How might I make decisions about home repairs and maintenance in the age of social distancing?
Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Even if that leaky faucet or chipped paint wasn’t bothering you before the pandemic, chances are your extended exposure to these major and minor home issues is getting to you now. When making choices about how to approach home repairs and regular maintenance, here are a few guidelines. 1) What happens if this waits? Read more…
How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up?
Data and Metrics Reopening Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Can I get COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: It’s unlikely, but still possible. To reduce this risk, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. This is especially true if you touch something in a public location. The CDC has recently released a clarification about the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 through contaminated surfaces. As we reported earlier this week on Dear Pandemic, Read more…
I gotta go! And a public bathroom is the only option. How do I stay safe?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A(short): Public bathrooms aren’t exactly paragons of cleanliness and sanitization even in the best of times, and pose additional public health challenges during the pandemic. But you can reduce your risk by WASHING THE HECK OUT OF YOUR HANDS, wearing a mask, and avoiding touching surfaces as much as possible. And please don’t be scared, Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
What else do I need to know about my risks as my state reopens?
Reopening Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The nerdy girls have answered several questions about this topic recently, but we love another amazing smart lady’s interpretation (#DrLeanaWen), detailed here with a few more pearls. 1-Relative risk: For COVID-19, this is determined by type of activity, duration of activity, and how close you are to other people (see our previous posts). The Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What’s brought you hope this week?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Food trucks! Pittsburgh Magazine’s recent article showcases scrappy food truck owners working hard to re-open *safely.* It’s a joy to see the amazing work ethic and bright minds of these small business owners innovating evidence-based ways forward. What’s in their secret sauce? (Please pardon the pun). Three key themes: (1) METRICS: The food truck Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: Even if that leaky faucet or chipped paint wasn’t bothering you before the pandemic, chances are your extended exposure to these major and minor home issues is getting to you now. When making choices about how to approach home repairs and regular maintenance, here are a few guidelines. 1) What happens if this waits? Read more…
How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up?
Data and Metrics Reopening Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Can I get COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: It’s unlikely, but still possible. To reduce this risk, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. This is especially true if you touch something in a public location. The CDC has recently released a clarification about the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 through contaminated surfaces. As we reported earlier this week on Dear Pandemic, Read more…
I gotta go! And a public bathroom is the only option. How do I stay safe?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A(short): Public bathrooms aren’t exactly paragons of cleanliness and sanitization even in the best of times, and pose additional public health challenges during the pandemic. But you can reduce your risk by WASHING THE HECK OUT OF YOUR HANDS, wearing a mask, and avoiding touching surfaces as much as possible. And please don’t be scared, Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
What else do I need to know about my risks as my state reopens?
Reopening Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The nerdy girls have answered several questions about this topic recently, but we love another amazing smart lady’s interpretation (#DrLeanaWen), detailed here with a few more pearls. 1-Relative risk: For COVID-19, this is determined by type of activity, duration of activity, and how close you are to other people (see our previous posts). The Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What’s brought you hope this week?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Food trucks! Pittsburgh Magazine’s recent article showcases scrappy food truck owners working hard to re-open *safely.* It’s a joy to see the amazing work ethic and bright minds of these small business owners innovating evidence-based ways forward. What’s in their secret sauce? (Please pardon the pun). Three key themes: (1) METRICS: The food truck Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Can I get COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: It’s unlikely, but still possible. To reduce this risk, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. This is especially true if you touch something in a public location. The CDC has recently released a clarification about the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 through contaminated surfaces. As we reported earlier this week on Dear Pandemic, Read more…
I gotta go! And a public bathroom is the only option. How do I stay safe?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A(short): Public bathrooms aren’t exactly paragons of cleanliness and sanitization even in the best of times, and pose additional public health challenges during the pandemic. But you can reduce your risk by WASHING THE HECK OUT OF YOUR HANDS, wearing a mask, and avoiding touching surfaces as much as possible. And please don’t be scared, Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
What else do I need to know about my risks as my state reopens?
