I have COVID-19. What should I do to take care of myself?
Clinical Symptoms
Maya Clark-Cutaia, PhD
A: Here are some self-care tips from our visiting scholar, Dr. Maya Clark-Cutaia. Dr. Clark-Cutaia is a nurse practitioner and researcher who has triaged thousands of patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms in the last 18 months. Perhaps you are experiencing fevers, cough, shortness of breath, congestion, headache, sore throat. Maybe you have some nausea or diarrhea. Read more…
ICUs in Critical Condition
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
/* This is NOT a drill : ICUs in critical condition */ 🏥 1 in 4 U.S. hospitals report worrisome ICU bed occupancy levels, up from 1 in 10 from June As AP reports, “a maxed-out ICU can become a staffing and logistical nightmare.” Staff shortages are particularly acute in many places. At one hospital Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
How do I make an air purifier?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: The Corsi Air Box (sometimes called the Corsi-Rosenthal Cube or a Comparetto Cube) is the hot new trend in DIY air purifiers! See links below for instructions. With the return to in-person school for most US school children and many college students, we need to continue to use many layers of protection Read more…
What’s up with monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 infections?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The safety profile for monoclonal antibody treatment is very good. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are Read more…
Subscribe to the Nerdy Newsletter!
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
We value your support! Those Nerdy Girls are now sending our twice-weekly newsletter from Substack. It provides our usual curated, credible, and timely interpretation of science in an approachable style delivered straight to your inbox. Read the current “Hot Topic” or catch up on some “In Case You Missed It” content. Although our newsletter will Read more…
California Classroom Outbreak Explained
COVID Variants Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
La Asociación Americana de Pediatría advierte contra el uso no autorizado 🚫 de vacunas 💉 Covid-19 en niños menores de 12 años.
Families/Kids Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
ITASCA, IL – La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) finalizó la aprobación total de la vacuna 💉 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 para mayores de 16 años. Si bien ahora pueden surgir preguntas sobre la administración de la vacuna para niños de 11 años o menos, que actualmente no tienen una vacuna disponible, la Academia Estadounidense de Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Do you have practical advice for families around testing for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
A: Here are some self-care tips from our visiting scholar, Dr. Maya Clark-Cutaia. Dr. Clark-Cutaia is a nurse practitioner and researcher who has triaged thousands of patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms in the last 18 months. Perhaps you are experiencing fevers, cough, shortness of breath, congestion, headache, sore throat. Maybe you have some nausea or diarrhea. Read more…
ICUs in Critical Condition
Data and MetricsLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
/* This is NOT a drill : ICUs in critical condition */ 🏥 1 in 4 U.S. hospitals report worrisome ICU bed occupancy levels, up from 1 in 10 from June As AP reports, “a maxed-out ICU can become a staffing and logistical nightmare.” Staff shortages are particularly acute in many places. At one hospital Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
How do I make an air purifier?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: The Corsi Air Box (sometimes called the Corsi-Rosenthal Cube or a Comparetto Cube) is the hot new trend in DIY air purifiers! See links below for instructions. With the return to in-person school for most US school children and many college students, we need to continue to use many layers of protection Read more…
What’s up with monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 infections?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The safety profile for monoclonal antibody treatment is very good. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are Read more…
Subscribe to the Nerdy Newsletter!
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
We value your support! Those Nerdy Girls are now sending our twice-weekly newsletter from Substack. It provides our usual curated, credible, and timely interpretation of science in an approachable style delivered straight to your inbox. Read the current “Hot Topic” or catch up on some “In Case You Missed It” content. Although our newsletter will Read more…
California Classroom Outbreak Explained
COVID Variants Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
La Asociación Americana de Pediatría advierte contra el uso no autorizado 🚫 de vacunas 💉 Covid-19 en niños menores de 12 años.
Families/Kids Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
ITASCA, IL – La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) finalizó la aprobación total de la vacuna 💉 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 para mayores de 16 años. Si bien ahora pueden surgir preguntas sobre la administración de la vacuna para niños de 11 años o menos, que actualmente no tienen una vacuna disponible, la Academia Estadounidense de Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Do you have practical advice for families around testing for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
/* This is NOT a drill : ICUs in critical condition */ 🏥 1 in 4 U.S. hospitals report worrisome ICU bed occupancy levels, up from 1 in 10 from June As AP reports, “a maxed-out ICU can become a staffing and logistical nightmare.” Staff shortages are particularly acute in many places. At one hospital Read more…
What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
How do I make an air purifier?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: The Corsi Air Box (sometimes called the Corsi-Rosenthal Cube or a Comparetto Cube) is the hot new trend in DIY air purifiers! See links below for instructions. With the return to in-person school for most US school children and many college students, we need to continue to use many layers of protection Read more…
What’s up with monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 infections?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The safety profile for monoclonal antibody treatment is very good. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are Read more…
Subscribe to the Nerdy Newsletter!
