Series on Logical Fallacies – The Strawman Fallacy
Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the sixth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
April 5, 2022
I got J&J. Which booster should I get?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: First of all, there is no question that you SHOULD get a booster. As for which one, either of the mRNA vaccines is recommended for nearly everyone who got J&J as their first vaccine. And if you got J&J and you already got a booster, you may now be eligible for another one–read on Read more…
April 4, 2022
📣 Have you heard about the new covid.gov website?
Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes! ✋🏾 We have! ✋🏾 It is still early, but it is pretty neat from a nerdy girl standpoint. It helps people get a lot of questions answered in one place. We tried it out and especially thought it was helpful to order free COVID-19 tests and to find COVID-19 treatment once someone receives a Read more…
April 2, 2022
Is there any easy way to determine whether and for how long I need to isolate or quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
March 31, 2022
¿Qué debo hacer si no puedo hacerme la prueba de COVID-19 pero tengo síntomas?
Posts en Español Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Mantén la calma y aíslase. Dile a alguien si no se siente bien y está solo. Sigue vigilando sus síntomas y llame al médico si sus síntomas empeoran. Busque la atención médica si no puede cuidarse en casa. 🧪 Por el momento, las pruebas de COVID-19 son difíciles de conseguir en muchos sitios. Si desarrolla Read more…
March 30, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Do you love our recent series on logical fallacies as much as I do? Well then, get excited because you’re about to meet the woman who writes them! Dr. Panthagani is our only contributor who has both an M.D. and a Ph.D., which she earned from Baylor College of Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program. Her Read more…
March 25, 2022
What do you know about that COVID-19 treatment Molnupiravir?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill that can be used in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who are at high risk of serious illness. It should be taken within 5 days of the first symptom and only when other antiviral treatments are not available. How does molnupiravir work? Get ready for Read more…
March 24, 2022
Moderna will submit for approval of its kids’ vaccine
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
March 23, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the 5th post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 22, 2022
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
Health & Wellness
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
March 21, 2022
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
March 18, 2022
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
March 17, 2022
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
March 16, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the sixth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
I got J&J. Which booster should I get?
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: First of all, there is no question that you SHOULD get a booster. As for which one, either of the mRNA vaccines is recommended for nearly everyone who got J&J as their first vaccine. And if you got J&J and you already got a booster, you may now be eligible for another one–read on Read more…
April 4, 2022
📣 Have you heard about the new covid.gov website?
Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes! ✋🏾 We have! ✋🏾 It is still early, but it is pretty neat from a nerdy girl standpoint. It helps people get a lot of questions answered in one place. We tried it out and especially thought it was helpful to order free COVID-19 tests and to find COVID-19 treatment once someone receives a Read more…
April 2, 2022
Is there any easy way to determine whether and for how long I need to isolate or quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
March 31, 2022
¿Qué debo hacer si no puedo hacerme la prueba de COVID-19 pero tengo síntomas?
Posts en Español Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Mantén la calma y aíslase. Dile a alguien si no se siente bien y está solo. Sigue vigilando sus síntomas y llame al médico si sus síntomas empeoran. Busque la atención médica si no puede cuidarse en casa. 🧪 Por el momento, las pruebas de COVID-19 son difíciles de conseguir en muchos sitios. Si desarrolla Read more…
March 30, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Do you love our recent series on logical fallacies as much as I do? Well then, get excited because you’re about to meet the woman who writes them! Dr. Panthagani is our only contributor who has both an M.D. and a Ph.D., which she earned from Baylor College of Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program. Her Read more…
March 25, 2022
What do you know about that COVID-19 treatment Molnupiravir?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill that can be used in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who are at high risk of serious illness. It should be taken within 5 days of the first symptom and only when other antiviral treatments are not available. How does molnupiravir work? Get ready for Read more…
March 24, 2022
Moderna will submit for approval of its kids’ vaccine
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
March 23, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the 5th post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 22, 2022
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
Health & Wellness
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
March 21, 2022
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
March 18, 2022
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
March 17, 2022
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
March 16, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
A: First of all, there is no question that you SHOULD get a booster. As for which one, either of the mRNA vaccines is recommended for nearly everyone who got J&J as their first vaccine. And if you got J&J and you already got a booster, you may now be eligible for another one–read on Read more…
📣 Have you heard about the new covid.gov website?
Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments VaccinesAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Yes! ✋🏾 We have! ✋🏾 It is still early, but it is pretty neat from a nerdy girl standpoint. It helps people get a lot of questions answered in one place. We tried it out and especially thought it was helpful to order free COVID-19 tests and to find COVID-19 treatment once someone receives a Read more…
April 2, 2022
Is there any easy way to determine whether and for how long I need to isolate or quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
March 31, 2022
¿Qué debo hacer si no puedo hacerme la prueba de COVID-19 pero tengo síntomas?
Posts en Español Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Mantén la calma y aíslase. Dile a alguien si no se siente bien y está solo. Sigue vigilando sus síntomas y llame al médico si sus síntomas empeoran. Busque la atención médica si no puede cuidarse en casa. 🧪 Por el momento, las pruebas de COVID-19 son difíciles de conseguir en muchos sitios. Si desarrolla Read more…
March 30, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Do you love our recent series on logical fallacies as much as I do? Well then, get excited because you’re about to meet the woman who writes them! Dr. Panthagani is our only contributor who has both an M.D. and a Ph.D., which she earned from Baylor College of Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program. Her Read more…
March 25, 2022
What do you know about that COVID-19 treatment Molnupiravir?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill that can be used in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who are at high risk of serious illness. It should be taken within 5 days of the first symptom and only when other antiviral treatments are not available. How does molnupiravir work? Get ready for Read more…
March 24, 2022
Moderna will submit for approval of its kids’ vaccine
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
March 23, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the 5th post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 22, 2022
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
Health & Wellness
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
March 21, 2022
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
March 18, 2022
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
March 17, 2022
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
March 16, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Yes! ✋🏾 We have! ✋🏾 It is still early, but it is pretty neat from a nerdy girl standpoint. It helps people get a lot of questions answered in one place. We tried it out and especially thought it was helpful to order free COVID-19 tests and to find COVID-19 treatment once someone receives a Read more…
Is there any easy way to determine whether and for how long I need to isolate or quarantine?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
March 31, 2022
¿Qué debo hacer si no puedo hacerme la prueba de COVID-19 pero tengo síntomas?
Posts en Español Staying Safe Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Mantén la calma y aíslase. Dile a alguien si no se siente bien y está solo. Sigue vigilando sus síntomas y llame al médico si sus síntomas empeoran. Busque la atención médica si no puede cuidarse en casa. 🧪 Por el momento, las pruebas de COVID-19 son difíciles de conseguir en muchos sitios. Si desarrolla Read more…
March 30, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Do you love our recent series on logical fallacies as much as I do? Well then, get excited because you’re about to meet the woman who writes them! Dr. Panthagani is our only contributor who has both an M.D. and a Ph.D., which she earned from Baylor College of Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program. Her Read more…
March 25, 2022
What do you know about that COVID-19 treatment Molnupiravir?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill that can be used in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who are at high risk of serious illness. It should be taken within 5 days of the first symptom and only when other antiviral treatments are not available. How does molnupiravir work? Get ready for Read more…
March 24, 2022
Moderna will submit for approval of its kids’ vaccine
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
March 23, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the 5th post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 22, 2022
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
Health & Wellness
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
March 21, 2022
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
March 18, 2022
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
March 17, 2022
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
March 16, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
A: Yes! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a handy on-line calculator! Enter answers to a few short questions into the calculator here and get an estimate of the date you can stop isolating if you have COVID-19 or quarantining if you were exposed to someone who does! The calculator takes Read more…
¿Qué debo hacer si no puedo hacerme la prueba de COVID-19 pero tengo síntomas?
