Can children spread COVID-19 in child care facilities (children 5 and under)?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Reopening School Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
From our follower Question Box!! A: Yes, while we know that children are less likely to experience severe illness due to COVID-19, increasing evidence tells us that children can spread (transmit) the virus. But, it is not clear if they are more likely to do so than adults or if likelihood of transmission varies by Read more…
I am confused about testing for COVID-19. Can you help?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes! To help, we have two excellent posts written by our colleague, Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE). Post 1: PCR vs. Rapid antigen test: PCR (rapid or not) outperforms the antigen test. Still, there is promise in the new tests being developed and YLE goes through the numbers here. Post 2: The CDC’s new testing Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
I heard the NBA invented a new Covid saliva test? What’s up?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s called SalivaDirect, and it was developed by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health with funding from the NBA. And it’s good news! On Saturday, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the new test, which has some distinct advantages over the more common PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests currently Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
What is surveillance?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand this concept last week in a Facebook Live Interview. Here we offer a brief follow up to continue to shed light on the concept of surveillance. Surveillance is: the early and systematic monitoring of community health data to inform Read more…
What is surveillance?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD FNP-BC
Meredith Matone Interview on Surveillance Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand the concept of surveillance.
What is the timeline from exposure to viral shedding to symptoms? When do people stop being contagious? When can I get out of quarantine? When is a PCR test accurate?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
For today’s #ThrowbackThursday, we revisit a post from May 4th about the timeline of infection. A: This timeline, which we adapted from several sources, visualizes the incubation period and infectious period (also called contagious period), along with the timeline for seeing symptoms, timing for a reliable PCR test, and the typical timeline to hospitalization and Read more…
When should I get tested?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Introducing Nerdy Guest Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS. Dr. Sethi is a leading infectious disease epidemiologist at UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. (@AjayKSethi on Twitter!) ____________________________________________ Q: When should I get tested? When I’m sick? When I have specific symptoms? When I’m sick and not getting better after several days? When a family member Read more…
What is pool testing?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: In simple terms, pool testing (also referred to as “group testing” or “batch testing”) combines many tests into one sample. The benefit is that it can facilitate an increase in testing capabilities as well as result in cost/resource savings (when supplies are low). This is not a new strategy to test individuals for infectious Read more…
How does contact tracing work again? With states reopening, how is that component of the test-trace-isolate strategy going so far?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
From our follower Question Box!! A: Yes, while we know that children are less likely to experience severe illness due to COVID-19, increasing evidence tells us that children can spread (transmit) the virus. But, it is not clear if they are more likely to do so than adults or if likelihood of transmission varies by Read more…
I am confused about testing for COVID-19. Can you help?
Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes! To help, we have two excellent posts written by our colleague, Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE). Post 1: PCR vs. Rapid antigen test: PCR (rapid or not) outperforms the antigen test. Still, there is promise in the new tests being developed and YLE goes through the numbers here. Post 2: The CDC’s new testing Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
I heard the NBA invented a new Covid saliva test? What’s up?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s called SalivaDirect, and it was developed by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health with funding from the NBA. And it’s good news! On Saturday, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the new test, which has some distinct advantages over the more common PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests currently Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
What is surveillance?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand this concept last week in a Facebook Live Interview. Here we offer a brief follow up to continue to shed light on the concept of surveillance. Surveillance is: the early and systematic monitoring of community health data to inform Read more…
What is surveillance?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD FNP-BC
Meredith Matone Interview on Surveillance Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand the concept of surveillance.
What is the timeline from exposure to viral shedding to symptoms? When do people stop being contagious? When can I get out of quarantine? When is a PCR test accurate?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
For today’s #ThrowbackThursday, we revisit a post from May 4th about the timeline of infection. A: This timeline, which we adapted from several sources, visualizes the incubation period and infectious period (also called contagious period), along with the timeline for seeing symptoms, timing for a reliable PCR test, and the typical timeline to hospitalization and Read more…
When should I get tested?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Introducing Nerdy Guest Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS. Dr. Sethi is a leading infectious disease epidemiologist at UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. (@AjayKSethi on Twitter!) ____________________________________________ Q: When should I get tested? When I’m sick? When I have specific symptoms? When I’m sick and not getting better after several days? When a family member Read more…
What is pool testing?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: In simple terms, pool testing (also referred to as “group testing” or “batch testing”) combines many tests into one sample. The benefit is that it can facilitate an increase in testing capabilities as well as result in cost/resource savings (when supplies are low). This is not a new strategy to test individuals for infectious Read more…
How does contact tracing work again? With states reopening, how is that component of the test-trace-isolate strategy going so far?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
A: Yes! To help, we have two excellent posts written by our colleague, Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE). Post 1: PCR vs. Rapid antigen test: PCR (rapid or not) outperforms the antigen test. Still, there is promise in the new tests being developed and YLE goes through the numbers here. Post 2: The CDC’s new testing Read more…
Seven Months In: What’s the State of the Science?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact TracingLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
I heard the NBA invented a new Covid saliva test? What’s up?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s called SalivaDirect, and it was developed by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health with funding from the NBA. And it’s good news! On Saturday, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the new test, which has some distinct advantages over the more common PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests currently Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
What is surveillance?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand this concept last week in a Facebook Live Interview. Here we offer a brief follow up to continue to shed light on the concept of surveillance. Surveillance is: the early and systematic monitoring of community health data to inform Read more…
What is surveillance?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD FNP-BC
Meredith Matone Interview on Surveillance Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand the concept of surveillance.
