“Endemic” Explainer
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“We’re moving from pandemic to endemic.” We’re hearing this phrase tossed around more and more. In certain anti-science twitter circles, the hashtag #endemic is used as shorthand for the opinion that COVID-19 is overhyped, we’ve all been duped by the media into a hysteria over the pandemic; the vaccine is unnecessary; and everything should return Read more…
Are vaccinated people infected with Delta *really* as contagious as the unvaccinated?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Probably not. And when you count the reduction in getting infected in the first place, vaccinated people are much less likely to transmit the virus. 💥 TL;DR: Vaccinated people likely *can* transmit the virus, but this risk is NOT the same as the unvaccinated. Among growing concerns about Delta, recent news that vaccinated people Read more…
What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
Should contact lens wearers take special precautions to avoid getting COVID-19?
General Health Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: There is no evidence that the 45 million contact lens wearers in the US are at greater risk of getting COVID-19 than eyeglass wearers. Because the virus that causes COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets, there is little risk of spreading it by touching your eyes. The likelihood of getting COVID-19 by Read more…
Can I get COVID-19 through blood transfusion?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Many viruses can be transmitted by blood transfusion. However there are no reported cases of people getting COVID-19 by blood transfusion so far. Let’s look at the details. In 1628, British physician William Harvey reported the first description of blood circulation in Western medical literature. Soon after, transfusions were attempted. However, it was not Read more…
What is pandemic fatigue and what can I do about it?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
“We’re moving from pandemic to endemic.” We’re hearing this phrase tossed around more and more. In certain anti-science twitter circles, the hashtag #endemic is used as shorthand for the opinion that COVID-19 is overhyped, we’ve all been duped by the media into a hysteria over the pandemic; the vaccine is unnecessary; and everything should return Read more…
Are vaccinated people infected with Delta *really* as contagious as the unvaccinated?
COVID Variants Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Probably not. And when you count the reduction in getting infected in the first place, vaccinated people are much less likely to transmit the virus. 💥 TL;DR: Vaccinated people likely *can* transmit the virus, but this risk is NOT the same as the unvaccinated. Among growing concerns about Delta, recent news that vaccinated people Read more…
What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
Should contact lens wearers take special precautions to avoid getting COVID-19?
General Health Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: There is no evidence that the 45 million contact lens wearers in the US are at greater risk of getting COVID-19 than eyeglass wearers. Because the virus that causes COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets, there is little risk of spreading it by touching your eyes. The likelihood of getting COVID-19 by Read more…
Can I get COVID-19 through blood transfusion?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Many viruses can be transmitted by blood transfusion. However there are no reported cases of people getting COVID-19 by blood transfusion so far. Let’s look at the details. In 1628, British physician William Harvey reported the first description of blood circulation in Western medical literature. Soon after, transfusions were attempted. However, it was not Read more…
What is pandemic fatigue and what can I do about it?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
A: Probably not. And when you count the reduction in getting infected in the first place, vaccinated people are much less likely to transmit the virus. 💥 TL;DR: Vaccinated people likely *can* transmit the virus, but this risk is NOT the same as the unvaccinated. Among growing concerns about Delta, recent news that vaccinated people Read more…
What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
Should contact lens wearers take special precautions to avoid getting COVID-19?
General Health Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: There is no evidence that the 45 million contact lens wearers in the US are at greater risk of getting COVID-19 than eyeglass wearers. Because the virus that causes COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets, there is little risk of spreading it by touching your eyes. The likelihood of getting COVID-19 by Read more…
Can I get COVID-19 through blood transfusion?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Many viruses can be transmitted by blood transfusion. However there are no reported cases of people getting COVID-19 by blood transfusion so far. Let’s look at the details. In 1628, British physician William Harvey reported the first description of blood circulation in Western medical literature. Soon after, transfusions were attempted. However, it was not Read more…
What is pandemic fatigue and what can I do about it?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
Should contact lens wearers take special precautions to avoid getting COVID-19?