Posts en Español Staying Safe TreatmentsAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Mantén la calma y aíslase. Dile a alguien si no se siente bien y está solo. Sigue vigilando sus síntomas y llame al médico si sus síntomas empeoran. Busque la atención médica si no puede cuidarse en casa. 🧪 Por el momento, las pruebas de COVID-19 son difíciles de conseguir en muchos sitios. Si desarrolla Read more…
March 30, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Do you love our recent series on logical fallacies as much as I do? Well then, get excited because you’re about to meet the woman who writes them! Dr. Panthagani is our only contributor who has both an M.D. and a Ph.D., which she earned from Baylor College of Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program. Her Read more…
March 25, 2022
What do you know about that COVID-19 treatment Molnupiravir?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill that can be used in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who are at high risk of serious illness. It should be taken within 5 days of the first symptom and only when other antiviral treatments are not available. How does molnupiravir work? Get ready for Read more…
March 24, 2022
Moderna will submit for approval of its kids’ vaccine
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
March 23, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the 5th post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 22, 2022
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
Health & Wellness
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
March 21, 2022
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
March 18, 2022
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
March 17, 2022
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
March 16, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Mantén la calma y aíslase. Dile a alguien si no se siente bien y está solo. Sigue vigilando sus síntomas y llame al médico si sus síntomas empeoran. Busque la atención médica si no puede cuidarse en casa. 🧪 Por el momento, las pruebas de COVID-19 son difíciles de conseguir en muchos sitios. Si desarrolla Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Women in STEMMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Do you love our recent series on logical fallacies as much as I do? Well then, get excited because you’re about to meet the woman who writes them! Dr. Panthagani is our only contributor who has both an M.D. and a Ph.D., which she earned from Baylor College of Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program. Her Read more…
March 25, 2022
What do you know about that COVID-19 treatment Molnupiravir?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill that can be used in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who are at high risk of serious illness. It should be taken within 5 days of the first symptom and only when other antiviral treatments are not available. How does molnupiravir work? Get ready for Read more…
March 24, 2022
Moderna will submit for approval of its kids’ vaccine
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
March 23, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the 5th post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 22, 2022
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
Health & Wellness
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
March 21, 2022
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
March 18, 2022
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
March 17, 2022
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
March 16, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Do you love our recent series on logical fallacies as much as I do? Well then, get excited because you’re about to meet the woman who writes them! Dr. Panthagani is our only contributor who has both an M.D. and a Ph.D., which she earned from Baylor College of Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program. Her Read more…
What do you know about that COVID-19 treatment Molnupiravir?
TreatmentsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill that can be used in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who are at high risk of serious illness. It should be taken within 5 days of the first symptom and only when other antiviral treatments are not available. How does molnupiravir work? Get ready for Read more…
March 24, 2022
Moderna will submit for approval of its kids’ vaccine
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
March 23, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the 5th post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 22, 2022
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
Health & Wellness
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
March 21, 2022
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
March 18, 2022
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
March 17, 2022
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
March 16, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill that can be used in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who are at high risk of serious illness. It should be taken within 5 days of the first symptom and only when other antiviral treatments are not available. How does molnupiravir work? Get ready for Read more…
Moderna will submit for approval of its kids’ vaccine
Families/Kids VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
March 23, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the 5th post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 22, 2022
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
Health & Wellness
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
March 21, 2022
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
March 18, 2022
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
March 17, 2022
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
March 16, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc Fallacy
Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the 5th post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 22, 2022
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
Health & Wellness
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
March 21, 2022
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
March 18, 2022
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
March 17, 2022
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
March 16, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the 5th post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
Health & WellnessAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
March 21, 2022
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
March 18, 2022
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
March 17, 2022
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
March 16, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing TravelChana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
March 18, 2022
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
March 17, 2022
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
March 16, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEMAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
March 17, 2022
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
March 16, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEMMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
March 16, 2022
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence Fallacy
Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
March 15, 2022
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the fourth post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
March 14, 2022
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
Dear Pandemic Origin Story Revisited
UncategorizedMalia Jones, PhD MPH
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
March 14, 2022
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
This week, to commemorate two years of the magical collaboration that is Dear Pandemic, we’ll be re-sharing some posts from back in the day… back when we thought we would sunset this project by August 2020 at the latest. Back when the best data we had was coming off of the #DiamondPrincess. Back when we Read more…
SO many reflections on the TWO YEAR anniversary of Dear Pandemic from Those Nerdy Girls.
UncategorizedAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
March 11, 2022
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and Metrics
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
In a moment of crisis, a team of female scientists built and sustained a public health communication platform while maintaining their day jobs and tending to family and friends during a global pandemic. We have written over 2,000 posts and connected with over 200,000 followers. We have done this all with a volunteer staff for Read more…
Do free-falling COVID cases after a truly horrible winter surge mean we have endured the last wave and are nearing the end of the pandemic?
Data and MetricsKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
March 10, 2022
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
We hope so, but not necessarily…. the recent dramatic fall in cases looks A LOT like what we saw last year at this time. Even though falling cases and herd immunity talk make it *feel* like the pandemic is ending, we should remain humble and remember that these predictions have been wrong before. The Nerdy Read more…
I am overdue for preventive screenings – is it safe to have these appointments now?
Health & WellnessMegan Madsen, DO
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
March 9, 2022
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
As the pandemic drags on, many people are behind on tests health care providers routinely recommend for cancer screening. It is safe and appropriate to resume testing, if you haven’t already. “I skipped my mammogram last year, I have been putting it off until the pandemic ends.” “My doctor recommended a colonoscopy, but I’m afraid Read more…
What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing TreatmentsChana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…