Reopening Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The nerdy girls have answered several questions about this topic recently, but we love another amazing smart lady’s interpretation (#DrLeanaWen), detailed here with a few more pearls. 1-Relative risk: For COVID-19, this is determined by type of activity, duration of activity, and how close you are to other people (see our previous posts). The Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What’s brought you hope this week?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Food trucks! Pittsburgh Magazine’s recent article showcases scrappy food truck owners working hard to re-open *safely.* It’s a joy to see the amazing work ethic and bright minds of these small business owners innovating evidence-based ways forward. What’s in their secret sauce? (Please pardon the pun). Three key themes: (1) METRICS: The food truck Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: It’s unlikely, but still possible. To reduce this risk, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. This is especially true if you touch something in a public location. The CDC has recently released a clarification about the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 through contaminated surfaces. As we reported earlier this week on Dear Pandemic, Read more…
I gotta go! And a public bathroom is the only option. How do I stay safe?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe TravelLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A(short): Public bathrooms aren’t exactly paragons of cleanliness and sanitization even in the best of times, and pose additional public health challenges during the pandemic. But you can reduce your risk by WASHING THE HECK OUT OF YOUR HANDS, wearing a mask, and avoiding touching surfaces as much as possible. And please don’t be scared, Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
What else do I need to know about my risks as my state reopens?
Reopening Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The nerdy girls have answered several questions about this topic recently, but we love another amazing smart lady’s interpretation (#DrLeanaWen), detailed here with a few more pearls. 1-Relative risk: For COVID-19, this is determined by type of activity, duration of activity, and how close you are to other people (see our previous posts). The Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What’s brought you hope this week?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Food trucks! Pittsburgh Magazine’s recent article showcases scrappy food truck owners working hard to re-open *safely.* It’s a joy to see the amazing work ethic and bright minds of these small business owners innovating evidence-based ways forward. What’s in their secret sauce? (Please pardon the pun). Three key themes: (1) METRICS: The food truck Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A(short): Public bathrooms aren’t exactly paragons of cleanliness and sanitization even in the best of times, and pose additional public health challenges during the pandemic. But you can reduce your risk by WASHING THE HECK OUT OF YOUR HANDS, wearing a mask, and avoiding touching surfaces as much as possible. And please don’t be scared, Read more…
What activities can we do safely and which are better to avoid this summer?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Socializing Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
What else do I need to know about my risks as my state reopens?
Reopening Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The nerdy girls have answered several questions about this topic recently, but we love another amazing smart lady’s interpretation (#DrLeanaWen), detailed here with a few more pearls. 1-Relative risk: For COVID-19, this is determined by type of activity, duration of activity, and how close you are to other people (see our previous posts). The Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What’s brought you hope this week?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Food trucks! Pittsburgh Magazine’s recent article showcases scrappy food truck owners working hard to re-open *safely.* It’s a joy to see the amazing work ethic and bright minds of these small business owners innovating evidence-based ways forward. What’s in their secret sauce? (Please pardon the pun). Three key themes: (1) METRICS: The food truck Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: With some modifications, there are opportunities to have some fun this summer. Promise. Risk happens on a continuum with all events outside your home carrying some level of risk. Some activities carry higher risks than others. It’s best to choose lower risk activities to limit transmission of the virus within your community and beyond. Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
What else do I need to know about my risks as my state reopens?
Reopening Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The nerdy girls have answered several questions about this topic recently, but we love another amazing smart lady’s interpretation (#DrLeanaWen), detailed here with a few more pearls. 1-Relative risk: For COVID-19, this is determined by type of activity, duration of activity, and how close you are to other people (see our previous posts). The Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What’s brought you hope this week?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Food trucks! Pittsburgh Magazine’s recent article showcases scrappy food truck owners working hard to re-open *safely.* It’s a joy to see the amazing work ethic and bright minds of these small business owners innovating evidence-based ways forward. What’s in their secret sauce? (Please pardon the pun). Three key themes: (1) METRICS: The food truck Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!
