Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
June 22, 2023
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
May 11, 2023
What do we know about the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people? Is it safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will be given to pregnant people and passes on RSV immunity to their newborns. RSV is a serious respiratory infection that can cause hospitalization and death in infants. Clinical trials showed a good safety profile. About RSV and recent outbreaks RSV is a common respiratory infection that Read more…
May 2, 2023
Are COVID re-infections worse than a first infection?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No, not for most people. But for vulnerable people, repeated infections can still be dangerous. And each infection carries its own risk of Long Covid. TL;DR: Repeated COVID-19 infections are neither destroying our immune systems NOR completely harmless. Like many things with COVID-19, the truth lies somewhere in between. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is here to Read more…
April 27, 2023
There was an increase in Group A Strep infections this year. Any updates?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases. Though still rare, health organizations have identified increased rates of invasive group A streptococcal infections in the last several months. To complicate things, there is a shortage of Read more…
March 17, 2023
How long does COVID hang around in the air?
Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: There is a range, but generally speaking, COVID can hang around in the air for hours. When a person exhales, they release “particles” of various sizes. When the person is infected with COVID-19, those particles will contain the contagious virus. Particles come in all sorts of sizes, from microscopic to visible. The largest fall Read more…
March 6, 2023
Is there an avian influenza (aka bird flu or H5N1) vaccine for humans?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, a vaccine against avian influenza H5N1 for humans *exists,* but it’s not available, as at this point the infection isn’t spreading among humans. Right now there is a large outbreak of an influenza virus in birds known as avian influenza H5N1. Experts agree that there is very little risk to humans. And they also Read more…
February 15, 2023
Any update on Mpox?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
There hasn’t been a lot of coverage in the news lately, so we thought it was time to give a brief update! The number of cases of Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is generally decreasing worldwide! Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a disease caused by a virus and has symptoms very similar to smallpox, though much Read more…
February 9, 2023
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
January 30, 2023
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
January 20, 2023
Why have routine childhood vaccination rates been decreasing in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: We don’t know for sure, but it’s probably due to decreased trust in vaccines as well as public health institutions during the pandemic and pandemic disruptions to routine healthcare. At the end of 2022, an outbreak of measles erupted in Ohio, with over 80 cases. Most who contracted measles were either completely unvaccinated or Read more…
January 18, 2023
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
January 12, 2023
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
A: Yes! If you test positive for COVID-19 you should isolate for 5 days and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days. Most COVID news these days is good: for example it has dropped from the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. to number 7. U.S. excess deaths have recently Read more…
What’s the latest on the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
May 11, 2023
What do we know about the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people? Is it safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will be given to pregnant people and passes on RSV immunity to their newborns. RSV is a serious respiratory infection that can cause hospitalization and death in infants. Clinical trials showed a good safety profile. About RSV and recent outbreaks RSV is a common respiratory infection that Read more…
May 2, 2023
Are COVID re-infections worse than a first infection?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No, not for most people. But for vulnerable people, repeated infections can still be dangerous. And each infection carries its own risk of Long Covid. TL;DR: Repeated COVID-19 infections are neither destroying our immune systems NOR completely harmless. Like many things with COVID-19, the truth lies somewhere in between. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is here to Read more…
April 27, 2023
There was an increase in Group A Strep infections this year. Any updates?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases. Though still rare, health organizations have identified increased rates of invasive group A streptococcal infections in the last several months. To complicate things, there is a shortage of Read more…
March 17, 2023
How long does COVID hang around in the air?
Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: There is a range, but generally speaking, COVID can hang around in the air for hours. When a person exhales, they release “particles” of various sizes. When the person is infected with COVID-19, those particles will contain the contagious virus. Particles come in all sorts of sizes, from microscopic to visible. The largest fall Read more…
March 6, 2023
Is there an avian influenza (aka bird flu or H5N1) vaccine for humans?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, a vaccine against avian influenza H5N1 for humans *exists,* but it’s not available, as at this point the infection isn’t spreading among humans. Right now there is a large outbreak of an influenza virus in birds known as avian influenza H5N1. Experts agree that there is very little risk to humans. And they also Read more…
February 15, 2023
Any update on Mpox?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
There hasn’t been a lot of coverage in the news lately, so we thought it was time to give a brief update! The number of cases of Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is generally decreasing worldwide! Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a disease caused by a virus and has symptoms very similar to smallpox, though much Read more…
February 9, 2023
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
January 30, 2023
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
January 20, 2023
Why have routine childhood vaccination rates been decreasing in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: We don’t know for sure, but it’s probably due to decreased trust in vaccines as well as public health institutions during the pandemic and pandemic disruptions to routine healthcare. At the end of 2022, an outbreak of measles erupted in Ohio, with over 80 cases. Most who contracted measles were either completely unvaccinated or Read more…
January 18, 2023
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
January 12, 2023
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
A: Pfizer’s clinical trial of a new RSV vaccine in pregnancy showed high vaccine efficacy against severe disease in infants. The FDA advisory committee discussed an observed difference in premature births in the placebo vs. vaccine group, but concluded that the difference was likely due to chance rather than from the vaccine itself. TL;DR: The Read more…
What do we know about the new RSV vaccine for pregnant people? Is it safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: The new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will be given to pregnant people and passes on RSV immunity to their newborns. RSV is a serious respiratory infection that can cause hospitalization and death in infants. Clinical trials showed a good safety profile. About RSV and recent outbreaks RSV is a common respiratory infection that Read more…
May 2, 2023
Are COVID re-infections worse than a first infection?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No, not for most people. But for vulnerable people, repeated infections can still be dangerous. And each infection carries its own risk of Long Covid. TL;DR: Repeated COVID-19 infections are neither destroying our immune systems NOR completely harmless. Like many things with COVID-19, the truth lies somewhere in between. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is here to Read more…
April 27, 2023
There was an increase in Group A Strep infections this year. Any updates?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases. Though still rare, health organizations have identified increased rates of invasive group A streptococcal infections in the last several months. To complicate things, there is a shortage of Read more…
March 17, 2023
How long does COVID hang around in the air?
Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: There is a range, but generally speaking, COVID can hang around in the air for hours. When a person exhales, they release “particles” of various sizes. When the person is infected with COVID-19, those particles will contain the contagious virus. Particles come in all sorts of sizes, from microscopic to visible. The largest fall Read more…
March 6, 2023
Is there an avian influenza (aka bird flu or H5N1) vaccine for humans?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, a vaccine against avian influenza H5N1 for humans *exists,* but it’s not available, as at this point the infection isn’t spreading among humans. Right now there is a large outbreak of an influenza virus in birds known as avian influenza H5N1. Experts agree that there is very little risk to humans. And they also Read more…
February 15, 2023
Any update on Mpox?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
There hasn’t been a lot of coverage in the news lately, so we thought it was time to give a brief update! The number of cases of Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is generally decreasing worldwide! Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a disease caused by a virus and has symptoms very similar to smallpox, though much Read more…
February 9, 2023
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
January 30, 2023
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
January 20, 2023
Why have routine childhood vaccination rates been decreasing in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: We don’t know for sure, but it’s probably due to decreased trust in vaccines as well as public health institutions during the pandemic and pandemic disruptions to routine healthcare. At the end of 2022, an outbreak of measles erupted in Ohio, with over 80 cases. Most who contracted measles were either completely unvaccinated or Read more…
January 18, 2023
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
January 12, 2023
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
A: The new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will be given to pregnant people and passes on RSV immunity to their newborns. RSV is a serious respiratory infection that can cause hospitalization and death in infants. Clinical trials showed a good safety profile. About RSV and recent outbreaks RSV is a common respiratory infection that Read more…
Are COVID re-infections worse than a first infection?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No, not for most people. But for vulnerable people, repeated infections can still be dangerous. And each infection carries its own risk of Long Covid. TL;DR: Repeated COVID-19 infections are neither destroying our immune systems NOR completely harmless. Like many things with COVID-19, the truth lies somewhere in between. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is here to Read more…
April 27, 2023
There was an increase in Group A Strep infections this year. Any updates?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases. Though still rare, health organizations have identified increased rates of invasive group A streptococcal infections in the last several months. To complicate things, there is a shortage of Read more…
March 17, 2023
How long does COVID hang around in the air?
Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: There is a range, but generally speaking, COVID can hang around in the air for hours. When a person exhales, they release “particles” of various sizes. When the person is infected with COVID-19, those particles will contain the contagious virus. Particles come in all sorts of sizes, from microscopic to visible. The largest fall Read more…
March 6, 2023
Is there an avian influenza (aka bird flu or H5N1) vaccine for humans?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, a vaccine against avian influenza H5N1 for humans *exists,* but it’s not available, as at this point the infection isn’t spreading among humans. Right now there is a large outbreak of an influenza virus in birds known as avian influenza H5N1. Experts agree that there is very little risk to humans. And they also Read more…
February 15, 2023
Any update on Mpox?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
There hasn’t been a lot of coverage in the news lately, so we thought it was time to give a brief update! The number of cases of Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is generally decreasing worldwide! Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a disease caused by a virus and has symptoms very similar to smallpox, though much Read more…
February 9, 2023
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
January 30, 2023
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
January 20, 2023
Why have routine childhood vaccination rates been decreasing in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: We don’t know for sure, but it’s probably due to decreased trust in vaccines as well as public health institutions during the pandemic and pandemic disruptions to routine healthcare. At the end of 2022, an outbreak of measles erupted in Ohio, with over 80 cases. Most who contracted measles were either completely unvaccinated or Read more…
January 18, 2023
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
January 12, 2023
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
No, not for most people. But for vulnerable people, repeated infections can still be dangerous. And each infection carries its own risk of Long Covid. TL;DR: Repeated COVID-19 infections are neither destroying our immune systems NOR completely harmless. Like many things with COVID-19, the truth lies somewhere in between. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is here to Read more…
There was an increase in Group A Strep infections this year. Any updates?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases. Though still rare, health organizations have identified increased rates of invasive group A streptococcal infections in the last several months. To complicate things, there is a shortage of Read more…
March 17, 2023
How long does COVID hang around in the air?
Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: There is a range, but generally speaking, COVID can hang around in the air for hours. When a person exhales, they release “particles” of various sizes. When the person is infected with COVID-19, those particles will contain the contagious virus. Particles come in all sorts of sizes, from microscopic to visible. The largest fall Read more…
March 6, 2023
Is there an avian influenza (aka bird flu or H5N1) vaccine for humans?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, a vaccine against avian influenza H5N1 for humans *exists,* but it’s not available, as at this point the infection isn’t spreading among humans. Right now there is a large outbreak of an influenza virus in birds known as avian influenza H5N1. Experts agree that there is very little risk to humans. And they also Read more…
February 15, 2023
Any update on Mpox?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
There hasn’t been a lot of coverage in the news lately, so we thought it was time to give a brief update! The number of cases of Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is generally decreasing worldwide! Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a disease caused by a virus and has symptoms very similar to smallpox, though much Read more…
February 9, 2023
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
January 30, 2023
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
January 20, 2023
Why have routine childhood vaccination rates been decreasing in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: We don’t know for sure, but it’s probably due to decreased trust in vaccines as well as public health institutions during the pandemic and pandemic disruptions to routine healthcare. At the end of 2022, an outbreak of measles erupted in Ohio, with over 80 cases. Most who contracted measles were either completely unvaccinated or Read more…
January 18, 2023
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
January 12, 2023
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases. Though still rare, health organizations have identified increased rates of invasive group A streptococcal infections in the last several months. To complicate things, there is a shortage of Read more…
How long does COVID hang around in the air?
Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: There is a range, but generally speaking, COVID can hang around in the air for hours. When a person exhales, they release “particles” of various sizes. When the person is infected with COVID-19, those particles will contain the contagious virus. Particles come in all sorts of sizes, from microscopic to visible. The largest fall Read more…
March 6, 2023
Is there an avian influenza (aka bird flu or H5N1) vaccine for humans?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, a vaccine against avian influenza H5N1 for humans *exists,* but it’s not available, as at this point the infection isn’t spreading among humans. Right now there is a large outbreak of an influenza virus in birds known as avian influenza H5N1. Experts agree that there is very little risk to humans. And they also Read more…
February 15, 2023
Any update on Mpox?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
There hasn’t been a lot of coverage in the news lately, so we thought it was time to give a brief update! The number of cases of Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is generally decreasing worldwide! Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a disease caused by a virus and has symptoms very similar to smallpox, though much Read more…
February 9, 2023
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
January 30, 2023
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
January 20, 2023
Why have routine childhood vaccination rates been decreasing in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: We don’t know for sure, but it’s probably due to decreased trust in vaccines as well as public health institutions during the pandemic and pandemic disruptions to routine healthcare. At the end of 2022, an outbreak of measles erupted in Ohio, with over 80 cases. Most who contracted measles were either completely unvaccinated or Read more…
January 18, 2023
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
January 12, 2023
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
A: There is a range, but generally speaking, COVID can hang around in the air for hours. When a person exhales, they release “particles” of various sizes. When the person is infected with COVID-19, those particles will contain the contagious virus. Particles come in all sorts of sizes, from microscopic to visible. The largest fall Read more…
Is there an avian influenza (aka bird flu or H5N1) vaccine for humans?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes, a vaccine against avian influenza H5N1 for humans *exists,* but it’s not available, as at this point the infection isn’t spreading among humans. Right now there is a large outbreak of an influenza virus in birds known as avian influenza H5N1. Experts agree that there is very little risk to humans. And they also Read more…
February 15, 2023
Any update on Mpox?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
There hasn’t been a lot of coverage in the news lately, so we thought it was time to give a brief update! The number of cases of Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is generally decreasing worldwide! Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a disease caused by a virus and has symptoms very similar to smallpox, though much Read more…
February 9, 2023
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
January 30, 2023
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
January 20, 2023
Why have routine childhood vaccination rates been decreasing in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: We don’t know for sure, but it’s probably due to decreased trust in vaccines as well as public health institutions during the pandemic and pandemic disruptions to routine healthcare. At the end of 2022, an outbreak of measles erupted in Ohio, with over 80 cases. Most who contracted measles were either completely unvaccinated or Read more…
January 18, 2023
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
January 12, 2023
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Yes, a vaccine against avian influenza H5N1 for humans *exists,* but it’s not available, as at this point the infection isn’t spreading among humans. Right now there is a large outbreak of an influenza virus in birds known as avian influenza H5N1. Experts agree that there is very little risk to humans. And they also Read more…
Any update on Mpox?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
There hasn’t been a lot of coverage in the news lately, so we thought it was time to give a brief update! The number of cases of Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is generally decreasing worldwide! Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a disease caused by a virus and has symptoms very similar to smallpox, though much Read more…
February 9, 2023
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
January 30, 2023
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
January 20, 2023
Why have routine childhood vaccination rates been decreasing in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: We don’t know for sure, but it’s probably due to decreased trust in vaccines as well as public health institutions during the pandemic and pandemic disruptions to routine healthcare. At the end of 2022, an outbreak of measles erupted in Ohio, with over 80 cases. Most who contracted measles were either completely unvaccinated or Read more…
January 18, 2023
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
January 12, 2023
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
There hasn’t been a lot of coverage in the news lately, so we thought it was time to give a brief update! The number of cases of Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is generally decreasing worldwide! Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a disease caused by a virus and has symptoms very similar to smallpox, though much Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
January 30, 2023
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
January 20, 2023
Why have routine childhood vaccination rates been decreasing in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: We don’t know for sure, but it’s probably due to decreased trust in vaccines as well as public health institutions during the pandemic and pandemic disruptions to routine healthcare. At the end of 2022, an outbreak of measles erupted in Ohio, with over 80 cases. Most who contracted measles were either completely unvaccinated or Read more…
January 18, 2023
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
January 12, 2023
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
January 20, 2023
Why have routine childhood vaccination rates been decreasing in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: We don’t know for sure, but it’s probably due to decreased trust in vaccines as well as public health institutions during the pandemic and pandemic disruptions to routine healthcare. At the end of 2022, an outbreak of measles erupted in Ohio, with over 80 cases. Most who contracted measles were either completely unvaccinated or Read more…
January 18, 2023
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
January 12, 2023
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Why have routine childhood vaccination rates been decreasing in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: We don’t know for sure, but it’s probably due to decreased trust in vaccines as well as public health institutions during the pandemic and pandemic disruptions to routine healthcare. At the end of 2022, an outbreak of measles erupted in Ohio, with over 80 cases. Most who contracted measles were either completely unvaccinated or Read more…
January 18, 2023
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
January 12, 2023
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
A: We don’t know for sure, but it’s probably due to decreased trust in vaccines as well as public health institutions during the pandemic and pandemic disruptions to routine healthcare. At the end of 2022, an outbreak of measles erupted in Ohio, with over 80 cases. Most who contracted measles were either completely unvaccinated or Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
January 12, 2023
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…