What is the timeline from exposure to viral shedding to symptoms? When do people stop being contagious? When can I get out of quarantine? When is a PCR test accurate?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
For today’s #ThrowbackThursday, we revisit a post from May 4th about the timeline of infection. A: This timeline, which we adapted from several sources, visualizes the incubation period and infectious period (also called contagious period), along with the timeline for seeing symptoms, timing for a reliable PCR test, and the typical timeline to hospitalization and Read more…
When should I get tested?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Introducing Nerdy Guest Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS. Dr. Sethi is a leading infectious disease epidemiologist at UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. (@AjayKSethi on Twitter!) ____________________________________________ Q: When should I get tested? When I’m sick? When I have specific symptoms? When I’m sick and not getting better after several days? When a family member Read more…
What is pool testing?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: In simple terms, pool testing (also referred to as “group testing” or “batch testing”) combines many tests into one sample. The benefit is that it can facilitate an increase in testing capabilities as well as result in cost/resource savings (when supplies are low). This is not a new strategy to test individuals for infectious Read more…
How does contact tracing work again? With states reopening, how is that component of the test-trace-isolate strategy going so far?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
Andrew Joseph, Helen Branswell, and Elizabeth Conney of StatNews have pulled together a tour-de-force synthesis of what science does – and does not – yet know about SARS-CoV-2 and its companion disease, COVID-19. A truly terrific read Some highlights: SPACE AND PLACE MATTER. A LOT. Transmission risk is greatly elevated in crowded indoor spaces with Read more…
I heard the NBA invented a new Covid saliva test? What’s up?
Testing and Contact TracingAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s called SalivaDirect, and it was developed by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health with funding from the NBA. And it’s good news! On Saturday, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the new test, which has some distinct advantages over the more common PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests currently Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
What is surveillance?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand this concept last week in a Facebook Live Interview. Here we offer a brief follow up to continue to shed light on the concept of surveillance. Surveillance is: the early and systematic monitoring of community health data to inform Read more…
What is surveillance?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD FNP-BC
Meredith Matone Interview on Surveillance Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand the concept of surveillance.
What is the timeline from exposure to viral shedding to symptoms? When do people stop being contagious? When can I get out of quarantine? When is a PCR test accurate?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
For today’s #ThrowbackThursday, we revisit a post from May 4th about the timeline of infection. A: This timeline, which we adapted from several sources, visualizes the incubation period and infectious period (also called contagious period), along with the timeline for seeing symptoms, timing for a reliable PCR test, and the typical timeline to hospitalization and Read more…
When should I get tested?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Introducing Nerdy Guest Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS. Dr. Sethi is a leading infectious disease epidemiologist at UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. (@AjayKSethi on Twitter!) ____________________________________________ Q: When should I get tested? When I’m sick? When I have specific symptoms? When I’m sick and not getting better after several days? When a family member Read more…
What is pool testing?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: In simple terms, pool testing (also referred to as “group testing” or “batch testing”) combines many tests into one sample. The benefit is that it can facilitate an increase in testing capabilities as well as result in cost/resource savings (when supplies are low). This is not a new strategy to test individuals for infectious Read more…
How does contact tracing work again? With states reopening, how is that component of the test-trace-isolate strategy going so far?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
A: It’s called SalivaDirect, and it was developed by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health with funding from the NBA. And it’s good news! On Saturday, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the new test, which has some distinct advantages over the more common PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests currently Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact TracingMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
What is surveillance?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand this concept last week in a Facebook Live Interview. Here we offer a brief follow up to continue to shed light on the concept of surveillance. Surveillance is: the early and systematic monitoring of community health data to inform Read more…
What is surveillance?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD FNP-BC
Meredith Matone Interview on Surveillance Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand the concept of surveillance.
