Q and A on shingles – part 2
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
Part 2 of “Answers to Some of Your Nerdy Questions on the Shingles Vaccine.” Shingles is an extremely painful disease caused by the reawakening of the Varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Fortunately, there is a shingles vaccine that significantly reduces your chance of getting shingles. The vaccine is recommended for all adults Read more…
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
Q and A on shingles
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
Shingles is an extremely painful disease caused by the reawakening of the Varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Fortunately, there is a shingles vaccine that significantly reduces your chance of getting shingles. The vaccine is recommended for all adults over 50. This includes people who had chickenpox, the chickenpox vaccine, an older Zostavax Read more…
There is so much information about who can and can’t get the COVID vaccine this fall. Can you clear things up?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases Vaccines
The fall COVID vaccines received FDA approval recently, but had significant changes to who can get them. These changes mean that the COVID-19 vaccines may be harder to access this year than in the past. But their importance has not changed, nor has the science that supports their effectiveness. If you have the ability, you Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! NOTE: This post was updated Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls trust vaccines and are taking a moment to celebrate them in August, since it is National Immunization Awareness Month. [Based on an original post by Nerdy Girl Megan Madsen written in August 2023.] At Those Nerdy Girls, we argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the Read more…
What is rabies and how can I protect myself?
Infectious Diseases Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself. Watch this video from Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer for all the details. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes You can also read Cindy’s full post here. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you Read more…
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
Part 2 of “Answers to Some of Your Nerdy Questions on the Shingles Vaccine.” Shingles is an extremely painful disease caused by the reawakening of the Varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Fortunately, there is a shingles vaccine that significantly reduces your chance of getting shingles. The vaccine is recommended for all adults Read more…
Why kids get sick in fall so much (and what you can do about it) – UPDATE
Families/Kids Infectious DiseasesAshley Sever, MPH
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Ashley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
Q and A on shingles
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
Shingles is an extremely painful disease caused by the reawakening of the Varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Fortunately, there is a shingles vaccine that significantly reduces your chance of getting shingles. The vaccine is recommended for all adults over 50. This includes people who had chickenpox, the chickenpox vaccine, an older Zostavax Read more…
There is so much information about who can and can’t get the COVID vaccine this fall. Can you clear things up?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases Vaccines
The fall COVID vaccines received FDA approval recently, but had significant changes to who can get them. These changes mean that the COVID-19 vaccines may be harder to access this year than in the past. But their importance has not changed, nor has the science that supports their effectiveness. If you have the ability, you Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! NOTE: This post was updated Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls trust vaccines and are taking a moment to celebrate them in August, since it is National Immunization Awareness Month. [Based on an original post by Nerdy Girl Megan Madsen written in August 2023.] At Those Nerdy Girls, we argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the Read more…
What is rabies and how can I protect myself?
Infectious Diseases Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself. Watch this video from Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer for all the details. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes You can also read Cindy’s full post here. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you Read more…
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
We are so grateful to our readers for your engagement, thoughtfulness, and care for your community both in your day to day lives and your community here online. We have heard from many of you 4-5 main concerns regarding this post: masking, ventilation, the seasonality of COVID, the frequency of childhood illnesses and the subsequent Read more…
Why Kids Get Sick So Much in Fall (And What You Can Do About It)
Families/Kids Infectious DiseasesAshley Sever, MPH
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
Q and A on shingles
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
Shingles is an extremely painful disease caused by the reawakening of the Varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Fortunately, there is a shingles vaccine that significantly reduces your chance of getting shingles. The vaccine is recommended for all adults over 50. This includes people who had chickenpox, the chickenpox vaccine, an older Zostavax Read more…
There is so much information about who can and can’t get the COVID vaccine this fall. Can you clear things up?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases Vaccines
The fall COVID vaccines received FDA approval recently, but had significant changes to who can get them. These changes mean that the COVID-19 vaccines may be harder to access this year than in the past. But their importance has not changed, nor has the science that supports their effectiveness. If you have the ability, you Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! NOTE: This post was updated Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls trust vaccines and are taking a moment to celebrate them in August, since it is National Immunization Awareness Month. [Based on an original post by Nerdy Girl Megan Madsen written in August 2023.] At Those Nerdy Girls, we argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the Read more…
What is rabies and how can I protect myself?
