Pfizer initiated a request for FDA emergency use authorization of their vaccine in kids aged 6 months to <5 years today!
Families/Kids VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
💥Breaking News !!💥 ✔️ Pfizer initiated a request for FDA emergency use authorization of their vaccine in kids aged 6 months to <5 years today! Back in December, Pfizer announced that 2, 3 µg doses given 3 weeks apart in kids aged 6 months to <5 years, was *SAFE*, but did not produce as strong Read more…
February 1, 2022
Is a rash a symptom of Omicron?
Clinical Symptoms
Megan Madsen, DO
Yes! But likely not the only symptom. TL;DR: Many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, can cause a rash, usually in addition to other more common symptoms. There have been cases of different kinds of rashes associated with COVID-19 infections, although it’s too early to tell if there is a specific Omicron rash. If you have a new Read more…
January 31, 2022
💥 If you are pregnant- please, please get your COVID-19 vaccine!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
According to the CDC, only 40% of pregnant people in the U.S. had been vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. Sadly, this low vaccine uptake is having tragic consequences. 💥 Vaccination during pregnancy: ➡️ Is safe (no connection with miscarriage or fertility). ➡️ Protects against hospitalization and death (both mother and baby) associated with Read more…
January 28, 2022
When is the best time to test for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: The best time to test for COVID-19 depends on your situation. NOTE: Updated for clarity on 2/8/22 ➡️ If you were exposed, the sweet spot to test is 3-5 days later* ➡️ If you develop symptoms, test right away* ➡️ If testing to leave isolation, check for a negative rapid test on day 5 Read more…
January 26, 2022
National News Literacy Week
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
January 26, 2022
Can I be a vaccine ambassador?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
YES! YES! YES! People are more likely to listen to information from someone they already trust. Here are a few wonderful resources to support YOU in becoming a community resource from Dr. Rupali Limaye, a behavioral and social scientist from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Tips on starting discussions about vaccines. See the Read more…
January 25, 2022
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
January 22, 2022
Can the vaccines help prevent Long Covid?
Long COVID Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: 🎱 Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
January 19, 2022
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
January 18, 2022
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
January 18, 2022
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
January 17, 2022
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
January 16, 2022
Porque la buena información es la que se comparte!
Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
January 13, 2022
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
💥Breaking News !!💥 ✔️ Pfizer initiated a request for FDA emergency use authorization of their vaccine in kids aged 6 months to <5 years today! Back in December, Pfizer announced that 2, 3 µg doses given 3 weeks apart in kids aged 6 months to <5 years, was *SAFE*, but did not produce as strong Read more…
Is a rash a symptom of Omicron?
Clinical SymptomsMegan Madsen, DO
Yes! But likely not the only symptom. TL;DR: Many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, can cause a rash, usually in addition to other more common symptoms. There have been cases of different kinds of rashes associated with COVID-19 infections, although it’s too early to tell if there is a specific Omicron rash. If you have a new Read more…
January 31, 2022
💥 If you are pregnant- please, please get your COVID-19 vaccine!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
According to the CDC, only 40% of pregnant people in the U.S. had been vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. Sadly, this low vaccine uptake is having tragic consequences. 💥 Vaccination during pregnancy: ➡️ Is safe (no connection with miscarriage or fertility). ➡️ Protects against hospitalization and death (both mother and baby) associated with Read more…
January 28, 2022
When is the best time to test for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: The best time to test for COVID-19 depends on your situation. NOTE: Updated for clarity on 2/8/22 ➡️ If you were exposed, the sweet spot to test is 3-5 days later* ➡️ If you develop symptoms, test right away* ➡️ If testing to leave isolation, check for a negative rapid test on day 5 Read more…
January 26, 2022
National News Literacy Week
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
January 26, 2022
Can I be a vaccine ambassador?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
YES! YES! YES! People are more likely to listen to information from someone they already trust. Here are a few wonderful resources to support YOU in becoming a community resource from Dr. Rupali Limaye, a behavioral and social scientist from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Tips on starting discussions about vaccines. See the Read more…
January 25, 2022
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
January 22, 2022
Can the vaccines help prevent Long Covid?
