Help! It’s Day 10 and my rapid antigen test is still positive. Am I contagious?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: For most people, the risk of spreading to COVID to others is likely minimal after Day 10 – but not so low that you can throw caution to the wind. While rapid antigen tests can be useful as proxies for contagiousness, their value is unclear after Day 10. Infectious disease experts generally support exiting Read more…
What’s this news about a COVID-19 breath test?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s true that new device was recently approved…but it’s not designed for home use. This week the FDA gave emergency use authorization (EUA) to a new COVID-19 testing device that detects chemical compounds associated with the coronavirus in exhaled breath. The test had good sensitivity and specificity, accurately detecting 91.2% of positive samples 99.3% Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
With so many people using home tests (which mostly go unreported), how can we rely on COVID-19 data to understand community levels of transmission?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
Can I take an antibody test to see if I need a booster shot?
Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately, no. TL;DR: 💥Our current antibody tests can’t tell us precisely how well someone is protected from COVID-19 infection or disease. Whether you have been previously infected, vaccinated, boosted or a combination of the three, the recent authorization of additional booster shots has people wondering if there is a way to tell if you Read more…
📣 Have you heard about the new covid.gov website?
Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes! ✋🏾 We have! ✋🏾 It is still early, but it is pretty neat from a nerdy girl standpoint. It helps people get a lot of questions answered in one place. We tried it out and especially thought it was helpful to order free COVID-19 tests and to find COVID-19 treatment once someone receives a Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
I’m vaccinated. Why is a contact tracer calling me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR: Contact tracers play an important role in educating potential contacts and curbing transmission in your immediate community. Please accept their calls, answer their questions honestly, and listen to their recommendations. If you are fully vaccinated, it may seem surprising to get a phone call from a contact tracer. Please remember: Contact tracers are Read more…
Do throat swabs help detect the Omicron variant?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Yes! A combined throat and nose swab (first throat, then nose) is your best bet for detecting Omicron, especially in the first few days. As long as you swab safely, the only downside to this strategy is that you might gag (sorry, this is normal). Say aaaah! TL;DR: COVID tests only work when you Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
A: For most people, the risk of spreading to COVID to others is likely minimal after Day 10 – but not so low that you can throw caution to the wind. While rapid antigen tests can be useful as proxies for contagiousness, their value is unclear after Day 10. Infectious disease experts generally support exiting Read more…
What’s this news about a COVID-19 breath test?
Testing and Contact TracingJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s true that new device was recently approved…but it’s not designed for home use. This week the FDA gave emergency use authorization (EUA) to a new COVID-19 testing device that detects chemical compounds associated with the coronavirus in exhaled breath. The test had good sensitivity and specificity, accurately detecting 91.2% of positive samples 99.3% Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
With so many people using home tests (which mostly go unreported), how can we rely on COVID-19 data to understand community levels of transmission?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
Can I take an antibody test to see if I need a booster shot?
Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately, no. TL;DR: 💥Our current antibody tests can’t tell us precisely how well someone is protected from COVID-19 infection or disease. Whether you have been previously infected, vaccinated, boosted or a combination of the three, the recent authorization of additional booster shots has people wondering if there is a way to tell if you Read more…
📣 Have you heard about the new covid.gov website?
Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes! ✋🏾 We have! ✋🏾 It is still early, but it is pretty neat from a nerdy girl standpoint. It helps people get a lot of questions answered in one place. We tried it out and especially thought it was helpful to order free COVID-19 tests and to find COVID-19 treatment once someone receives a Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
I’m vaccinated. Why is a contact tracer calling me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR: Contact tracers play an important role in educating potential contacts and curbing transmission in your immediate community. Please accept their calls, answer their questions honestly, and listen to their recommendations. If you are fully vaccinated, it may seem surprising to get a phone call from a contact tracer. Please remember: Contact tracers are Read more…
Do throat swabs help detect the Omicron variant?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Yes! A combined throat and nose swab (first throat, then nose) is your best bet for detecting Omicron, especially in the first few days. As long as you swab safely, the only downside to this strategy is that you might gag (sorry, this is normal). Say aaaah! TL;DR: COVID tests only work when you Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
A: It’s true that new device was recently approved…but it’s not designed for home use. This week the FDA gave emergency use authorization (EUA) to a new COVID-19 testing device that detects chemical compounds associated with the coronavirus in exhaled breath. The test had good sensitivity and specificity, accurately detecting 91.2% of positive samples 99.3% Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
With so many people using home tests (which mostly go unreported), how can we rely on COVID-19 data to understand community levels of transmission?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
Can I take an antibody test to see if I need a booster shot?
Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately, no. TL;DR: 💥Our current antibody tests can’t tell us precisely how well someone is protected from COVID-19 infection or disease. Whether you have been previously infected, vaccinated, boosted or a combination of the three, the recent authorization of additional booster shots has people wondering if there is a way to tell if you Read more…
📣 Have you heard about the new covid.gov website?
Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes! ✋🏾 We have! ✋🏾 It is still early, but it is pretty neat from a nerdy girl standpoint. It helps people get a lot of questions answered in one place. We tried it out and especially thought it was helpful to order free COVID-19 tests and to find COVID-19 treatment once someone receives a Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
I’m vaccinated. Why is a contact tracer calling me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR: Contact tracers play an important role in educating potential contacts and curbing transmission in your immediate community. Please accept their calls, answer their questions honestly, and listen to their recommendations. If you are fully vaccinated, it may seem surprising to get a phone call from a contact tracer. Please remember: Contact tracers are Read more…
Do throat swabs help detect the Omicron variant?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Yes! A combined throat and nose swab (first throat, then nose) is your best bet for detecting Omicron, especially in the first few days. As long as you swab safely, the only downside to this strategy is that you might gag (sorry, this is normal). Say aaaah! TL;DR: COVID tests only work when you Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
With so many people using home tests (which mostly go unreported), how can we rely on COVID-19 data to understand community levels of transmission?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact TracingAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
Can I take an antibody test to see if I need a booster shot?
Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately, no. TL;DR: 💥Our current antibody tests can’t tell us precisely how well someone is protected from COVID-19 infection or disease. Whether you have been previously infected, vaccinated, boosted or a combination of the three, the recent authorization of additional booster shots has people wondering if there is a way to tell if you Read more…
📣 Have you heard about the new covid.gov website?
Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes! ✋🏾 We have! ✋🏾 It is still early, but it is pretty neat from a nerdy girl standpoint. It helps people get a lot of questions answered in one place. We tried it out and especially thought it was helpful to order free COVID-19 tests and to find COVID-19 treatment once someone receives a Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
I’m vaccinated. Why is a contact tracer calling me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR: Contact tracers play an important role in educating potential contacts and curbing transmission in your immediate community. Please accept their calls, answer their questions honestly, and listen to their recommendations. If you are fully vaccinated, it may seem surprising to get a phone call from a contact tracer. Please remember: Contact tracers are Read more…
Do throat swabs help detect the Omicron variant?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Yes! A combined throat and nose swab (first throat, then nose) is your best bet for detecting Omicron, especially in the first few days. As long as you swab safely, the only downside to this strategy is that you might gag (sorry, this is normal). Say aaaah! TL;DR: COVID tests only work when you Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
Can I take an antibody test to see if I need a booster shot?
Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately, no. TL;DR: 💥Our current antibody tests can’t tell us precisely how well someone is protected from COVID-19 infection or disease. Whether you have been previously infected, vaccinated, boosted or a combination of the three, the recent authorization of additional booster shots has people wondering if there is a way to tell if you Read more…
📣 Have you heard about the new covid.gov website?
Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes! ✋🏾 We have! ✋🏾 It is still early, but it is pretty neat from a nerdy girl standpoint. It helps people get a lot of questions answered in one place. We tried it out and especially thought it was helpful to order free COVID-19 tests and to find COVID-19 treatment once someone receives a Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
I’m vaccinated. Why is a contact tracer calling me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR: Contact tracers play an important role in educating potential contacts and curbing transmission in your immediate community. Please accept their calls, answer their questions honestly, and listen to their recommendations. If you are fully vaccinated, it may seem surprising to get a phone call from a contact tracer. Please remember: Contact tracers are Read more…
Do throat swabs help detect the Omicron variant?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Yes! A combined throat and nose swab (first throat, then nose) is your best bet for detecting Omicron, especially in the first few days. As long as you swab safely, the only downside to this strategy is that you might gag (sorry, this is normal). Say aaaah! TL;DR: COVID tests only work when you Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
Can I take an antibody test to see if I need a booster shot?
Testing and Contact Tracing VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Unfortunately, no. TL;DR: 💥Our current antibody tests can’t tell us precisely how well someone is protected from COVID-19 infection or disease. Whether you have been previously infected, vaccinated, boosted or a combination of the three, the recent authorization of additional booster shots has people wondering if there is a way to tell if you Read more…
📣 Have you heard about the new covid.gov website?
Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes! ✋🏾 We have! ✋🏾 It is still early, but it is pretty neat from a nerdy girl standpoint. It helps people get a lot of questions answered in one place. We tried it out and especially thought it was helpful to order free COVID-19 tests and to find COVID-19 treatment once someone receives a Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
I’m vaccinated. Why is a contact tracer calling me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR: Contact tracers play an important role in educating potential contacts and curbing transmission in your immediate community. Please accept their calls, answer their questions honestly, and listen to their recommendations. If you are fully vaccinated, it may seem surprising to get a phone call from a contact tracer. Please remember: Contact tracers are Read more…
Do throat swabs help detect the Omicron variant?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Yes! A combined throat and nose swab (first throat, then nose) is your best bet for detecting Omicron, especially in the first few days. As long as you swab safely, the only downside to this strategy is that you might gag (sorry, this is normal). Say aaaah! TL;DR: COVID tests only work when you Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
A: Unfortunately, no. TL;DR: 💥Our current antibody tests can’t tell us precisely how well someone is protected from COVID-19 infection or disease. Whether you have been previously infected, vaccinated, boosted or a combination of the three, the recent authorization of additional booster shots has people wondering if there is a way to tell if you Read more…
📣 Have you heard about the new covid.gov website?
Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments VaccinesAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes! ✋🏾 We have! ✋🏾 It is still early, but it is pretty neat from a nerdy girl standpoint. It helps people get a lot of questions answered in one place. We tried it out and especially thought it was helpful to order free COVID-19 tests and to find COVID-19 treatment once someone receives a Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
I’m vaccinated. Why is a contact tracer calling me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR: Contact tracers play an important role in educating potential contacts and curbing transmission in your immediate community. Please accept their calls, answer their questions honestly, and listen to their recommendations. If you are fully vaccinated, it may seem surprising to get a phone call from a contact tracer. Please remember: Contact tracers are Read more…
Do throat swabs help detect the Omicron variant?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Yes! A combined throat and nose swab (first throat, then nose) is your best bet for detecting Omicron, especially in the first few days. As long as you swab safely, the only downside to this strategy is that you might gag (sorry, this is normal). Say aaaah! TL;DR: COVID tests only work when you Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
Yes! ✋🏾 We have! ✋🏾 It is still early, but it is pretty neat from a nerdy girl standpoint. It helps people get a lot of questions answered in one place. We tried it out and especially thought it was helpful to order free COVID-19 tests and to find COVID-19 treatment once someone receives a Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing TravelChana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
I’m vaccinated. Why is a contact tracer calling me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR: Contact tracers play an important role in educating potential contacts and curbing transmission in your immediate community. Please accept their calls, answer their questions honestly, and listen to their recommendations. If you are fully vaccinated, it may seem surprising to get a phone call from a contact tracer. Please remember: Contact tracers are Read more…
Do throat swabs help detect the Omicron variant?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Yes! A combined throat and nose swab (first throat, then nose) is your best bet for detecting Omicron, especially in the first few days. As long as you swab safely, the only downside to this strategy is that you might gag (sorry, this is normal). Say aaaah! TL;DR: COVID tests only work when you Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing TreatmentsChana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
I’m vaccinated. Why is a contact tracer calling me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR: Contact tracers play an important role in educating potential contacts and curbing transmission in your immediate community. Please accept their calls, answer their questions honestly, and listen to their recommendations. If you are fully vaccinated, it may seem surprising to get a phone call from a contact tracer. Please remember: Contact tracers are Read more…
Do throat swabs help detect the Omicron variant?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Yes! A combined throat and nose swab (first throat, then nose) is your best bet for detecting Omicron, especially in the first few days. As long as you swab safely, the only downside to this strategy is that you might gag (sorry, this is normal). Say aaaah! TL;DR: COVID tests only work when you Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
I’m vaccinated. Why is a contact tracer calling me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR: Contact tracers play an important role in educating potential contacts and curbing transmission in your immediate community. Please accept their calls, answer their questions honestly, and listen to their recommendations. If you are fully vaccinated, it may seem surprising to get a phone call from a contact tracer. Please remember: Contact tracers are Read more…
Do throat swabs help detect the Omicron variant?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Yes! A combined throat and nose swab (first throat, then nose) is your best bet for detecting Omicron, especially in the first few days. As long as you swab safely, the only downside to this strategy is that you might gag (sorry, this is normal). Say aaaah! TL;DR: COVID tests only work when you Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
I’m vaccinated. Why is a contact tracer calling me?
Testing and Contact TracingLauren Hale, PhD MA
TL; DR: Contact tracers play an important role in educating potential contacts and curbing transmission in your immediate community. Please accept their calls, answer their questions honestly, and listen to their recommendations. If you are fully vaccinated, it may seem surprising to get a phone call from a contact tracer. Please remember: Contact tracers are Read more…
Do throat swabs help detect the Omicron variant?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Yes! A combined throat and nose swab (first throat, then nose) is your best bet for detecting Omicron, especially in the first few days. As long as you swab safely, the only downside to this strategy is that you might gag (sorry, this is normal). Say aaaah! TL;DR: COVID tests only work when you Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
TL; DR: Contact tracers play an important role in educating potential contacts and curbing transmission in your immediate community. Please accept their calls, answer their questions honestly, and listen to their recommendations. If you are fully vaccinated, it may seem surprising to get a phone call from a contact tracer. Please remember: Contact tracers are Read more…
Do throat swabs help detect the Omicron variant?
Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
A: Yes! A combined throat and nose swab (first throat, then nose) is your best bet for detecting Omicron, especially in the first few days. As long as you swab safely, the only downside to this strategy is that you might gag (sorry, this is normal). Say aaaah! TL;DR: COVID tests only work when you Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
A: Yes! A combined throat and nose swab (first throat, then nose) is your best bet for detecting Omicron, especially in the first few days. As long as you swab safely, the only downside to this strategy is that you might gag (sorry, this is normal). Say aaaah! TL;DR: COVID tests only work when you Read more…
What counts as being “exposed?” Update!
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact TracingAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
With all the recent talk of changing quarantine guidelines, we’ve been getting questions about what counts as being ‘exposed’ in the first place! Below is a reprise of an answer we gave last fall. Q: If my mom went to the salon on Thursday and her stylist developed symptoms on Saturday, then I saw my Read more…
