What exactly is a “superspreader” and what makes one person a superspreader and another person not?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The word “superspreader” simply refers to someone who is infected with COVID-19 and–somehow–manages to pass it along to a whole lot of other people. Specifically, a superspreader infects many more people than you would expect based on the averages. We’ve seen situations where one infected person got dozens of others sick. We’ve also seen Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Malia Jones & Dr. Lindsey Leininger tackle your questions in this week’s FB Live Q&A. – Stay SMART this fall! 3:40 – 4:08 – Aerosol vs. droplet debate + the CDC: 4:15 – 9:35 – Tips for socializing safely in the cold: 10:14 – 15:35 – Hot tubs + saunas + gyms: 15:43 – Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Malia Jones & Dr. Lindsey Leininger tackle your questions in this week’s FB Live Q&A. – Stay SMART this fall! 3:40 – 4:08 – Aerosol vs. droplet debate + the CDC: 4:15 – 9:35 – Tips for socializing safely in the cold: 10:14 – 15:35 – Hot tubs + saunas + gyms: 15:43 – Read more…
When will we get to herd immunity?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: When we get a vaccine and lots of people have received it; or else, a very long time from now. Even though we have well over 30 million confirmed cases and nearly a million deaths from COVID-19 worldwide, we’re not even close to reaching herd immunity. In fact, we’re not even close to the Read more…
Once a person has covid-19, when is it safe to interact with them again?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Q: Can they continue to pass the virus to others even if they are immune for some period of time? A: If you had symptoms, you need to meet three criteria to come out of isolation: 1. 10 days from the day of the first symptoms, 2. No fever for 24 hours, and 3. Other Read more…
Can children spread COVID-19 in child care facilities (children 5 and under)?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
From our follower Question Box!! A: Yes, while we know that children are less likely to experience severe illness due to COVID-19, increasing evidence tells us that children can spread (transmit) the virus. But, it is not clear if they are more likely to do so than adults or if likelihood of transmission varies by Read more…
How do I keep my pod from growing into a swarm?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Reflect and refine. Small, stable pods work best in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while maintaining essential functions like work, school, and sanity. Everyday actions will help keep your pod from growing out of control. Reflection- It’s easy to minimize risk when we face them one at a time. We often think only of Read more…
Are temperature checks an adequate screening tool for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Unfortunately, no. Being fever-free at the time of a temperature check is not a guarantee that a person doesn’t have COVID-19, nor that someone with COVID-19 won’t spread the infection to others. Why is that? The period of infectiousness for someone with COVID-19 (i.e., the window of time when someone can infect others) starts Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: COVID Q&A Those Nerdy Girls Dr. Jennifer Beam Dowd and Dr. Malia Jones take follower questions in this Facebook Live event. Link to original FB post
What’s the most likely way to catch SARS-CoV-2? Do I still need to Lysol the bejeesus out of everything?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
A: The word “superspreader” simply refers to someone who is infected with COVID-19 and–somehow–manages to pass it along to a whole lot of other people. Specifically, a superspreader infects many more people than you would expect based on the averages. We’ve seen situations where one infected person got dozens of others sick. We’ve also seen Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Malia Jones & Dr. Lindsey Leininger tackle your questions in this week’s FB Live Q&A. – Stay SMART this fall! 3:40 – 4:08 – Aerosol vs. droplet debate + the CDC: 4:15 – 9:35 – Tips for socializing safely in the cold: 10:14 – 15:35 – Hot tubs + saunas + gyms: 15:43 – Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Malia Jones & Dr. Lindsey Leininger tackle your questions in this week’s FB Live Q&A. – Stay SMART this fall! 3:40 – 4:08 – Aerosol vs. droplet debate + the CDC: 4:15 – 9:35 – Tips for socializing safely in the cold: 10:14 – 15:35 – Hot tubs + saunas + gyms: 15:43 – Read more…
When will we get to herd immunity?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: When we get a vaccine and lots of people have received it; or else, a very long time from now. Even though we have well over 30 million confirmed cases and nearly a million deaths from COVID-19 worldwide, we’re not even close to reaching herd immunity. In fact, we’re not even close to the Read more…
