Whoa, what is this I hear about the WHO announcing that asymptomatic COVID-19 spread is rare?!
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
UPDATE (at bottom) Q: I thought that is why we have to be so careful; this is so confusing! A: Take a deep breath—despite the click-bait headlines coming out of yesterday’s rather unclear statement, nothing dramatic has changed about what we know about COVID-19 spread. The important distinction is between TRULY asymptomatic people who NEVER Read more…
May 23, 2020
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
May 16, 2020
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
May 8, 2020
Help!! How do I figure out if a news story is SOLID or SENSATIONAL?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: We’re all fighting an “infodemic” along with this pandemic. Here are three evidence-based tips for practicing INFORMATION HYGIENE: (1) Demand extraordinary vetting for extraordinary claims; (2) Proactively seek out competing views; (3) Amplify good information, and cut off the oxygen to the toxic stuff. We’ve received many inquiries this week about sniffing out misinformation Read more…
April 28, 2020
Large increases in calls to poison centers about cleaners and disinfectants
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
POISON CONTROL: 1-800-222-1222 Data from the CDC demonstrate large increases in calls to poison centers about cleaners and disinfectants – a trend beginning in mid-March. Staying safe inside requires proactive poison prevention. Texas Children’s Hospital provides a helpful “home audit” list with a variety of good tips. Highlights include keeping dangerous chemicals out of reach and Read more…
April 24, 2020
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
March 30, 2020
Does nasal rinsing help prevent COVID?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: No. Other “Myth-Busting” graphics curated by the World Health Organization available at Link to original FB post
March 25, 2020
Will warmer temps kill off SARS-CoV-2?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Scientists aren’t sure. Hopeful signal: Other coronaviruses (including SARS) exhibit seasonal patterns that decline with warm weather. Cautious signal: SARS-CoV-2 has popped up in warm regions, including Singapore and the Guanxi region of China. Links: BBC Original FB post
UPDATE (at bottom) Q: I thought that is why we have to be so careful; this is so confusing! A: Take a deep breath—despite the click-bait headlines coming out of yesterday’s rather unclear statement, nothing dramatic has changed about what we know about COVID-19 spread. The important distinction is between TRULY asymptomatic people who NEVER Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 5/23/20
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
May 16, 2020
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
May 8, 2020
Help!! How do I figure out if a news story is SOLID or SENSATIONAL?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: We’re all fighting an “infodemic” along with this pandemic. Here are three evidence-based tips for practicing INFORMATION HYGIENE: (1) Demand extraordinary vetting for extraordinary claims; (2) Proactively seek out competing views; (3) Amplify good information, and cut off the oxygen to the toxic stuff. We’ve received many inquiries this week about sniffing out misinformation Read more…
April 28, 2020
Large increases in calls to poison centers about cleaners and disinfectants
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
POISON CONTROL: 1-800-222-1222 Data from the CDC demonstrate large increases in calls to poison centers about cleaners and disinfectants – a trend beginning in mid-March. Staying safe inside requires proactive poison prevention. Texas Children’s Hospital provides a helpful “home audit” list with a variety of good tips. Highlights include keeping dangerous chemicals out of reach and Read more…
April 24, 2020
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
March 30, 2020
Does nasal rinsing help prevent COVID?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: No. Other “Myth-Busting” graphics curated by the World Health Organization available at Link to original FB post
March 25, 2020
Will warmer temps kill off SARS-CoV-2?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Scientists aren’t sure. Hopeful signal: Other coronaviruses (including SARS) exhibit seasonal patterns that decline with warm weather. Cautious signal: SARS-CoV-2 has popped up in warm regions, including Singapore and the Guanxi region of China. Links: BBC Original FB post
Surface transmission, evaluating risk levels for activities, flying vs. driving, seeing grandchildren, vaccines, misinformation and much more are discussed by Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girls Malia Jones, PhD, MPH, Dr. Lindsey Leininger, PhD, Amanda M. Simanek, PhD, MPH, and Alison Buttenheim, PhD, MBA. Link to original FB post
Tell me again, will herd immunity work to save us all from COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
May 8, 2020
Help!! How do I figure out if a news story is SOLID or SENSATIONAL?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: We’re all fighting an “infodemic” along with this pandemic. Here are three evidence-based tips for practicing INFORMATION HYGIENE: (1) Demand extraordinary vetting for extraordinary claims; (2) Proactively seek out competing views; (3) Amplify good information, and cut off the oxygen to the toxic stuff. We’ve received many inquiries this week about sniffing out misinformation Read more…
April 28, 2020
Large increases in calls to poison centers about cleaners and disinfectants
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
POISON CONTROL: 1-800-222-1222 Data from the CDC demonstrate large increases in calls to poison centers about cleaners and disinfectants – a trend beginning in mid-March. Staying safe inside requires proactive poison prevention. Texas Children’s Hospital provides a helpful “home audit” list with a variety of good tips. Highlights include keeping dangerous chemicals out of reach and Read more…
April 24, 2020
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
March 30, 2020
Does nasal rinsing help prevent COVID?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: No. Other “Myth-Busting” graphics curated by the World Health Organization available at Link to original FB post