What is the timeline from exposure to viral shedding to symptoms? When do people stop being contagious? When can I get out of quarantine? When is a PCR test accurate?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
For today’s #ThrowbackThursday, we revisit a post from May 4th about the timeline of infection. A: This timeline, which we adapted from several sources, visualizes the incubation period and infectious period (also called contagious period), along with the timeline for seeing symptoms, timing for a reliable PCR test, and the typical timeline to hospitalization and Read more…
When should I get tested?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Introducing Nerdy Guest Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS. Dr. Sethi is a leading infectious disease epidemiologist at UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. (@AjayKSethi on Twitter!) ____________________________________________ Q: When should I get tested? When I’m sick? When I have specific symptoms? When I’m sick and not getting better after several days? When a family member Read more…
What is pool testing?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: In simple terms, pool testing (also referred to as “group testing” or “batch testing”) combines many tests into one sample. The benefit is that it can facilitate an increase in testing capabilities as well as result in cost/resource savings (when supplies are low). This is not a new strategy to test individuals for infectious Read more…
How does contact tracing work again? With states reopening, how is that component of the test-trace-isolate strategy going so far?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we Read more…
Nerdy Guest Sivanthy Vasanthan on Contact Tracing
Testing and Contact TracingSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
What is surveillance?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand this concept last week in a Facebook Live Interview. Here we offer a brief follow up to continue to shed light on the concept of surveillance. Surveillance is: the early and systematic monitoring of community health data to inform Read more…
What is surveillance?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD FNP-BC
Meredith Matone Interview on Surveillance Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand the concept of surveillance.
What is the timeline from exposure to viral shedding to symptoms? When do people stop being contagious? When can I get out of quarantine? When is a PCR test accurate?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
For today’s #ThrowbackThursday, we revisit a post from May 4th about the timeline of infection. A: This timeline, which we adapted from several sources, visualizes the incubation period and infectious period (also called contagious period), along with the timeline for seeing symptoms, timing for a reliable PCR test, and the typical timeline to hospitalization and Read more…
When should I get tested?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Introducing Nerdy Guest Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS. Dr. Sethi is a leading infectious disease epidemiologist at UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. (@AjayKSethi on Twitter!) ____________________________________________ Q: When should I get tested? When I’m sick? When I have specific symptoms? When I’m sick and not getting better after several days? When a family member Read more…
What is pool testing?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: In simple terms, pool testing (also referred to as “group testing” or “batch testing”) combines many tests into one sample. The benefit is that it can facilitate an increase in testing capabilities as well as result in cost/resource savings (when supplies are low). This is not a new strategy to test individuals for infectious Read more…
How does contact tracing work again? With states reopening, how is that component of the test-trace-isolate strategy going so far?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
Joining us today is Nerdy Guest, Sivanthy Vasanthan, a Case Investigator for New York City’s COVID-19 Test and Trace Corps, the public health initiative that oversees the city’s contact tracing program. She has been in this position since the program’s inception in May 2020. Sivanthy is a recent graduate from Columbia Public Health, where she Read more…
How frequently should students in a college community get tested in order to prevent large COVID-19 outbreaks?
Reopening School Testing and Contact TracingAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
What is surveillance?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand this concept last week in a Facebook Live Interview. Here we offer a brief follow up to continue to shed light on the concept of surveillance. Surveillance is: the early and systematic monitoring of community health data to inform Read more…
What is surveillance?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD FNP-BC
Meredith Matone Interview on Surveillance Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand the concept of surveillance.
What is the timeline from exposure to viral shedding to symptoms? When do people stop being contagious? When can I get out of quarantine? When is a PCR test accurate?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
For today’s #ThrowbackThursday, we revisit a post from May 4th about the timeline of infection. A: This timeline, which we adapted from several sources, visualizes the incubation period and infectious period (also called contagious period), along with the timeline for seeing symptoms, timing for a reliable PCR test, and the typical timeline to hospitalization and Read more…
When should I get tested?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Introducing Nerdy Guest Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS. Dr. Sethi is a leading infectious disease epidemiologist at UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. (@AjayKSethi on Twitter!) ____________________________________________ Q: When should I get tested? When I’m sick? When I have specific symptoms? When I’m sick and not getting better after several days? When a family member Read more…
What is pool testing?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: In simple terms, pool testing (also referred to as “group testing” or “batch testing”) combines many tests into one sample. The benefit is that it can facilitate an increase in testing capabilities as well as result in cost/resource savings (when supplies are low). This is not a new strategy to test individuals for infectious Read more…
How does contact tracing work again? With states reopening, how is that component of the test-trace-isolate strategy going so far?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
A: Every 2 days, according to one recently-published model. Every 2 days!? Whaaaaah???? With hundreds of thousands of students around the country headed back to college campuses this month, COVID testing is something every college needs to plan for: Who, how, and how often? The “how often” question was answered last week in a study Read more…
What is surveillance?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand this concept last week in a Facebook Live Interview. Here we offer a brief follow up to continue to shed light on the concept of surveillance. Surveillance is: the early and systematic monitoring of community health data to inform Read more…
What is surveillance?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD FNP-BC
Meredith Matone Interview on Surveillance Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand the concept of surveillance.