Once a person has covid-19, when is it safe to interact with them again?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Q: Can they continue to pass the virus to others even if they are immune for some period of time? A: If you had symptoms, you need to meet three criteria to come out of isolation: 1. 10 days from the day of the first symptoms, 2. No fever for 24 hours, and 3. Other Read more…
Can children spread COVID-19 in child care facilities (children 5 and under)?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
From our follower Question Box!! A: Yes, while we know that children are less likely to experience severe illness due to COVID-19, increasing evidence tells us that children can spread (transmit) the virus. But, it is not clear if they are more likely to do so than adults or if likelihood of transmission varies by Read more…
How do I keep my pod from growing into a swarm?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Reflect and refine. Small, stable pods work best in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while maintaining essential functions like work, school, and sanity. Everyday actions will help keep your pod from growing out of control. Reflection- It’s easy to minimize risk when we face them one at a time. We often think only of Read more…
Are temperature checks an adequate screening tool for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Unfortunately, no. Being fever-free at the time of a temperature check is not a guarantee that a person doesn’t have COVID-19, nor that someone with COVID-19 won’t spread the infection to others. Why is that? The period of infectiousness for someone with COVID-19 (i.e., the window of time when someone can infect others) starts Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: COVID Q&A Those Nerdy Girls Dr. Jennifer Beam Dowd and Dr. Malia Jones take follower questions in this Facebook Live event. Link to original FB post
What’s the most likely way to catch SARS-CoV-2? Do I still need to Lysol the bejeesus out of everything?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Dr. Malia Jones & Dr. Lindsey Leininger tackle your questions in this week’s FB Live Q&A. – Stay SMART this fall! 3:40 – 4:08 – Aerosol vs. droplet debate + the CDC: 4:15 – 9:35 – Tips for socializing safely in the cold: 10:14 – 15:35 – Hot tubs + saunas + gyms: 15:43 – Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Malia Jones & Dr. Lindsey Leininger tackle your questions in this week’s FB Live Q&A. – Stay SMART this fall! 3:40 – 4:08 – Aerosol vs. droplet debate + the CDC: 4:15 – 9:35 – Tips for socializing safely in the cold: 10:14 – 15:35 – Hot tubs + saunas + gyms: 15:43 – Read more…
When will we get to herd immunity?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: When we get a vaccine and lots of people have received it; or else, a very long time from now. Even though we have well over 30 million confirmed cases and nearly a million deaths from COVID-19 worldwide, we’re not even close to reaching herd immunity. In fact, we’re not even close to the Read more…
Once a person has covid-19, when is it safe to interact with them again?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Q: Can they continue to pass the virus to others even if they are immune for some period of time? A: If you had symptoms, you need to meet three criteria to come out of isolation: 1. 10 days from the day of the first symptoms, 2. No fever for 24 hours, and 3. Other Read more…
Can children spread COVID-19 in child care facilities (children 5 and under)?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
From our follower Question Box!! A: Yes, while we know that children are less likely to experience severe illness due to COVID-19, increasing evidence tells us that children can spread (transmit) the virus. But, it is not clear if they are more likely to do so than adults or if likelihood of transmission varies by Read more…
How do I keep my pod from growing into a swarm?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Reflect and refine. Small, stable pods work best in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while maintaining essential functions like work, school, and sanity. Everyday actions will help keep your pod from growing out of control. Reflection- It’s easy to minimize risk when we face them one at a time. We often think only of Read more…
Are temperature checks an adequate screening tool for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Unfortunately, no. Being fever-free at the time of a temperature check is not a guarantee that a person doesn’t have COVID-19, nor that someone with COVID-19 won’t spread the infection to others. Why is that? The period of infectiousness for someone with COVID-19 (i.e., the window of time when someone can infect others) starts Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: COVID Q&A Those Nerdy Girls Dr. Jennifer Beam Dowd and Dr. Malia Jones take follower questions in this Facebook Live event. Link to original FB post