General Health Infection and SpreadVerdena Jennings, DO
A: There is no evidence that the 45 million contact lens wearers in the US are at greater risk of getting COVID-19 than eyeglass wearers. Because the virus that causes COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets, there is little risk of spreading it by touching your eyes. The likelihood of getting COVID-19 by Read more…
Can I get COVID-19 through blood transfusion?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Many viruses can be transmitted by blood transfusion. However there are no reported cases of people getting COVID-19 by blood transfusion so far. Let’s look at the details. In 1628, British physician William Harvey reported the first description of blood circulation in Western medical literature. Soon after, transfusions were attempted. However, it was not Read more…
What is pandemic fatigue and what can I do about it?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
A: There is no evidence that the 45 million contact lens wearers in the US are at greater risk of getting COVID-19 than eyeglass wearers. Because the virus that causes COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets, there is little risk of spreading it by touching your eyes. The likelihood of getting COVID-19 by Read more…
Can I get COVID-19 through blood transfusion?
Infection and SpreadVerdena Jennings, DO
A: Many viruses can be transmitted by blood transfusion. However there are no reported cases of people getting COVID-19 by blood transfusion so far. Let’s look at the details. In 1628, British physician William Harvey reported the first description of blood circulation in Western medical literature. Soon after, transfusions were attempted. However, it was not Read more…
What is pandemic fatigue and what can I do about it?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
A: Many viruses can be transmitted by blood transfusion. However there are no reported cases of people getting COVID-19 by blood transfusion so far. Let’s look at the details. In 1628, British physician William Harvey reported the first description of blood circulation in Western medical literature. Soon after, transfusions were attempted. However, it was not Read more…
What is pandemic fatigue and what can I do about it?
Infection and Spread Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread TravelLauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
So who’s getting COVID-19 these days?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
A: Unvaccinated people, for the most part. Q: Will the “delta” variant change that? A: Not likely. As new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the US 🇺🇸and Canada 🇨🇦, but are rising steeply elsewhere (UK 🇬🇧and South Africa🇿🇦, we see you 🤗💕!), you might be wondering who is bearing the burden of new Read more…
What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
A: Cases are rising quickly, possibly due to the variant formerly known as B.1617.2 ➡️ The Delta variant MAY be more transmissible and cause more severe infection, but the jury is still out. ↗️ The steep rise in cases in the U.K. in December and January was fueled by what was then known as the Read more…
Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission?
Infection and Spread VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
A: YES! Evidence continues to mount that the vaccines REDUCE BOTH ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTIONS AND TRANSMISSION. ➡️ While the Nerdy Girls are still dreaming of a world where transmission was explicitly tested in the clinical trials (☎️ call us next time), the data pouring in from around the world strongly suggests that the vaccines are very Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Infection and Spread Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and Spread
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
Malia Jones will be live with Dear Pandemic contributor Dr. Chana Davis! Dr. Davis is a geneticist by training and has experience in cancer research, personalized medicine, and nutrition. She’s also the author of Fueled by Science, a blog and podcast. We’ll be talking about mix-and-match vaccines, origins of the COVID-19 virus, and more! ➡️ Read more…
What is going on in India with the second wave of COVID-19?
Infection and SpreadVerdena Jennings, DO
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
A: India’s second wave of COVID-19 has come as a surprise to the world since the country was doing so well managing the pandemic. However, various conditions have created a perfect storm. Daily deaths are on the rise. There are not enough crematoriums to handle those who have died. A shortage of supplies, health care Read more…
When we get to 70% vaccinated, this will instantly be over–right?
Infection and SpreadMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
A: Not necessarily. We need to dig in a little to the difference between reaching the herd immunity *threshold* and the end goal–herd immunity. The upshot: herd immunity is the ultimate goal of a vaccination program, and reaching the herd immunity threshold is the first step toward it. Also, patterns of vaccination matter. Protecting people Read more…
If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life?
Infection and Spread VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
A: We SO feel the yearning behind this question. The sacrifices made, especially by young people, are heart-breaking and real. Please hang in there–we are SO close to getting through the last mile AND the last inch of this pandemic. But we’re not there yet. In the US and the UK, vaccines have rolled out Read more…