What is the timeline from exposure to viral shedding to symptoms? When do people stop being contagious? When can I get out of quarantine? When is a PCR test accurate?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
For today’s #ThrowbackThursday, we revisit a post from May 4th about the timeline of infection. A: This timeline, which we adapted from several sources, visualizes the incubation period and infectious period (also called contagious period), along with the timeline for seeing symptoms, timing for a reliable PCR test, and the typical timeline to hospitalization and Read more…
When should I get tested?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Introducing Nerdy Guest Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS. Dr. Sethi is a leading infectious disease epidemiologist at UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. (@AjayKSethi on Twitter!) ____________________________________________ Q: When should I get tested? When I’m sick? When I have specific symptoms? When I’m sick and not getting better after several days? When a family member Read more…
What is pool testing?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: In simple terms, pool testing (also referred to as “group testing” or “batch testing”) combines many tests into one sample. The benefit is that it can facilitate an increase in testing capabilities as well as result in cost/resource savings (when supplies are low). This is not a new strategy to test individuals for infectious Read more…
How does contact tracing work again? With states reopening, how is that component of the test-trace-isolate strategy going so far?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
A: Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand this concept last week in a Facebook Live Interview. Here we offer a brief follow up to continue to shed light on the concept of surveillance. Surveillance is: the early and systematic monitoring of community health data to inform Read more…
What is surveillance?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact TracingShoshana Aronowitz, PhD FNP-BC
Meredith Matone Interview on Surveillance Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand the concept of surveillance.
What is the timeline from exposure to viral shedding to symptoms? When do people stop being contagious? When can I get out of quarantine? When is a PCR test accurate?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
For today’s #ThrowbackThursday, we revisit a post from May 4th about the timeline of infection. A: This timeline, which we adapted from several sources, visualizes the incubation period and infectious period (also called contagious period), along with the timeline for seeing symptoms, timing for a reliable PCR test, and the typical timeline to hospitalization and Read more…
When should I get tested?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Introducing Nerdy Guest Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS. Dr. Sethi is a leading infectious disease epidemiologist at UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. (@AjayKSethi on Twitter!) ____________________________________________ Q: When should I get tested? When I’m sick? When I have specific symptoms? When I’m sick and not getting better after several days? When a family member Read more…
What is pool testing?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: In simple terms, pool testing (also referred to as “group testing” or “batch testing”) combines many tests into one sample. The benefit is that it can facilitate an increase in testing capabilities as well as result in cost/resource savings (when supplies are low). This is not a new strategy to test individuals for infectious Read more…
How does contact tracing work again? With states reopening, how is that component of the test-trace-isolate strategy going so far?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
Meredith Matone Interview on Surveillance Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand the concept of surveillance.