What’s the most likely way to catch SARS-CoV-2? Do I still need to Lysol the bejeesus out of everything?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Dr. Malia Jones & Dr. Lindsey Leininger tackle your questions in this week’s FB Live Q&A. – Stay SMART this fall! 3:40 – 4:08 – Aerosol vs. droplet debate + the CDC: 4:15 – 9:35 – Tips for socializing safely in the cold: 10:14 – 15:35 – Hot tubs + saunas + gyms: 15:43 – Read more…
When will we get to herd immunity?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and MisinformationMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: When we get a vaccine and lots of people have received it; or else, a very long time from now. Even though we have well over 30 million confirmed cases and nearly a million deaths from COVID-19 worldwide, we’re not even close to reaching herd immunity. In fact, we’re not even close to the Read more…
Once a person has covid-19, when is it safe to interact with them again?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Q: Can they continue to pass the virus to others even if they are immune for some period of time? A: If you had symptoms, you need to meet three criteria to come out of isolation: 1. 10 days from the day of the first symptoms, 2. No fever for 24 hours, and 3. Other Read more…
Can children spread COVID-19 in child care facilities (children 5 and under)?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
From our follower Question Box!! A: Yes, while we know that children are less likely to experience severe illness due to COVID-19, increasing evidence tells us that children can spread (transmit) the virus. But, it is not clear if they are more likely to do so than adults or if likelihood of transmission varies by Read more…
How do I keep my pod from growing into a swarm?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Reflect and refine. Small, stable pods work best in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while maintaining essential functions like work, school, and sanity. Everyday actions will help keep your pod from growing out of control. Reflection- It’s easy to minimize risk when we face them one at a time. We often think only of Read more…
Are temperature checks an adequate screening tool for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Unfortunately, no. Being fever-free at the time of a temperature check is not a guarantee that a person doesn’t have COVID-19, nor that someone with COVID-19 won’t spread the infection to others. Why is that? The period of infectiousness for someone with COVID-19 (i.e., the window of time when someone can infect others) starts Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: COVID Q&A Those Nerdy Girls Dr. Jennifer Beam Dowd and Dr. Malia Jones take follower questions in this Facebook Live event. Link to original FB post
What’s the most likely way to catch SARS-CoV-2? Do I still need to Lysol the bejeesus out of everything?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
A: When we get a vaccine and lots of people have received it; or else, a very long time from now. Even though we have well over 30 million confirmed cases and nearly a million deaths from COVID-19 worldwide, we’re not even close to reaching herd immunity. In fact, we’re not even close to the Read more…
Once a person has covid-19, when is it safe to interact with them again?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Socializing Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Q: Can they continue to pass the virus to others even if they are immune for some period of time? A: If you had symptoms, you need to meet three criteria to come out of isolation: 1. 10 days from the day of the first symptoms, 2. No fever for 24 hours, and 3. Other Read more…
Can children spread COVID-19 in child care facilities (children 5 and under)?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
From our follower Question Box!! A: Yes, while we know that children are less likely to experience severe illness due to COVID-19, increasing evidence tells us that children can spread (transmit) the virus. But, it is not clear if they are more likely to do so than adults or if likelihood of transmission varies by Read more…
How do I keep my pod from growing into a swarm?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Reflect and refine. Small, stable pods work best in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while maintaining essential functions like work, school, and sanity. Everyday actions will help keep your pod from growing out of control. Reflection- It’s easy to minimize risk when we face them one at a time. We often think only of Read more…
Are temperature checks an adequate screening tool for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Unfortunately, no. Being fever-free at the time of a temperature check is not a guarantee that a person doesn’t have COVID-19, nor that someone with COVID-19 won’t spread the infection to others. Why is that? The period of infectiousness for someone with COVID-19 (i.e., the window of time when someone can infect others) starts Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: COVID Q&A Those Nerdy Girls Dr. Jennifer Beam Dowd and Dr. Malia Jones take follower questions in this Facebook Live event. Link to original FB post
