******Conoce a las Nerdy Girls – Maggie Hayes******
Posts en Español Women in STEM
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
En esta edición de la serie de “Conoce a las Nerdy Girls”, les presentamos a Maggie Hayes. Maggie es nuestra becaria del lenguaje español y las comunicaciones científicas y ella nos ayuda con las operaciones, traducciones, y interacciones comunitarias aquí en Querida Pandemia. Maggie es una estudiante en la Universidad de Wisconsin-Madison en EE.UU. estudiando Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
Health & Wellness Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
Latest hepatitis headlines don’t tell the whole story!
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A new CDC analysis concludes that “the number of children hospitalized for hepatitis of unknown cause *has not increased* compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.” (Emphasis in the original.) Great–but this study is full of important limitations. The real takeaway here is “We couldn’t find any difference, but that could have been because of data Read more…
FDA approves Moderna & Pfizer COVID vaccines for kids under 5
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: The Vaccine and Other Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), an FDA advisory committee, met over the last two days to discuss data for COVID-19 vaccines in children under 5 years of age (among other topics). Here are the big takeaways!!! The committee voted unanimously that the benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Read more…
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Misinformation Alert Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like odd salutations “Greetings of the day, Respected Doctor!” or other Read more…
Why is my PCR test still positive if I’ve taken Paxlovid, isolated and have been asymptomatic for many days?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Constance from Astoria, NY asks: “I tested positive for COVID-19, took Paxlovid, and isolated for 12 days. My symptoms are gone. Why does my PCR test show I’m positive?” Great question, Constance! PCR tests are very sensitive, picking up even old fragments of viral RNA that may be leftover in your body but not capable Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What options exist for birth control?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
¿Por qué hay algunas personas que no se infectan con COVID-19 cuando todos a su alrededor están infectados?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Aunque el COVID-19 es MUY transmisible, todos conocen los casos donde personas viajan juntas en un carro y una de ellas está infectada, pero los otros nunca se infectan ni dan positivo en el test. ¿Cómo puede pasar? ¡Es una buenísima pregunta! Para que un virus se transmita entre las personas, bastantes partículas virales deben Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
En esta edición de la serie de “Conoce a las Nerdy Girls”, les presentamos a Maggie Hayes. Maggie es nuestra becaria del lenguaje español y las comunicaciones científicas y ella nos ayuda con las operaciones, traducciones, y interacciones comunitarias aquí en Querida Pandemia. Maggie es una estudiante en la Universidad de Wisconsin-Madison en EE.UU. estudiando Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
Health & Wellness Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
Latest hepatitis headlines don’t tell the whole story!
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A new CDC analysis concludes that “the number of children hospitalized for hepatitis of unknown cause *has not increased* compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.” (Emphasis in the original.) Great–but this study is full of important limitations. The real takeaway here is “We couldn’t find any difference, but that could have been because of data Read more…
FDA approves Moderna & Pfizer COVID vaccines for kids under 5
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: The Vaccine and Other Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), an FDA advisory committee, met over the last two days to discuss data for COVID-19 vaccines in children under 5 years of age (among other topics). Here are the big takeaways!!! The committee voted unanimously that the benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Read more…
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Misinformation Alert Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like odd salutations “Greetings of the day, Respected Doctor!” or other Read more…
Why is my PCR test still positive if I’ve taken Paxlovid, isolated and have been asymptomatic for many days?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Constance from Astoria, NY asks: “I tested positive for COVID-19, took Paxlovid, and isolated for 12 days. My symptoms are gone. Why does my PCR test show I’m positive?” Great question, Constance! PCR tests are very sensitive, picking up even old fragments of viral RNA that may be leftover in your body but not capable Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What options exist for birth control?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
¿Por qué hay algunas personas que no se infectan con COVID-19 cuando todos a su alrededor están infectados?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Aunque el COVID-19 es MUY transmisible, todos conocen los casos donde personas viajan juntas en un carro y una de ellas está infectada, pero los otros nunca se infectan ni dan positivo en el test. ¿Cómo puede pasar? ¡Es una buenísima pregunta! Para que un virus se transmita entre las personas, bastantes partículas virales deben Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of people have been asking this question during the pandemic. Some of this is because more people are working from home or having changes to their work schedules and routines. And this has made people aware of distractibility, changes in work habits, or difficulty adjusting to the demands of home Read more…
Latest hepatitis headlines don’t tell the whole story!