What is the timeline from exposure to viral shedding to symptoms? When do people stop being contagious? When can I get out of quarantine? When is a PCR test accurate?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact TracingMalia Jones, PhD MPH
For today’s #ThrowbackThursday, we revisit a post from May 4th about the timeline of infection. A: This timeline, which we adapted from several sources, visualizes the incubation period and infectious period (also called contagious period), along with the timeline for seeing symptoms, timing for a reliable PCR test, and the typical timeline to hospitalization and Read more…
When should I get tested?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Introducing Nerdy Guest Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS. Dr. Sethi is a leading infectious disease epidemiologist at UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. (@AjayKSethi on Twitter!) ____________________________________________ Q: When should I get tested? When I’m sick? When I have specific symptoms? When I’m sick and not getting better after several days? When a family member Read more…
What is pool testing?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: In simple terms, pool testing (also referred to as “group testing” or “batch testing”) combines many tests into one sample. The benefit is that it can facilitate an increase in testing capabilities as well as result in cost/resource savings (when supplies are low). This is not a new strategy to test individuals for infectious Read more…
How does contact tracing work again? With states reopening, how is that component of the test-trace-isolate strategy going so far?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
For today’s #ThrowbackThursday, we revisit a post from May 4th about the timeline of infection. A: This timeline, which we adapted from several sources, visualizes the incubation period and infectious period (also called contagious period), along with the timeline for seeing symptoms, timing for a reliable PCR test, and the typical timeline to hospitalization and Read more…
When should I get tested?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact TracingMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Introducing Nerdy Guest Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS. Dr. Sethi is a leading infectious disease epidemiologist at UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. (@AjayKSethi on Twitter!) ____________________________________________ Q: When should I get tested? When I’m sick? When I have specific symptoms? When I’m sick and not getting better after several days? When a family member Read more…
What is pool testing?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: In simple terms, pool testing (also referred to as “group testing” or “batch testing”) combines many tests into one sample. The benefit is that it can facilitate an increase in testing capabilities as well as result in cost/resource savings (when supplies are low). This is not a new strategy to test individuals for infectious Read more…
How does contact tracing work again? With states reopening, how is that component of the test-trace-isolate strategy going so far?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
Introducing Nerdy Guest Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS. Dr. Sethi is a leading infectious disease epidemiologist at UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. (@AjayKSethi on Twitter!) ____________________________________________ Q: When should I get tested? When I’m sick? When I have specific symptoms? When I’m sick and not getting better after several days? When a family member Read more…
What is pool testing?
Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: In simple terms, pool testing (also referred to as “group testing” or “batch testing”) combines many tests into one sample. The benefit is that it can facilitate an increase in testing capabilities as well as result in cost/resource savings (when supplies are low). This is not a new strategy to test individuals for infectious Read more…
How does contact tracing work again? With states reopening, how is that component of the test-trace-isolate strategy going so far?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
A: In simple terms, pool testing (also referred to as “group testing” or “batch testing”) combines many tests into one sample. The benefit is that it can facilitate an increase in testing capabilities as well as result in cost/resource savings (when supplies are low). This is not a new strategy to test individuals for infectious Read more…
How does contact tracing work again? With states reopening, how is that component of the test-trace-isolate strategy going so far?
Testing and Contact TracingSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
A. Well…there are challenges. Contact tracing is a tried and true public health measure that’s been successfully used to contain other infectious diseases (e.g measles, HIV, food poisoning outbreaks, etc). Indeed, the CDC has indicated that it is a necessary precursor for easing lockdown restrictions. The uploaded graphic illustrates the steps in the process. However, Read more…
I don’t currently have any symptoms, but I want to visit older family members soon, so I went and got a PCR test for COVID-19 (i.e., the kind that detects *current* infection). My test came back negative, so I am in the clear, right?
Socializing Testing and Contact TracingAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
A: Not necessarily. You should consider the possibility that you got a negative test result even though you are truly infected. After you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the amount of virus in your body builds up over time, reaching its highest level, right before symptom onset. It can take 2-14 days (average of 5-6) from Read more…
This Sunday, we wanted to answer a few questions and also give you a brief update on the news this week (pandemic related)!
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
We also have a brief infographic for you that answers these questions. Read on if you want the full answers and links. And if you have time, test your COVID-19 knowledge and read a few great tips from therapists on how to cope during this pandemic. Quiz Therapy WHAT IF I KEEP TESTING POSITIVE FOR Read more…
Can dogs smell COVID-19 infections?
Testing and Contact TracingLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
A: Yep! Dogs are both cute and amazing. As you probably already know, dogs have great sniffers — with over 300 million olfactory receptors, as compared to humans, who have only 6 million! Respiratory diseases (such as COVID-19) can change your body odor. And a well-trained dog with its super-sensitive nose can detect the difference. Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact TracingSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
Should I get an antibody test?
Biology/Immunity Testing and Contact TracingJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
Q: Will it help me know if I’m already immune and can safely go about daily life? A: No….not yet. While the many antibody test being marketed are improving rapidly, there are still too many fundamental challenges in order to use these as a tool for knowledge about your *individual* exposure or immunity. Very briefly, Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 6/07/20
Families/Kids Social and Racial Justice Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
The safety of summer family activities, advice to BLM protesters, antibody testing, navigating shared child custody, and more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Jenn Dowd, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
I see advertisements for Covid-19 antibody tests. Is it worth getting tested? What will an antibody test tell me?
Testing and Contact TracingAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
A: Antibody tests are important in understanding Covid-19 and its spread through a population, but the information might not be as useful on a personal level just yet. When considering a serology test, we encourage you to think about why you are getting the test, where you will receive the test, and how it will Read more…