Infectious Diseases Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself. Watch this video from Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer for all the details. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes You can also read Cindy’s full post here. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you Read more…
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
Frequent illnesses in kids are usually normal this time of year, and parents and caregivers can take small science-backed steps to help. Fall is here—the season of crunchy leaves, cozy meals, and…endless sniffles. If your child seems to catch every bug floating around this time of year, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything Read more…
Q and A on shingles
Infectious Diseases Vaccines VideosThose Nerdy Girls
Shingles is an extremely painful disease caused by the reawakening of the Varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Fortunately, there is a shingles vaccine that significantly reduces your chance of getting shingles. The vaccine is recommended for all adults over 50. This includes people who had chickenpox, the chickenpox vaccine, an older Zostavax Read more…
There is so much information about who can and can’t get the COVID vaccine this fall. Can you clear things up?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases Vaccines
The fall COVID vaccines received FDA approval recently, but had significant changes to who can get them. These changes mean that the COVID-19 vaccines may be harder to access this year than in the past. But their importance has not changed, nor has the science that supports their effectiveness. If you have the ability, you Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! NOTE: This post was updated Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls trust vaccines and are taking a moment to celebrate them in August, since it is National Immunization Awareness Month. [Based on an original post by Nerdy Girl Megan Madsen written in August 2023.] At Those Nerdy Girls, we argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the Read more…
What is rabies and how can I protect myself?
Infectious Diseases Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself. Watch this video from Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer for all the details. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes You can also read Cindy’s full post here. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you Read more…
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
Shingles is an extremely painful disease caused by the reawakening of the Varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Fortunately, there is a shingles vaccine that significantly reduces your chance of getting shingles. The vaccine is recommended for all adults over 50. This includes people who had chickenpox, the chickenpox vaccine, an older Zostavax Read more…
There is so much information about who can and can’t get the COVID vaccine this fall. Can you clear things up?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases Vaccines
The fall COVID vaccines received FDA approval recently, but had significant changes to who can get them. These changes mean that the COVID-19 vaccines may be harder to access this year than in the past. But their importance has not changed, nor has the science that supports their effectiveness. If you have the ability, you Read more…
My kid recently had a rash on his hands, and my doctor told me it was hand foot and mouth disease. Can you tell us about it?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids Infectious DiseasesCynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! NOTE: This post was updated Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls trust vaccines and are taking a moment to celebrate them in August, since it is National Immunization Awareness Month. [Based on an original post by Nerdy Girl Megan Madsen written in August 2023.] At Those Nerdy Girls, we argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the Read more…
What is rabies and how can I protect myself?
Infectious Diseases Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself. Watch this video from Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer for all the details. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes You can also read Cindy’s full post here. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you Read more…
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly contagious, fortunately it usually causes only mild disease. ✋🦶🏽👄 What causes hand foot and mouth disease? Hand foot and mouth, or HFM is a disease caused by a virus that is very common among Read more…
Should I get the flu shot this year?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! NOTE: This post was updated Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls trust vaccines and are taking a moment to celebrate them in August, since it is National Immunization Awareness Month. [Based on an original post by Nerdy Girl Megan Madsen written in August 2023.] At Those Nerdy Girls, we argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the Read more…
What is rabies and how can I protect myself?
Infectious Diseases Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself. Watch this video from Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer for all the details. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes You can also read Cindy’s full post here. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you Read more…
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
Tl;Dr: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, updates about the flu vaccine, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! NOTE: This post was updated Read more…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
Infectious Diseases VaccinesCynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls trust vaccines and are taking a moment to celebrate them in August, since it is National Immunization Awareness Month. [Based on an original post by Nerdy Girl Megan Madsen written in August 2023.] At Those Nerdy Girls, we argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the Read more…
What is rabies and how can I protect myself?
