A few weeks ago, everyone was talking about the “peak” of the epidemic. Now, not so much. Places are reopening and it feels like everything is going back to normal. Does this mean we’re past the peak?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: A lot of modelers stopped talking about the peak of the epidemic as our thinking about how to do good longer-term outbreak control matured. It also became more and more clear to those of us who study epidemics that at least in some places, we are not able to zip up social distancing enough Read more…
I gotta go! And a public bathroom is the only option. How do I stay safe?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A(short): Public bathrooms aren’t exactly paragons of cleanliness and sanitization even in the best of times, and pose additional public health challenges during the pandemic. But you can reduce your risk by WASHING THE HECK OUT OF YOUR HANDS, wearing a mask, and avoiding touching surfaces as much as possible. And please don’t be scared, Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
I keep seeing headlines reporting that CDC changed their guidelines regarding whether SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via touching contaminated surfaces, is that true?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As highlighted in this NPR article, after CDC recently re-arranged some content on their website, there was confusion over whether contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus was still considered a possible mode of transmission. CDC has since provided an update clarifying that while person-to-person transmission via droplets continues to be considered the predominant way Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
Can people get re-infected with SARS-CoV-2?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Prior reports of individuals testing positive again after recovering from COVID-19 raised concerns that individuals were being re-infected with SARS-CoV-2. Tests used to determine if someone has COVID-19, detect presence of the virus’s genetic material, but do not indicate whether a person is actively shedding virus capable of infecting cells-an indicator of active infection. Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
I’m still confused about the difference between an INCUBATION period and an INFECTIOUS period.
Infection and Spread
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: A lot of modelers stopped talking about the peak of the epidemic as our thinking about how to do good longer-term outbreak control matured. It also became more and more clear to those of us who study epidemics that at least in some places, we are not able to zip up social distancing enough Read more…
I gotta go! And a public bathroom is the only option. How do I stay safe?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe TravelLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A(short): Public bathrooms aren’t exactly paragons of cleanliness and sanitization even in the best of times, and pose additional public health challenges during the pandemic. But you can reduce your risk by WASHING THE HECK OUT OF YOUR HANDS, wearing a mask, and avoiding touching surfaces as much as possible. And please don’t be scared, Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
I keep seeing headlines reporting that CDC changed their guidelines regarding whether SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via touching contaminated surfaces, is that true?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As highlighted in this NPR article, after CDC recently re-arranged some content on their website, there was confusion over whether contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus was still considered a possible mode of transmission. CDC has since provided an update clarifying that while person-to-person transmission via droplets continues to be considered the predominant way Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
Can people get re-infected with SARS-CoV-2?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Prior reports of individuals testing positive again after recovering from COVID-19 raised concerns that individuals were being re-infected with SARS-CoV-2. Tests used to determine if someone has COVID-19, detect presence of the virus’s genetic material, but do not indicate whether a person is actively shedding virus capable of infecting cells-an indicator of active infection. Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
I’m still confused about the difference between an INCUBATION period and an INFECTIOUS period.
Infection and Spread
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A(short): Public bathrooms aren’t exactly paragons of cleanliness and sanitization even in the best of times, and pose additional public health challenges during the pandemic. But you can reduce your risk by WASHING THE HECK OUT OF YOUR HANDS, wearing a mask, and avoiding touching surfaces as much as possible. And please don’t be scared, Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
I keep seeing headlines reporting that CDC changed their guidelines regarding whether SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via touching contaminated surfaces, is that true?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As highlighted in this NPR article, after CDC recently re-arranged some content on their website, there was confusion over whether contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus was still considered a possible mode of transmission. CDC has since provided an update clarifying that while person-to-person transmission via droplets continues to be considered the predominant way Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
Can people get re-infected with SARS-CoV-2?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Prior reports of individuals testing positive again after recovering from COVID-19 raised concerns that individuals were being re-infected with SARS-CoV-2. Tests used to determine if someone has COVID-19, detect presence of the virus’s genetic material, but do not indicate whether a person is actively shedding virus capable of infecting cells-an indicator of active infection. Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
I’m still confused about the difference between an INCUBATION period and an INFECTIOUS period.
Infection and Spread
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
I keep seeing headlines reporting that CDC changed their guidelines regarding whether SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via touching contaminated surfaces, is that true?
Infection and SpreadAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As highlighted in this NPR article, after CDC recently re-arranged some content on their website, there was confusion over whether contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus was still considered a possible mode of transmission. CDC has since provided an update clarifying that while person-to-person transmission via droplets continues to be considered the predominant way Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
Can people get re-infected with SARS-CoV-2?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Prior reports of individuals testing positive again after recovering from COVID-19 raised concerns that individuals were being re-infected with SARS-CoV-2. Tests used to determine if someone has COVID-19, detect presence of the virus’s genetic material, but do not indicate whether a person is actively shedding virus capable of infecting cells-an indicator of active infection. Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
I’m still confused about the difference between an INCUBATION period and an INFECTIOUS period.
