A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
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…
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
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…
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…
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…
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…
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
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