Infectious Diseases Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself. Watch this video from Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer for all the details. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes You can also read Cindy’s full post here. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you Read more…
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls trust vaccines and are taking a moment to celebrate them in August, since it is National Immunization Awareness Month. [Based on an original post by Nerdy Girl Megan Madsen written in August 2023.] At Those Nerdy Girls, we argue that no breakthrough has been more important in keeping us healthy than the Read more…
What is rabies and how can I protect myself?
Infectious Diseases VideosCynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself. Watch this video from Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer for all the details. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes You can also read Cindy’s full post here. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you Read more…
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself. Watch this video from Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer for all the details. This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes You can also read Cindy’s full post here. 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you Read more…
Why do we give newborn babies the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
Parents often wonder why we recommend giving the hepatitis B vaccine to brand-new babies before they even go home from the hospital. They may think, “Isn’t hepatitis B a sexually transmitted infection? Why would my baby need that?” Great question! Hepatitis B [archived link] is a dangerous virus that can cause long-term health consequences such Read more…
HPV, the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What It Means if You Test Positive
General Health Infectious Diseases Reproductive HealthIlana Gerjuoy, MPH
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
🔶What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who get HPV clear the virus on their own within two years and don’t have symptoms – but because some types can lead to cancer or genital warts, it’s helpful for everyone to know about HPV prevention and treatment. Read more…
What are the current COVID vaccine recommendations and how have they changed?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines VideosCynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) talks about the current COVID recommendations and how they have changed for fall 2025. Read the full post here: https://thosenerdygirls.substack.com/p/covid-vaccine-recommendations-for This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us Read more…
Someone I know recently had a bat in their house and mentioned rabies. I was wondering, what is rabies?
Infectious DiseasesCynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
Rabies is a rare but deadly infectious disease. The good news is that you can protect yourself by getting your pets vaccinated, and if you or a loved one gets exposed, you can get a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis…but you have to act fast. TL;DR Rabies cases are on the rise in some places. Understanding Read more…
What COVID vaccines will be available this fall to protect you and your family?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines VideosCynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (@immunominutes) updates us on what COVID vaccines will be available in the fall of 2025. Read the full post here This is a collaborative video between @thosenerdygirls & @immunominutes 🤓 Those Nerdy Girls want to help you stay on the frontline of science and health information. ✨ Follow us on Read more…
Why is the Tdap vaccine important in pregnancy?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesRebecca Raskin-Wish
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
TL;DR: Tdap is a booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A booster shot is an extra shot that keeps your immunity up. Guidelines suggest getting a booster every ten years. Getting a booster while pregnant can help protect your baby from pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, which can be deadly to babies. Tdap is Read more…
Let’s talk about Lyme disease.
Infectious DiseasesThose Nerdy Girls
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
This post has been updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl Alumna in July 2021. It’s summer. You’re hiking, you’re camping, you’re living your best summer life. So let’s talk about Lyme disease. Lyme disease comes from a bacterial infection transmitted via the bite of certain ticks, most especially the black-legged tick aka Read more…
COVID vaccine recommendations for fall 2025
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases VaccinesCynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
With a new COVID variant spreading and changing vaccine recommendations, many people want to know if they can, or should, get a COVID booster. Talk to your clinician or pharmacist today about what you can do to protect you and your loved ones. At the end of May, the current HHS secretary announced, on a Read more…
Wait, there is more than one type of measles?
Infectious DiseasesCynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
You probably know there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but did you know that there are several different diseases with “measles” in their everyday name? The disease “measles” is caused by a virus. A virus is a tiny particle stuffed with its own instruction booklet on how Read more…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S. as of May?
Hot Health Topics Infectious DiseasesCynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
We have now surpassed 1000 cases of measles in the US. How can we control the outbreak? Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday May 23, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday at noon) ➡️ There are now more than 1000 cases of measles across the US. ⬆️ Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