Infectious DiseasesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A new CDC analysis concludes that “the number of children hospitalized for hepatitis of unknown cause *has not increased* compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.” (Emphasis in the original.) Great–but this study is full of important limitations. The real takeaway here is “We couldn’t find any difference, but that could have been because of data Read more…
FDA approves Moderna & Pfizer COVID vaccines for kids under 5
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: The Vaccine and Other Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), an FDA advisory committee, met over the last two days to discuss data for COVID-19 vaccines in children under 5 years of age (among other topics). Here are the big takeaways!!! The committee voted unanimously that the benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Read more…
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Misinformation Alert Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like odd salutations “Greetings of the day, Respected Doctor!” or other Read more…
Why is my PCR test still positive if I’ve taken Paxlovid, isolated and have been asymptomatic for many days?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Constance from Astoria, NY asks: “I tested positive for COVID-19, took Paxlovid, and isolated for 12 days. My symptoms are gone. Why does my PCR test show I’m positive?” Great question, Constance! PCR tests are very sensitive, picking up even old fragments of viral RNA that may be leftover in your body but not capable Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What options exist for birth control?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
¿Por qué hay algunas personas que no se infectan con COVID-19 cuando todos a su alrededor están infectados?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Aunque el COVID-19 es MUY transmisible, todos conocen los casos donde personas viajan juntas en un carro y una de ellas está infectada, pero los otros nunca se infectan ni dan positivo en el test. ¿Cómo puede pasar? ¡Es una buenísima pregunta! Para que un virus se transmita entre las personas, bastantes partículas virales deben Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
A new CDC analysis concludes that “the number of children hospitalized for hepatitis of unknown cause *has not increased* compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.” (Emphasis in the original.) Great–but this study is full of important limitations. The real takeaway here is “We couldn’t find any difference, but that could have been because of data Read more…
FDA approves Moderna & Pfizer COVID vaccines for kids under 5
VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: The Vaccine and Other Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), an FDA advisory committee, met over the last two days to discuss data for COVID-19 vaccines in children under 5 years of age (among other topics). Here are the big takeaways!!! The committee voted unanimously that the benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Read more…
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Misinformation Alert Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like odd salutations “Greetings of the day, Respected Doctor!” or other Read more…
Why is my PCR test still positive if I’ve taken Paxlovid, isolated and have been asymptomatic for many days?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Constance from Astoria, NY asks: “I tested positive for COVID-19, took Paxlovid, and isolated for 12 days. My symptoms are gone. Why does my PCR test show I’m positive?” Great question, Constance! PCR tests are very sensitive, picking up even old fragments of viral RNA that may be leftover in your body but not capable Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What options exist for birth control?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
¿Por qué hay algunas personas que no se infectan con COVID-19 cuando todos a su alrededor están infectados?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Aunque el COVID-19 es MUY transmisible, todos conocen los casos donde personas viajan juntas en un carro y una de ellas está infectada, pero los otros nunca se infectan ni dan positivo en el test. ¿Cómo puede pasar? ¡Es una buenísima pregunta! Para que un virus se transmita entre las personas, bastantes partículas virales deben Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
BREAKING NEWS: The Vaccine and Other Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), an FDA advisory committee, met over the last two days to discuss data for COVID-19 vaccines in children under 5 years of age (among other topics). Here are the big takeaways!!! The committee voted unanimously that the benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Read more…
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals
Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Misinformation Alert Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like odd salutations “Greetings of the day, Respected Doctor!” or other Read more…
Why is my PCR test still positive if I’ve taken Paxlovid, isolated and have been asymptomatic for many days?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Constance from Astoria, NY asks: “I tested positive for COVID-19, took Paxlovid, and isolated for 12 days. My symptoms are gone. Why does my PCR test show I’m positive?” Great question, Constance! PCR tests are very sensitive, picking up even old fragments of viral RNA that may be leftover in your body but not capable Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What options exist for birth control?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
¿Por qué hay algunas personas que no se infectan con COVID-19 cuando todos a su alrededor están infectados?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Aunque el COVID-19 es MUY transmisible, todos conocen los casos donde personas viajan juntas en un carro y una de ellas está infectada, pero los otros nunca se infectan ni dan positivo en el test. ¿Cómo puede pasar? ¡Es una buenísima pregunta! Para que un virus se transmita entre las personas, bastantes partículas virales deben Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Misinformation Alert Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like odd salutations “Greetings of the day, Respected Doctor!” or other Read more…
Why is my PCR test still positive if I’ve taken Paxlovid, isolated and have been asymptomatic for many days?