What’s the most likely way to catch SARS-CoV-2? Do I still need to Lysol the bejeesus out of everything?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Q: Can they continue to pass the virus to others even if they are immune for some period of time? A: If you had symptoms, you need to meet three criteria to come out of isolation: 1. 10 days from the day of the first symptoms, 2. No fever for 24 hours, and 3. Other Read more…
Can children spread COVID-19 in child care facilities (children 5 and under)?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
From our follower Question Box!! A: Yes, while we know that children are less likely to experience severe illness due to COVID-19, increasing evidence tells us that children can spread (transmit) the virus. But, it is not clear if they are more likely to do so than adults or if likelihood of transmission varies by Read more…
How do I keep my pod from growing into a swarm?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Reflect and refine. Small, stable pods work best in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while maintaining essential functions like work, school, and sanity. Everyday actions will help keep your pod from growing out of control. Reflection- It’s easy to minimize risk when we face them one at a time. We often think only of Read more…
Are temperature checks an adequate screening tool for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Unfortunately, no. Being fever-free at the time of a temperature check is not a guarantee that a person doesn’t have COVID-19, nor that someone with COVID-19 won’t spread the infection to others. Why is that? The period of infectiousness for someone with COVID-19 (i.e., the window of time when someone can infect others) starts Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: COVID Q&A Those Nerdy Girls Dr. Jennifer Beam Dowd and Dr. Malia Jones take follower questions in this Facebook Live event. Link to original FB post
What’s the most likely way to catch SARS-CoV-2? Do I still need to Lysol the bejeesus out of everything?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
From our follower Question Box!! A: Yes, while we know that children are less likely to experience severe illness due to COVID-19, increasing evidence tells us that children can spread (transmit) the virus. But, it is not clear if they are more likely to do so than adults or if likelihood of transmission varies by Read more…
How do I keep my pod from growing into a swarm?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Reflect and refine. Small, stable pods work best in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while maintaining essential functions like work, school, and sanity. Everyday actions will help keep your pod from growing out of control. Reflection- It’s easy to minimize risk when we face them one at a time. We often think only of Read more…
Are temperature checks an adequate screening tool for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Unfortunately, no. Being fever-free at the time of a temperature check is not a guarantee that a person doesn’t have COVID-19, nor that someone with COVID-19 won’t spread the infection to others. Why is that? The period of infectiousness for someone with COVID-19 (i.e., the window of time when someone can infect others) starts Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: COVID Q&A Those Nerdy Girls Dr. Jennifer Beam Dowd and Dr. Malia Jones take follower questions in this Facebook Live event. Link to original FB post
What’s the most likely way to catch SARS-CoV-2? Do I still need to Lysol the bejeesus out of everything?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
A: Reflect and refine. Small, stable pods work best in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while maintaining essential functions like work, school, and sanity. Everyday actions will help keep your pod from growing out of control. Reflection- It’s easy to minimize risk when we face them one at a time. We often think only of Read more…
Are temperature checks an adequate screening tool for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Unfortunately, no. Being fever-free at the time of a temperature check is not a guarantee that a person doesn’t have COVID-19, nor that someone with COVID-19 won’t spread the infection to others. Why is that? The period of infectiousness for someone with COVID-19 (i.e., the window of time when someone can infect others) starts Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: COVID Q&A Those Nerdy Girls Dr. Jennifer Beam Dowd and Dr. Malia Jones take follower questions in this Facebook Live event. Link to original FB post
What’s the most likely way to catch SARS-CoV-2? Do I still need to Lysol the bejeesus out of everything?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