Long COVID Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: 🎱 Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
January 19, 2022
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
January 18, 2022
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
January 18, 2022
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
January 17, 2022
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
January 16, 2022
Porque la buena información es la que se comparte!
Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
January 13, 2022
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
Yes! But likely not the only symptom. TL;DR: Many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, can cause a rash, usually in addition to other more common symptoms. There have been cases of different kinds of rashes associated with COVID-19 infections, although it’s too early to tell if there is a specific Omicron rash. If you have a new Read more…
💥 If you are pregnant- please, please get your COVID-19 vaccine!!
Families/Kids VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
According to the CDC, only 40% of pregnant people in the U.S. had been vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. Sadly, this low vaccine uptake is having tragic consequences. 💥 Vaccination during pregnancy: ➡️ Is safe (no connection with miscarriage or fertility). ➡️ Protects against hospitalization and death (both mother and baby) associated with Read more…
January 28, 2022
When is the best time to test for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: The best time to test for COVID-19 depends on your situation. NOTE: Updated for clarity on 2/8/22 ➡️ If you were exposed, the sweet spot to test is 3-5 days later* ➡️ If you develop symptoms, test right away* ➡️ If testing to leave isolation, check for a negative rapid test on day 5 Read more…
January 26, 2022
National News Literacy Week
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
January 26, 2022
Can I be a vaccine ambassador?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
YES! YES! YES! People are more likely to listen to information from someone they already trust. Here are a few wonderful resources to support YOU in becoming a community resource from Dr. Rupali Limaye, a behavioral and social scientist from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Tips on starting discussions about vaccines. See the Read more…
January 25, 2022
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
January 22, 2022
Can the vaccines help prevent Long Covid?
Long COVID Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: 🎱 Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
January 19, 2022
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
January 18, 2022
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
January 18, 2022
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
January 17, 2022
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
January 16, 2022
Porque la buena información es la que se comparte!
Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
January 13, 2022
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
According to the CDC, only 40% of pregnant people in the U.S. had been vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. Sadly, this low vaccine uptake is having tragic consequences. 💥 Vaccination during pregnancy: ➡️ Is safe (no connection with miscarriage or fertility). ➡️ Protects against hospitalization and death (both mother and baby) associated with Read more…
When is the best time to test for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
A: The best time to test for COVID-19 depends on your situation. NOTE: Updated for clarity on 2/8/22 ➡️ If you were exposed, the sweet spot to test is 3-5 days later* ➡️ If you develop symptoms, test right away* ➡️ If testing to leave isolation, check for a negative rapid test on day 5 Read more…
January 26, 2022
National News Literacy Week
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
January 26, 2022
Can I be a vaccine ambassador?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
YES! YES! YES! People are more likely to listen to information from someone they already trust. Here are a few wonderful resources to support YOU in becoming a community resource from Dr. Rupali Limaye, a behavioral and social scientist from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Tips on starting discussions about vaccines. See the Read more…
January 25, 2022
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
January 22, 2022
Can the vaccines help prevent Long Covid?
Long COVID Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: 🎱 Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
January 19, 2022
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
January 18, 2022
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
January 18, 2022
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
January 17, 2022
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
January 16, 2022
Porque la buena información es la que se comparte!
Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
January 13, 2022
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
A: The best time to test for COVID-19 depends on your situation. NOTE: Updated for clarity on 2/8/22 ➡️ If you were exposed, the sweet spot to test is 3-5 days later* ➡️ If you develop symptoms, test right away* ➡️ If testing to leave isolation, check for a negative rapid test on day 5 Read more…
National News Literacy Week
Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
January 26, 2022
Can I be a vaccine ambassador?
