Is COVID the new Flu?
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: No. For young babies and anyone over age 18, COVID-19 illness continues to hospitalize people at higher rates than the Flu. Even though COVID-19 has caused over 1 million deaths in the US (almost 7 million globally) and 6 million hospitalizations over the past 3 years, we are in a much better place. U.S. Read more…
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: đź’Ą Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. đź’Ą Don’t Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A: No. For young babies and anyone over age 18, COVID-19 illness continues to hospitalize people at higher rates than the Flu. Even though COVID-19 has caused over 1 million deaths in the US (almost 7 million globally) and 6 million hospitalizations over the past 3 years, we are in a much better place. U.S. Read more…
Is there a new Covid variant?
COVID Variants Infectious DiseasesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: đź’Ą Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. đź’Ą Don’t Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A: Move over XBB, there is a new Omicron kid in town. TL;DR: A new subvariant called 🥚EG. 5 is growing as a fraction of new COVID infections. 🥚 So far there is no reason to believe this variant causes more (or less) severe disease 🥚 The new XBB boosters should still be a decent Read more…
Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now!
Infectious Diseases TreatmentsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: đź’Ą Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. đź’Ą Don’t Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Covid cases are on the rise in many countries. If you are over 50 or have another risk factor, MAKE A PLAN today for when you test positive for COVID-19. TL;DR: đź’Ą Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that stops the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. đź’Ą Don’t Read more…
Can my family get vaccinated against RSV this fall?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Some of you, yes! There are several new tools to protect us from RSV on the horizon. TL;DR: There will be several new options to protect against severe complications from RSV this fall in the US: RSV vaccine for adults 60 and over (2 new options approved) Monoclonal Antibody to prevent RSV in children up Read more…
Do I need malaria prevention meds on my trip to Florida?
Infectious DiseasesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A: No, at at this time you should just try to avoid mosquito bites. 🦟Preventive medications for malaria are not recommended for travel in the United States right now, but stay tuned on this evolving situation! On June 26, 2023, the Florida Department of Health issued a health alert after identifying a small cluster of Read more…
Do I still need to isolate when I have COVID?
Infectious DiseasesAndrea 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 VaccinesAndrea 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 VaccinesSara 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 DiseasesJennifer 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 DiseasesSarah 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 DiseasesSara 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…
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…
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…
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…
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 DiseasesMalia 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…
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…
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…
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 DiseasesSarah 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…
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…
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 DiseasesChana 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…
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…
