVID-19 mortality. For Read more…
ICUs in Critical Condition
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
/* This is NOT a drill : ICUs in critical condition */ 🏥 1 in 4 U.S. hospitals report worrisome ICU bed occupancy levels, up from 1 in 10 from June As AP reports, “a maxed-out ICU can become a staffing and logistical nightmare.” Staff shortages are particularly acute in many places. At one hospital Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
📊 DATA SNAPSHOT: Hospital Strain 📊
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
How do we keep a pulse check on COVID-induced hospital overwhelm? Researchers monitor strain with a summary metric: % of total hospital beds filled with COVID-19 patients. No metric is perfect, but this one’s pretty darn useful. And by this measure, things are looking pretty grim in southern hospitals right now. Here’s the skinny on Read more…
What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
The U.S. passed a somber milestone this week of 700,000 official COVID-19 deaths. It is difficult to absorb that there are names, faces, and families behind each of these numbers. Today we remember 35-year-old Kimmie Pavone, a phlebotomist who had tried to get pregnant for 10 years. She delivered her baby at 30 weeks while Read more…
Are we over-stating COVID-19 mortality?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. It’s bad. ➡️ The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the largest loss of life expectancy seen in many countries since World War II. ⬇️ U.S. males saw some of the worst losses—2.2 years of lost life expectancy in 2020. The drop was 1.65 years for U.S. females. We’ve talked about “excess mortality” in Read more…
Roughly 1 in every 500 Americans has died of COVID-19.
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
As the official U.S. COVID-19 death toll passed 663,000 this past week, this means that roughly 1 in every 500 Americans has died of COVID-19. Sadly, as we wrote about last week, this number is likely an *underestimate* of the actual death toll. It also obscures social disparities in the burden of COVID-19 mortality. For Read more…
ICUs in Critical Condition
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
/* This is NOT a drill : ICUs in critical condition */ 🏥 1 in 4 U.S. hospitals report worrisome ICU bed occupancy levels, up from 1 in 10 from June As AP reports, “a maxed-out ICU can become a staffing and logistical nightmare.” Staff shortages are particularly acute in many places. At one hospital Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
📊 DATA SNAPSHOT: Hospital Strain 📊
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
How do we keep a pulse check on COVID-induced hospital overwhelm? Researchers monitor strain with a summary metric: % of total hospital beds filled with COVID-19 patients. No metric is perfect, but this one’s pretty darn useful. And by this measure, things are looking pretty grim in southern hospitals right now. Here’s the skinny on Read more…
What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
A: No. It’s bad. ➡️ The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the largest loss of life expectancy seen in many countries since World War II. ⬇️ U.S. males saw some of the worst losses—2.2 years of lost life expectancy in 2020. The drop was 1.65 years for U.S. females. We’ve talked about “excess mortality” in Read more…
Roughly 1 in every 500 Americans has died of COVID-19.
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
As the official U.S. COVID-19 death toll passed 663,000 this past week, this means that roughly 1 in every 500 Americans has died of COVID-19. Sadly, as we wrote about last week, this number is likely an *underestimate* of the actual death toll. It also obscures social disparities in the burden of COVID-19 mortality. For Read more…
ICUs in Critical Condition
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
/* This is NOT a drill : ICUs in critical condition */ 🏥 1 in 4 U.S. hospitals report worrisome ICU bed occupancy levels, up from 1 in 10 from June As AP reports, “a maxed-out ICU can become a staffing and logistical nightmare.” Staff shortages are particularly acute in many places. At one hospital Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
📊 DATA SNAPSHOT: Hospital Strain 📊
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
How do we keep a pulse check on COVID-induced hospital overwhelm? Researchers monitor strain with a summary metric: % of total hospital beds filled with COVID-19 patients. No metric is perfect, but this one’s pretty darn useful. And by this measure, things are looking pretty grim in southern hospitals right now. Here’s the skinny on Read more…
What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
As the official U.S. COVID-19 death toll passed 663,000 this past week, this means that roughly 1 in every 500 Americans has died of COVID-19. Sadly, as we wrote about last week, this number is likely an *underestimate* of the actual death toll. It also obscures social disparities in the burden of COVID-19 mortality. For Read more…
ICUs in Critical Condition
Data and MetricsLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
/* This is NOT a drill : ICUs in critical condition */ 🏥 1 in 4 U.S. hospitals report worrisome ICU bed occupancy levels, up from 1 in 10 from June As AP reports, “a maxed-out ICU can become a staffing and logistical nightmare.” Staff shortages are particularly acute in many places. At one hospital Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
📊 DATA SNAPSHOT: Hospital Strain 📊
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
How do we keep a pulse check on COVID-induced hospital overwhelm? Researchers monitor strain with a summary metric: % of total hospital beds filled with COVID-19 patients. No metric is perfect, but this one’s pretty darn useful. And by this measure, things are looking pretty grim in southern hospitals right now. Here’s the skinny on Read more…
What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
/* This is NOT a drill : ICUs in critical condition */ 🏥 1 in 4 U.S. hospitals report worrisome ICU bed occupancy levels, up from 1 in 10 from June As AP reports, “a maxed-out ICU can become a staffing and logistical nightmare.” Staff shortages are particularly acute in many places. At one hospital Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
📊 DATA SNAPSHOT: Hospital Strain 📊
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
How do we keep a pulse check on COVID-induced hospital overwhelm? Researchers monitor strain with a summary metric: % of total hospital beds filled with COVID-19 patients. No metric is perfect, but this one’s pretty darn useful. And by this measure, things are looking pretty grim in southern hospitals right now. Here’s the skinny on Read more…
What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
📊 DATA SNAPSHOT: Hospital Strain 📊
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
How do we keep a pulse check on COVID-induced hospital overwhelm? Researchers monitor strain with a summary metric: % of total hospital beds filled with COVID-19 patients. No metric is perfect, but this one’s pretty darn useful. And by this measure, things are looking pretty grim in southern hospitals right now. Here’s the skinny on Read more…
What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
📊 DATA SNAPSHOT: Hospital Strain 📊
Data and MetricsLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
How do we keep a pulse check on COVID-induced hospital overwhelm? Researchers monitor strain with a summary metric: % of total hospital beds filled with COVID-19 patients. No metric is perfect, but this one’s pretty darn useful. And by this measure, things are looking pretty grim in southern hospitals right now. Here’s the skinny on Read more…
What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
How do we keep a pulse check on COVID-induced hospital overwhelm? Researchers monitor strain with a summary metric: % of total hospital beds filled with COVID-19 patients. No metric is perfect, but this one’s pretty darn useful. And by this measure, things are looking pretty grim in southern hospitals right now. Here’s the skinny on Read more…
What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracySarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England
COVID Variants Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and Metrics
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
🏴 POSTCARDS FROM ENGLAND 🏴: Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising. The lads still did everyone proud, but the boisterous Euro Cup crowds may not have been the best news for COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks. Cases continue to rise in the UK, thanks to the more transmissible Delta variant Read more…
Excess Mortality in the U.S. in 2020
Data and MetricsLauren Hale, PhD MA
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
The oldest Americans bore the brunt of COVID-19 mortality, but working-age Americans suffered the vast majority of excess non-COVID deaths, most commonly resulting from external causes. Today we are thrilled to host Nerdy Guest Dana Glei, PhD, discussing her research on “excess mortality,” including an increase in drug-related mortality during the pandemic. Dr. Glei completed Read more…