Families/Kids Socializing Staying SafeSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
What else do I need to know about my risks as my state reopens?
Reopening Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The nerdy girls have answered several questions about this topic recently, but we love another amazing smart lady’s interpretation (#DrLeanaWen), detailed here with a few more pearls. 1-Relative risk: For COVID-19, this is determined by type of activity, duration of activity, and how close you are to other people (see our previous posts). The Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What’s brought you hope this week?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Food trucks! Pittsburgh Magazine’s recent article showcases scrappy food truck owners working hard to re-open *safely.* It’s a joy to see the amazing work ethic and bright minds of these small business owners innovating evidence-based ways forward. What’s in their secret sauce? (Please pardon the pun). Three key themes: (1) METRICS: The food truck Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
With the unofficial start of summer, and as states begin to re-open, this is just a follow-up on our previous post to help you assess which activities are low, medium, and high risk for transmission this weekend and beyond. These are a couple of graphics to help you visualize the spectrum of risk. Hang on your Read more…
Our neighborhood pool plans to reopen in a couple of weeks when our state eases lockdowns. Is the pool a risky place for COVID-19 transmission?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening Staying SafeAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
What else do I need to know about my risks as my state reopens?
Reopening Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The nerdy girls have answered several questions about this topic recently, but we love another amazing smart lady’s interpretation (#DrLeanaWen), detailed here with a few more pearls. 1-Relative risk: For COVID-19, this is determined by type of activity, duration of activity, and how close you are to other people (see our previous posts). The Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What’s brought you hope this week?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Food trucks! Pittsburgh Magazine’s recent article showcases scrappy food truck owners working hard to re-open *safely.* It’s a joy to see the amazing work ethic and bright minds of these small business owners innovating evidence-based ways forward. What’s in their secret sauce? (Please pardon the pun). Three key themes: (1) METRICS: The food truck Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: You’re unlikely to get COVID-19 *from* the pool, but you could certainly be exposed *at* the pool. To clarify: Pool water is heavily chlorinated, and COVID-19 is not waterborne in any case. So, being immersed in the pool or otherwise exposed to pool water is not risky in and of itself. The problem, of Read more…
What else do I need to know about my risks as my state reopens?
Reopening Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The nerdy girls have answered several questions about this topic recently, but we love another amazing smart lady’s interpretation (#DrLeanaWen), detailed here with a few more pearls. 1-Relative risk: For COVID-19, this is determined by type of activity, duration of activity, and how close you are to other people (see our previous posts). The Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What’s brought you hope this week?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Food trucks! Pittsburgh Magazine’s recent article showcases scrappy food truck owners working hard to re-open *safely.* It’s a joy to see the amazing work ethic and bright minds of these small business owners innovating evidence-based ways forward. What’s in their secret sauce? (Please pardon the pun). Three key themes: (1) METRICS: The food truck Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: The nerdy girls have answered several questions about this topic recently, but we love another amazing smart lady’s interpretation (#DrLeanaWen), detailed here with a few more pearls. 1-Relative risk: For COVID-19, this is determined by type of activity, duration of activity, and how close you are to other people (see our previous posts). The Read more…
When can we reunite the grandparents and grandchildren?
Families/Kids Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What’s brought you hope this week?
Reopening Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Food trucks! Pittsburgh Magazine’s recent article showcases scrappy food truck owners working hard to re-open *safely.* It’s a joy to see the amazing work ethic and bright minds of these small business owners innovating evidence-based ways forward. What’s in their secret sauce? (Please pardon the pun). Three key themes: (1) METRICS: The food truck Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: Slowly and safely, with a mutually agreed upon timeline and ground rules. Important efforts to protect grandparents, a higher risk group for Covid-19 complications, conflict with strong desires for intergenerational connections between grandparents and grandchildren. This is really hard on everyone! As shelter-in-place orders lift, here are some things to consider when making plans Read more…
What’s brought you hope this week?