Testing and Contact TracingJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Constance from Astoria, NY asks: “I tested positive for COVID-19, took Paxlovid, and isolated for 12 days. My symptoms are gone. Why does my PCR test show I’m positive?” Great question, Constance! PCR tests are very sensitive, picking up even old fragments of viral RNA that may be leftover in your body but not capable Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What options exist for birth control?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
¿Por qué hay algunas personas que no se infectan con COVID-19 cuando todos a su alrededor están infectados?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Aunque el COVID-19 es MUY transmisible, todos conocen los casos donde personas viajan juntas en un carro y una de ellas está infectada, pero los otros nunca se infectan ni dan positivo en el test. ¿Cómo puede pasar? ¡Es una buenísima pregunta! Para que un virus se transmita entre las personas, bastantes partículas virales deben Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Constance from Astoria, NY asks: “I tested positive for COVID-19, took Paxlovid, and isolated for 12 days. My symptoms are gone. Why does my PCR test show I’m positive?” Great question, Constance! PCR tests are very sensitive, picking up even old fragments of viral RNA that may be leftover in your body but not capable Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines VideosChana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What options exist for birth control?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
¿Por qué hay algunas personas que no se infectan con COVID-19 cuando todos a su alrededor están infectados?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Aunque el COVID-19 es MUY transmisible, todos conocen los casos donde personas viajan juntas en un carro y una de ellas está infectada, pero los otros nunca se infectan ni dan positivo en el test. ¿Cómo puede pasar? ¡Es una buenísima pregunta! Para que un virus se transmita entre las personas, bastantes partículas virales deben Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data LiteracySarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What options exist for birth control?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
¿Por qué hay algunas personas que no se infectan con COVID-19 cuando todos a su alrededor están infectados?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Aunque el COVID-19 es MUY transmisible, todos conocen los casos donde personas viajan juntas en un carro y una de ellas está infectada, pero los otros nunca se infectan ni dan positivo en el test. ¿Cómo puede pasar? ¡Es una buenísima pregunta! Para que un virus se transmita entre las personas, bastantes partículas virales deben Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What options exist for birth control?
Health & WellnessMegan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
¿Por qué hay algunas personas que no se infectan con COVID-19 cuando todos a su alrededor están infectados?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Aunque el COVID-19 es MUY transmisible, todos conocen los casos donde personas viajan juntas en un carro y una de ellas está infectada, pero los otros nunca se infectan ni dan positivo en el test. ¿Cómo puede pasar? ¡Es una buenísima pregunta! Para que un virus se transmita entre las personas, bastantes partículas virales deben Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
¿Por qué hay algunas personas que no se infectan con COVID-19 cuando todos a su alrededor están infectados?
Infection and Spread Posts en EspañolTita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
Aunque el COVID-19 es MUY transmisible, todos conocen los casos donde personas viajan juntas en un carro y una de ellas está infectada, pero los otros nunca se infectan ni dan positivo en el test. ¿Cómo puede pasar? ¡Es una buenísima pregunta! Para que un virus se transmita entre las personas, bastantes partículas virales deben Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Aunque el COVID-19 es MUY transmisible, todos conocen los casos donde personas viajan juntas en un carro y una de ellas está infectada, pero los otros nunca se infectan ni dan positivo en el test. ¿Cómo puede pasar? ¡Es una buenísima pregunta! Para que un virus se transmita entre las personas, bastantes partículas virales deben Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEMJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEMMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/KidsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
TreatmentsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