Vaccines Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
YES! YES! YES! People are more likely to listen to information from someone they already trust. Here are a few wonderful resources to support YOU in becoming a community resource from Dr. Rupali Limaye, a behavioral and social scientist from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Tips on starting discussions about vaccines. See the Read more…
January 25, 2022
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
January 22, 2022
Can the vaccines help prevent Long Covid?
Long COVID Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: 🎱 Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
January 19, 2022
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
January 18, 2022
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
January 18, 2022
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
January 17, 2022
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
January 16, 2022
Porque la buena información es la que se comparte!
Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
January 13, 2022
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
🤓 NERD ALERT! 🤓 It’s National News Literacy Week! Those Nerdy Girls are working hard to grow a bright spot of sane science here on social media. Our biggest asset? YOU. Thanks to our science-loving community for spreading the good and debunking the junk. We are grateful for each and every one of you, each Read more…
Can I be a vaccine ambassador?
Vaccines Women in STEMAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
YES! YES! YES! People are more likely to listen to information from someone they already trust. Here are a few wonderful resources to support YOU in becoming a community resource from Dr. Rupali Limaye, a behavioral and social scientist from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Tips on starting discussions about vaccines. See the Read more…
January 25, 2022
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
January 22, 2022
Can the vaccines help prevent Long Covid?
Long COVID Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: 🎱 Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
January 19, 2022
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
January 18, 2022
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
January 18, 2022
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
January 17, 2022
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
January 16, 2022
Porque la buena información es la que se comparte!
Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
January 13, 2022
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
YES! YES! YES! People are more likely to listen to information from someone they already trust. Here are a few wonderful resources to support YOU in becoming a community resource from Dr. Rupali Limaye, a behavioral and social scientist from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Tips on starting discussions about vaccines. See the Read more…
If more than one person in a household tests positive for COVID-19, do the positive people need to isolate from each other?
Families/Kids Infection and SpreadSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
January 22, 2022
Can the vaccines help prevent Long Covid?
Long COVID Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: 🎱 Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
January 19, 2022
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
January 18, 2022
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
January 18, 2022
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
January 17, 2022
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
January 16, 2022
Porque la buena información es la que se comparte!
Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
January 13, 2022
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
A: Isolation is meant to keep others from getting infected. If multiple people in a household are positive, it is OK for them to isolate together. It gets a little more complicated when some people are infected, and others aren’t. Read on for tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation. Many folks Read more…
Can the vaccines help prevent Long Covid?
Long COVID VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: 🎱 Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
January 19, 2022
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
January 18, 2022
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
January 18, 2022
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
January 17, 2022
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
January 16, 2022
Porque la buena información es la que se comparte!
Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
January 13, 2022
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
A: 🎱 Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
January 18, 2022
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
January 18, 2022
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
January 17, 2022
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
January 16, 2022
Porque la buena información es la que se comparte!
Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
January 13, 2022
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact TracingAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
January 18, 2022
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
January 17, 2022
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
January 16, 2022
Porque la buena información es la que se comparte!
Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
January 13, 2022
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
January 17, 2022
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
January 16, 2022
Porque la buena información es la que se comparte!
Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
January 13, 2022
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact TracingMalia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
January 16, 2022
Porque la buena información es la que se comparte!
Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
January 13, 2022
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
Porque la buena información es la que se comparte!
Posts en Español Staying SafeTita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
January 13, 2022
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
No te confíes! Aú con síntomas puedes resultar negativo en las pruebas, lo más aconsejable es aislarse por unos días, hacerse el test y siempre, siempre, siempre, utilizar tu mascarilla. Fuente: Pictoline Enlace a la publicación original de Facebook
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and MetricsLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
January 13, 2022
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms TreatmentsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
January 10, 2022
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
January 8, 2022
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
Did you already answer a question about…?
UncategorizedAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
January 7, 2022
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
January 6, 2022
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, then wear a Read more…
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
TreatmentsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
January 5, 2022
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact TracingMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…