A: Unfortunately, no. Being fever-free at the time of a temperature check is not a guarantee that a person doesn’t have COVID-19, nor that someone with COVID-19 won’t spread the infection to others. Why is that? The period of infectiousness for someone with COVID-19 (i.e., the window of time when someone can infect others) starts Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Infection and Spread Staying Safe VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: COVID Q&A Those Nerdy Girls Dr. Jennifer Beam Dowd and Dr. Malia Jones take follower questions in this Facebook Live event. Link to original FB post
What’s the most likely way to catch SARS-CoV-2? Do I still need to Lysol the bejeesus out of everything?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Dear Pandemic: COVID Q&A Those Nerdy Girls Dr. Jennifer Beam Dowd and Dr. Malia Jones take follower questions in this Facebook Live event. Link to original FB post
What’s the most likely way to catch SARS-CoV-2? Do I still need to Lysol the bejeesus out of everything?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
A: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
A: You are most likely to catch SARS-CoV-2 from the AIR you breathe. General cleanliness rules for surfaces apply but you can stop obsessive purchases of Lysol and Clorox wipes. We’ve come a long way from those whimsical days in March when our hands were cracked from too much hand sanitizer and the high touch Read more…
Can a face mask act like a vaccine?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and MisinformationA: Although we ❤️ the part where it promotes mask-wearing, this intriguing idea has not been proven. For now, keep wearing your mask (because it DOES reduce your likelihood of infecting others) and wait for the science to catch up with this hypothesis. It is not safe to put on a mask and purposely expose Read more…
What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad.
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Q: Since they were already hit hard once, shouldn’t they have some herd immunity? A: Spain has seen an alarming increase in confirmed cases since mid-July, even surpassing the U.S. in daily cases per capita. But so far, deaths have only ticked up slightly compared to the height of their epidemic in March and April Read more…
How do I care for myself or someone I live with who becomes sick with Covid-19?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
A: Most cases of Covid-19 are managed at home. Considering what this might look like in your home can prepare you for this unwelcome but possible event and help limit the spread of infection within your home. The Learning Agency Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit (link to this gem below) provides resources for how to Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and MisinformationJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work.
Infection and Spread Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
A: It’s *probably* a good idea, and HEPA filters easily remove the size particles that carry the virus (the virus does not fly around naked, but embedded in mucus and saliva, yum!). Compared to overstocking Clorox wipes, cleaning your air may provide important COVID-19 protection for you and your family, especially over the winter as Read more…
Dear Pandemic Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Dear Pandemic: Follower Questions–Sept 5, 2020 Dr. Malia Jones and Dr. Lindsey Leininger crack open the follower question box and tackle your questions on this Facebook Live! Link to original FB post
Update on Herd Immunity
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Update: We know there is on-going chatter about herd immunity. We are re-posting the explainer below, as little has changed as far as the assumptions for what it would take to achieve “natural” herd immunity. TL;DR: it’s bleak. Even at a theoretically lower threshold (50% vs 70%), the expected number of deaths is devastating. So Read more…
I still have *so* many questions about aerosol transmission.
Infection and Spread Staying SafeAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
Q: Like, how long does one need to inhale infectious aerosol to be infected? How long can the virus stay in the air indoors? Is there a risk of aerosol transmission outdoors? A: This is your lucky day. An incredible team of scientists who study aerosol transmission of COVID-19 (including some we’ve cited here on Read more…
What’s the benefit of testing sewage for evidence of the coronavirus?
Infection and SpreadLauren Hale, PhD MA
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
A. In earlier posts, we discussed a testing strategy called group testing. The primary benefit of group testing is that it requires fewer testing resources (currently, the US is conducting upwards of 600,000 tests per day, often with lags in results, delaying timely responses to a positive test). An alternative group testing approach involves analyzing Read more…
Is it okay to let friends use our bathroom?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble and are trying to #StaySMART by socializing outdoors in our yard, while social distancing and wearing masks…but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them? A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use Read more…