March 25, 2020
Will warmer temps kill off SARS-CoV-2?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Scientists aren’t sure. Hopeful signal: Other coronaviruses (including SARS) exhibit seasonal patterns that decline with warm weather. Cautious signal: SARS-CoV-2 has popped up in warm regions, including Singapore and the Guanxi region of China. Links: BBC Original FB post
A: The quick answer: NO. It is likely that herd immunity (when a large portion of the population has immunity to an infectious disease, thus forming a protective layer, a cushion if you will, to stop the infection from reaching people who do not have immunity) will not work with COVID-19. This is not to Read more…
Help!! How do I figure out if a news story is SOLID or SENSATIONAL?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: We’re all fighting an “infodemic” along with this pandemic. Here are three evidence-based tips for practicing INFORMATION HYGIENE: (1) Demand extraordinary vetting for extraordinary claims; (2) Proactively seek out competing views; (3) Amplify good information, and cut off the oxygen to the toxic stuff. We’ve received many inquiries this week about sniffing out misinformation Read more…
April 28, 2020
Large increases in calls to poison centers about cleaners and disinfectants
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
POISON CONTROL: 1-800-222-1222 Data from the CDC demonstrate large increases in calls to poison centers about cleaners and disinfectants – a trend beginning in mid-March. Staying safe inside requires proactive poison prevention. Texas Children’s Hospital provides a helpful “home audit” list with a variety of good tips. Highlights include keeping dangerous chemicals out of reach and Read more…
April 24, 2020
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
March 30, 2020
Does nasal rinsing help prevent COVID?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: No. Other “Myth-Busting” graphics curated by the World Health Organization available at Link to original FB post
March 25, 2020
Will warmer temps kill off SARS-CoV-2?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Scientists aren’t sure. Hopeful signal: Other coronaviruses (including SARS) exhibit seasonal patterns that decline with warm weather. Cautious signal: SARS-CoV-2 has popped up in warm regions, including Singapore and the Guanxi region of China. Links: BBC Original FB post
A: We’re all fighting an “infodemic” along with this pandemic. Here are three evidence-based tips for practicing INFORMATION HYGIENE: (1) Demand extraordinary vetting for extraordinary claims; (2) Proactively seek out competing views; (3) Amplify good information, and cut off the oxygen to the toxic stuff. We’ve received many inquiries this week about sniffing out misinformation Read more…
Large increases in calls to poison centers about cleaners and disinfectants
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
POISON CONTROL: 1-800-222-1222 Data from the CDC demonstrate large increases in calls to poison centers about cleaners and disinfectants – a trend beginning in mid-March. Staying safe inside requires proactive poison prevention. Texas Children’s Hospital provides a helpful “home audit” list with a variety of good tips. Highlights include keeping dangerous chemicals out of reach and Read more…
April 24, 2020
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
March 30, 2020
Does nasal rinsing help prevent COVID?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: No. Other “Myth-Busting” graphics curated by the World Health Organization available at Link to original FB post
March 25, 2020
Will warmer temps kill off SARS-CoV-2?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Scientists aren’t sure. Hopeful signal: Other coronaviruses (including SARS) exhibit seasonal patterns that decline with warm weather. Cautious signal: SARS-CoV-2 has popped up in warm regions, including Singapore and the Guanxi region of China. Links: BBC Original FB post
POISON CONTROL: 1-800-222-1222 Data from the CDC demonstrate large increases in calls to poison centers about cleaners and disinfectants – a trend beginning in mid-March. Staying safe inside requires proactive poison prevention. Texas Children’s Hospital provides a helpful “home audit” list with a variety of good tips. Highlights include keeping dangerous chemicals out of reach and Read more…
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
March 30, 2020
Does nasal rinsing help prevent COVID?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: No. Other “Myth-Busting” graphics curated by the World Health Organization available at Link to original FB post
March 25, 2020
Will warmer temps kill off SARS-CoV-2?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Scientists aren’t sure. Hopeful signal: Other coronaviruses (including SARS) exhibit seasonal patterns that decline with warm weather. Cautious signal: SARS-CoV-2 has popped up in warm regions, including Singapore and the Guanxi region of China. Links: BBC Original FB post
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
Does nasal rinsing help prevent COVID?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: No. Other “Myth-Busting” graphics curated by the World Health Organization available at Link to original FB post
March 25, 2020
Will warmer temps kill off SARS-CoV-2?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Scientists aren’t sure. Hopeful signal: Other coronaviruses (including SARS) exhibit seasonal patterns that decline with warm weather. Cautious signal: SARS-CoV-2 has popped up in warm regions, including Singapore and the Guanxi region of China. Links: BBC Original FB post
A: No. Other “Myth-Busting” graphics curated by the World Health Organization available at Link to original FB post
Will warmer temps kill off SARS-CoV-2?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Scientists aren’t sure. Hopeful signal: Other coronaviruses (including SARS) exhibit seasonal patterns that decline with warm weather. Cautious signal: SARS-CoV-2 has popped up in warm regions, including Singapore and the Guanxi region of China. Links: BBC Original FB post
A: Scientists aren’t sure. Hopeful signal: Other coronaviruses (including SARS) exhibit seasonal patterns that decline with warm weather. Cautious signal: SARS-CoV-2 has popped up in warm regions, including Singapore and the Guanxi region of China. Links: BBC Original FB post