Infection and Spread
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: As highlighted in this NPR article, after CDC recently re-arranged some content on their website, there was confusion over whether contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus was still considered a possible mode of transmission. CDC has since provided an update clarifying that while person-to-person transmission via droplets continues to be considered the predominant way Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
Can people get re-infected with SARS-CoV-2?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Prior reports of individuals testing positive again after recovering from COVID-19 raised concerns that individuals were being re-infected with SARS-CoV-2. Tests used to determine if someone has COVID-19, detect presence of the virus’s genetic material, but do not indicate whether a person is actively shedding virus capable of infecting cells-an indicator of active infection. Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
I’m still confused about the difference between an INCUBATION period and an INFECTIOUS period.
Infection and Spread
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying SafeAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
Can people get re-infected with SARS-CoV-2?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Prior reports of individuals testing positive again after recovering from COVID-19 raised concerns that individuals were being re-infected with SARS-CoV-2. Tests used to determine if someone has COVID-19, detect presence of the virus’s genetic material, but do not indicate whether a person is actively shedding virus capable of infecting cells-an indicator of active infection. Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
I’m still confused about the difference between an INCUBATION period and an INFECTIOUS period.
Infection and Spread
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
Can people get re-infected with SARS-CoV-2?
Infection and SpreadAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Prior reports of individuals testing positive again after recovering from COVID-19 raised concerns that individuals were being re-infected with SARS-CoV-2. Tests used to determine if someone has COVID-19, detect presence of the virus’s genetic material, but do not indicate whether a person is actively shedding virus capable of infecting cells-an indicator of active infection. Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
I’m still confused about the difference between an INCUBATION period and an INFECTIOUS period.
Infection and Spread
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: Prior reports of individuals testing positive again after recovering from COVID-19 raised concerns that individuals were being re-infected with SARS-CoV-2. Tests used to determine if someone has COVID-19, detect presence of the virus’s genetic material, but do not indicate whether a person is actively shedding virus capable of infecting cells-an indicator of active infection. Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
I’m still confused about the difference between an INCUBATION period and an INFECTIOUS period.
Infection and Spread
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying SafeLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
I’m still confused about the difference between an INCUBATION period and an INFECTIOUS period.
Infection and Spread
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
I need to know more about this virus. With all this talk about church choirs being risky events, does this imply that the virus is spread through the air?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and SpreadAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
I’m still confused about the difference between an INCUBATION period and an INFECTIOUS period.
Infection and Spread
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: We still believe that the virus is transmitted primarily through droplets. But, here’s the truth: there is a very fine line between droplet and airborne transmission. Airborne: Transmitted by tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air. Can travel distances. (Hypothesized for SARS and MERS) Droplet: Transmitted by larger droplets that fall to the Read more…
What does new evidence tell us about the risk of Covid-19 to pets?
Families/Kids Infection and SpreadAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
I’m still confused about the difference between an INCUBATION period and an INFECTIOUS period.
Infection and Spread
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: Sadly, new evidence requires us to update our previous post about Covid-19 and pets. New research identified cases of Covid-19 in dogs. More research is needed to fully understand the direction of transmission and risks to humans and animals. The new evidence suggests the following: – Dogs, cats, lions, and tigers have shown evidence Read more…
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and MisinformationAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
I’m still confused about the difference between an INCUBATION period and an INFECTIOUS period.
Infection and Spread
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
I’m still confused about the difference between an INCUBATION period and an INFECTIOUS period.
Infection and SpreadLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
Coronavirus 101 explainer, please!!! A: We empathize – there are so many terms to learn. For us, too! It’s literally impossible to be an expert on every dimension of the pandemic). This timeline courtesy of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health helpfully visualizes the two concepts, along with how they link up chronologically. Here Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and SpreadAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Should I just get it over with and go to a ‘COVID party’?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
A: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.
A: For the love of peanut butter and jelly, please NO, 1000 X NO! “Health officials in a county in southern Washington state say a rise in coronavirus cases is linked to “COVID-19 parties.” NBC News Link “Walla Walla County health officials are receiving reports of COVID-19 parties occurring in our community, where noninfected people Read more…
What actually is herd immunity anyway?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadA: The term “herd immunity,” also sometimes called community immunity, refers to a situation where a lot of people in a population are not susceptible to a virus–either because they have already had it and are unlikely to get it again, or because they’ve been vaccinated. That is to say, their immune systems have been Read more…
What does the future hold?
Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Q: What’s going to happen after the current outbreak subsides? Will there be another one? How widespread will it be? A: We wish we knew for sure, but top epidemiologists envision a few possible scenarios. “While these scenarios diverge on key details — how much transmission will decrease over the summer, for instance, and how Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 4/20/20
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
COVID-19 issues like daycare, herd immunity, vaccines, social circles, testing, and more are addressed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, and Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH. From Dear Pandemic FB Live Q&A on 4/20/20. Link to original FB post
Standing Strong for Science: Needed now more than ever
The need for reliable health information is greater than ever, and Those Nerdy Girls are here to deliver trustworthy, evidence-based insights to communities everywhere. Every donation makes a difference. Will you stand strong for science with us? Thank you for supporting a healthier, informed future for all.