What’s the point of making an effort anymore if COVID-19 is everywhere?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Remember “flatten the curve”? We still need to “flatten the waves.” Much has changed since this rallying cry of Spring 2020, but keeping the infamous reproductive rate (or “R-value”) down is still a worthy goal. While we *totally* feel everyone’s pandemic fatigue and frustration with fellow humans, it’s not all or nothing with prevention Read more…
Why do some people not get COVID when everyone around them has it?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Guest Author Jessica Williams-Nguyen, PhD
TLDR; Many things impact infection risk, including vaccination status, prior exposures, genetics, and the specific details of one’s contact with infected people. Even when conditions seem ideal for transmission, it’s not a done deal. This is why, if COVID comes to your home, it’s worth trying to limit spread. And sometimes, you just get lucky. Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 05-07-22
General Health Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD – TNG CEO & Founding Member Chana Davis, PhD, Fueled by Science: TNG Contributing Writer Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:02) ➡️ The impact of pandemic Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
Is there any easy way to determine whether and for how long I need to isolate or quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
A: Remember “flatten the curve”? We still need to “flatten the waves.” Much has changed since this rallying cry of Spring 2020, but keeping the infamous reproductive rate (or “R-value”) down is still a worthy goal. While we *totally* feel everyone’s pandemic fatigue and frustration with fellow humans, it’s not all or nothing with prevention Read more…
Why do some people not get COVID when everyone around them has it?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadGuest Author Jessica Williams-Nguyen, PhD
TLDR; Many things impact infection risk, including vaccination status, prior exposures, genetics, and the specific details of one’s contact with infected people. Even when conditions seem ideal for transmission, it’s not a done deal. This is why, if COVID comes to your home, it’s worth trying to limit spread. And sometimes, you just get lucky. Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 05-07-22
General Health Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD – TNG CEO & Founding Member Chana Davis, PhD, Fueled by Science: TNG Contributing Writer Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:02) ➡️ The impact of pandemic Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
Is there any easy way to determine whether and for how long I need to isolate or quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
TLDR; Many things impact infection risk, including vaccination status, prior exposures, genetics, and the specific details of one’s contact with infected people. Even when conditions seem ideal for transmission, it’s not a done deal. This is why, if COVID comes to your home, it’s worth trying to limit spread. And sometimes, you just get lucky. Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 05-07-22
General Health Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing VideosChana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD – TNG CEO & Founding Member Chana Davis, PhD, Fueled by Science: TNG Contributing Writer Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:02) ➡️ The impact of pandemic Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
Is there any easy way to determine whether and for how long I need to isolate or quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD – TNG CEO & Founding Member Chana Davis, PhD, Fueled by Science: TNG Contributing Writer Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:02) ➡️ The impact of pandemic Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
Is there any easy way to determine whether and for how long I need to isolate or quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and SpreadAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
Is there any easy way to determine whether and for how long I need to isolate or quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
Is there any easy way to determine whether and for how long I need to isolate or quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
Is there any easy way to determine whether and for how long I need to isolate or quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
Is there any easy way to determine whether and for how long I need to isolate or quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact TracingAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
