Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 05-07-22
Health & Wellness 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…
I found out I was exposed to COVID-19. How long do I have to quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
QUARANTINE is not the same as isolation. Quarantine is what we do after we find out that someone we shared air with ended up being positive for COVID-19. You’re feeling fine and haven’t tested positive, but you’re in a waiting period–waiting to see if you’ll get sick. CDC’s guidance for quarantining after you have been Read more…
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve 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…
I found out I was exposed to COVID-19. How long do I have to quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
QUARANTINE is not the same as isolation. Quarantine is what we do after we find out that someone we shared air with ended up being positive for COVID-19. You’re feeling fine and haven’t tested positive, but you’re in a waiting period–waiting to see if you’ll get sick. CDC’s guidance for quarantining after you have been Read more…
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve 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…
I found out I was exposed to COVID-19. How long do I have to quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
QUARANTINE is not the same as isolation. Quarantine is what we do after we find out that someone we shared air with ended up being positive for COVID-19. You’re feeling fine and haven’t tested positive, but you’re in a waiting period–waiting to see if you’ll get sick. CDC’s guidance for quarantining after you have been Read more…
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve 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…
I found out I was exposed to COVID-19. How long do I have to quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
QUARANTINE is not the same as isolation. Quarantine is what we do after we find out that someone we shared air with ended up being positive for COVID-19. You’re feeling fine and haven’t tested positive, but you’re in a waiting period–waiting to see if you’ll get sick. CDC’s guidance for quarantining after you have been Read more…
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve 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…
I found out I was exposed to COVID-19. How long do I have to quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
QUARANTINE is not the same as isolation. Quarantine is what we do after we find out that someone we shared air with ended up being positive for COVID-19. You’re feeling fine and haven’t tested positive, but you’re in a waiting period–waiting to see if you’ll get sick. CDC’s guidance for quarantining after you have been Read more…
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve 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…
I found out I was exposed to COVID-19. How long do I have to quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
QUARANTINE is not the same as isolation. Quarantine is what we do after we find out that someone we shared air with ended up being positive for COVID-19. You’re feeling fine and haven’t tested positive, but you’re in a waiting period–waiting to see if you’ll get sick. CDC’s guidance for quarantining after you have been Read more…
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve 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…
I found out I was exposed to COVID-19. How long do I have to quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
QUARANTINE is not the same as isolation. Quarantine is what we do after we find out that someone we shared air with ended up being positive for COVID-19. You’re feeling fine and haven’t tested positive, but you’re in a waiting period–waiting to see if you’ll get sick. CDC’s guidance for quarantining after you have been Read more…
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve 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…
I found out I was exposed to COVID-19. How long do I have to quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
QUARANTINE is not the same as isolation. Quarantine is what we do after we find out that someone we shared air with ended up being positive for COVID-19. You’re feeling fine and haven’t tested positive, but you’re in a waiting period–waiting to see if you’ll get sick. CDC’s guidance for quarantining after you have been Read more…
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
QUARANTINE is not the same as isolation. Quarantine is what we do after we find out that someone we shared air with ended up being positive for COVID-19. You’re feeling fine and haven’t tested positive, but you’re in a waiting period–waiting to see if you’ll get sick. CDC’s guidance for quarantining after you have been Read more…
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and SpreadSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