Reopening Staying SafeLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Food trucks! Pittsburgh Magazine’s recent article showcases scrappy food truck owners working hard to re-open *safely.* It’s a joy to see the amazing work ethic and bright minds of these small business owners innovating evidence-based ways forward. What’s in their secret sauce? (Please pardon the pun). Three key themes: (1) METRICS: The food truck Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: Food trucks! Pittsburgh Magazine’s recent article showcases scrappy food truck owners working hard to re-open *safely.* It’s a joy to see the amazing work ethic and bright minds of these small business owners innovating evidence-based ways forward. What’s in their secret sauce? (Please pardon the pun). Three key themes: (1) METRICS: The food truck Read more…
Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I?
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: All steps at venturing out will involve risk, so the first step is to weigh infection prevalence (and increases or decreases) in your region and personal risk factors. It’s still best to opt for takeout or delivery if you are high risk or live with someone who is…no shame in not rushing out! If Read more…
What’s my personal risk for a bad COVID outcome should I become infected?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying SafeLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: A variety of “risk calculators” have been developed to help you answer this very question (Links below). BIG CAVEAT: There are huge margins of error on the results, often making the risk scores MORE PRECISE THAN ACCURATE. Background: As much of the country continues to move through re-opening phases, we as individuals are having Read more…
Are there vitamins or supplements that I should take to prevent and/or treat COVID-19?
Staying Safe TreatmentsAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: Here is the best evidence we found. Vitamin C: No. Modest evidence in prevention (even for the common cold). Evidence for treatment is still being examined in COVID-19 but unlikely to yield much benefit. May reduce ICU stay length and decrease need for mechanical ventilation but still being studied. Vitamin D: Yes to daily Read more…
I keep hearing about a move towards a “harm reduction” phase of the pandemic response, what does this mean?
Reopening Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: As defined in the article below, “harm reduction refers to policies and practices designed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts of a particular activity.” An example of public health efforts aimed at harm reduction are needle exchange programs where individuals using injected drugs can exchange used needles for clean ones as a Read more…
I live a simple life. I don’t go to dance clubs or bars. If we practice social distancing, will it be okay to return to church? I miss being with other people.
Socializing Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: I understand. This is hard. Unfortunately, any activity (e.g., grocery store, church, birthday party) where you are in an enclosed space with a group of people poses a risk. Being outdoors and keeping interactions brief likely minimizes this risk. Take this recent CDC report of a 61-person choir that met for 2.5 hours on Read more…
Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state?
Socializing Staying SafeLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
Q: I have a bad case of Saturday Night Fever after being cooped up for so long! Is it safe to head out to the nightclubs/bars now that they’re reopening in my state? A: Sadly the answer is no. (Editorial note: this Nerdy Girl really loves to dance, and empathizes). In epidemiology speak, nightclubs and Read more…
My state is starting to re-open, but it isn’t clear when or if childcare or camps will be available in my area–what will we do with the kids all summer?!?
Families/Kids Reopening Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: As states move away from stay at home orders and change recommendations to permit gatherings of slightly larger groups, one option for addressing childcare needs may be for two families (i.e., households) to join together to form a slightly bigger “bubble”. Under this approach, two households combine exclusively (i.e., minimize all other outside contacts). Read more…
Do all interactions carry the same risk for Covid-19 infection?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: No. Some activities are riskier than others. Here is one way to think about risk. The amount of virus and time spent in a given setting really matters. The goal is to limit the “dose” of virus and the length of time you are exposed. For this reason, some settings and activities are more Read more…
Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
A: Certain types of UV light *might* be able to help sanitize surfaces and air, but it’s still early days. Important: UV light CANNOT kill the virus if the virus is already inside of the body. Further, it’s not currently deemed safe to use so-called “UV sanitizers” on the body, because of damage to the Read more…
