Raw milk is the perfect medium to grow bacteria, some of which can make us sick. Here are 5 reasons why pasteurized milk is the safer option. Raw milk is milk from cows, goats, sheep (or other animals) straight from the teat that has not been pasteurized. Consuming raw milk, or products made with raw Read more…
RSV immunization is recommended for babies, some toddlers, pregnant people, and many older adults. With fall in full swing, winter respiratory virus season is also getting into gear and, like every year, it brings along infectious diseases like COVID, flu, and RSV. A quick refresher – what is RSV? RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Read more…
I keep hearing about Salmonella. Can you tell me more? Salmonella is a bacterium that can contaminate food and cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Keep an eye on food recalls, and follow a few steps to reduce your risk of getting sick. You might have heard about the recent Salmonella outbreak that led to Read more…
The case of a Russian laboratory worker who died from pneumonia of unknown origin has been widely reported in the media because she worked in a lab that studies the plague. There are many factors we don’t know about yet, but the risk for anyone who hasn’t been in contact with her is low. What Read more…
Hand foot and mouth disease is another one of those pesky viral rashes. While it is extremely common and is highly infectious, 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 young Read more…
Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look: Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While Read more…
mFlusiva, or mRNA-1010, is a new type of flu vaccine made by Moderna to protect against flu. It has recently received final approval and will hopefully be available this fall for adults over 50. What is mFlusiva and how is it different from the other flu vaccines? This new type of flu vaccine is based Read more…
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a virus that spreads when people are bitten by infected mosquitoes. Luckily, most folks have no symptoms, but it’s worth knowing about, especially during the summer months and as mosquitoes are expanding their reach. Wait, what? It’s called West Nile Virus, but I live nowhere near the Nile! Yes, West Read more…
There is an outbreak of cyclosporiasis happening. It’s a parasite that causes horrible diarrhea. Although we don’t know yet what the source is, there are ways to reduce your risk of getting infected. Although most cases have been reported in Michigan, more than 30 states are affected, so it’s worth knowing the symptoms and how Read more…
Ebola is a serious disease, but the most important thing to know right up front is this: your risk in the United States is currently extremely low. Understanding what Ebola is, how it spreads, and how outbreaks are controlled can help put this situation into perspective. Buckle up Nerds, there is a lot of important Read more…
There’s no universally recommended “spring booster” campaign in the U.S. right now, but if you haven’t had a shot since last fall, and you are eligible, this spring is a good time to get one. Bottom line up front (BLUF): Yes, you should still get your COVID vaccine if you are eligible. The guidance has Read more…
Hantavirus sounds scary in the headlines, but understanding how it actually spreads can help you see why most people have little to worry about, and there are some steps you can take to protect yourself if you happen to be in a high-risk exposure group. From what we know so far, the risk for the Read more…
You might have heard of a highly mutated new COVID variant that is making headlines. It’s a variant worth watching, but not worth panicking about — here’s what the science actually says, and what you can do to protect yourself. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): “Cicada’, AKA BA.3.2 in science speak, is a variant to Read more…
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
With measles cases now in 30 states (as of April 2026), many of our readers have questions about what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (Immuno Minutes) is here to answer them. Read our most recent post on measles by Nerdy Girls Dr. Cindy Leifer Read more…
Measles is a virus that spreads from person to person in tiny droplets that stay in the air for hours. It is the most contagious infection in people. The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine, which is greater than 97% effective if you get both doses. Watch this video from Cindy Read more…
Jackie from Torrence, CA – What to do when a family member contracts C. Diff? I’ve read that the affected person can shed spores for months to years. How long do I need to bleach everything down? What procedures and products are recommended? C.diff (clostridium difficile) is tough to kill and it can spread in Read more…
If you have been exposed to a measles case, check your vaccination status and watch for symptoms, especially starting around a week later. Measles outbreaks are becoming more common in the U.S. (You can read Those Nerdy Girls’ latest update on measles here.) What should you do if there is a confirmed case near you? Read more…
Measles cases continue to rise – this is worrying. The good news is that there is a super effective vaccine that protects you and your loved ones. Note – we use data from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the CDC tracks Read more…
Haemophilus influenzae, also called H. flu, is not the typical yearly flu. H. flu isn’t a virus; it’s a bacteria that can cause a wide variety of illnesses, from a sinus or ear infection to pneumonia and meningitis. There are a few different types of H. flu, but type b is the one we’ll talk Read more…