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
We value your support! Those Nerdy Girls are now sending our twice-weekly newsletter from Substack. It provides our usual curated, credible, and timely interpretation of science in an approachable style delivered straight to your inbox. Read the current “Hot Topic” or catch up on some “In Case You Missed It” content. Although our newsletter will Read more…
California Classroom Outbreak Explained
COVID Variants Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
La Asociación Americana de Pediatría advierte contra el uso no autorizado 🚫 de vacunas 💉 Covid-19 en niños menores de 12 años.
Families/Kids Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
ITASCA, IL – La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) finalizó la aprobación total de la vacuna 💉 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 para mayores de 16 años. Si bien ahora pueden surgir preguntas sobre la administración de la vacuna para niños de 11 años o menos, que actualmente no tienen una vacuna disponible, la Academia Estadounidense de Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Do you have practical advice for families around testing for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
How do I make an air purifier?
School Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: The Corsi Air Box (sometimes called the Corsi-Rosenthal Cube or a Comparetto Cube) is the hot new trend in DIY air purifiers! See links below for instructions. With the return to in-person school for most US school children and many college students, we need to continue to use many layers of protection Read more…
What’s up with monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 infections?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The safety profile for monoclonal antibody treatment is very good. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are Read more…
Subscribe to the Nerdy Newsletter!
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
We value your support! Those Nerdy Girls are now sending our twice-weekly newsletter from Substack. It provides our usual curated, credible, and timely interpretation of science in an approachable style delivered straight to your inbox. Read the current “Hot Topic” or catch up on some “In Case You Missed It” content. Although our newsletter will Read more…
California Classroom Outbreak Explained
COVID Variants Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
La Asociación Americana de Pediatría advierte contra el uso no autorizado 🚫 de vacunas 💉 Covid-19 en niños menores de 12 años.
Families/Kids Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
ITASCA, IL – La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) finalizó la aprobación total de la vacuna 💉 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 para mayores de 16 años. Si bien ahora pueden surgir preguntas sobre la administración de la vacuna para niños de 11 años o menos, que actualmente no tienen una vacuna disponible, la Academia Estadounidense de Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Do you have practical advice for families around testing for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
A: TL; DR: The Corsi Air Box (sometimes called the Corsi-Rosenthal Cube or a Comparetto Cube) is the hot new trend in DIY air purifiers! See links below for instructions. With the return to in-person school for most US school children and many college students, we need to continue to use many layers of protection Read more…
What’s up with monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 infections?
TreatmentsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
The safety profile for monoclonal antibody treatment is very good. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are Read more…
Subscribe to the Nerdy Newsletter!
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
We value your support! Those Nerdy Girls are now sending our twice-weekly newsletter from Substack. It provides our usual curated, credible, and timely interpretation of science in an approachable style delivered straight to your inbox. Read the current “Hot Topic” or catch up on some “In Case You Missed It” content. Although our newsletter will Read more…
California Classroom Outbreak Explained
COVID Variants Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
La Asociación Americana de Pediatría advierte contra el uso no autorizado 🚫 de vacunas 💉 Covid-19 en niños menores de 12 años.
Families/Kids Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
ITASCA, IL – La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) finalizó la aprobación total de la vacuna 💉 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 para mayores de 16 años. Si bien ahora pueden surgir preguntas sobre la administración de la vacuna para niños de 11 años o menos, que actualmente no tienen una vacuna disponible, la Academia Estadounidense de Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Do you have practical advice for families around testing for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
The safety profile for monoclonal antibody treatment is very good. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are Read more…
Subscribe to the Nerdy Newsletter!
UncategorizedGretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
We value your support! Those Nerdy Girls are now sending our twice-weekly newsletter from Substack. It provides our usual curated, credible, and timely interpretation of science in an approachable style delivered straight to your inbox. Read the current “Hot Topic” or catch up on some “In Case You Missed It” content. Although our newsletter will Read more…
California Classroom Outbreak Explained
COVID Variants Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
La Asociación Americana de Pediatría advierte contra el uso no autorizado 🚫 de vacunas 💉 Covid-19 en niños menores de 12 años.
Families/Kids Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
ITASCA, IL – La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) finalizó la aprobación total de la vacuna 💉 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 para mayores de 16 años. Si bien ahora pueden surgir preguntas sobre la administración de la vacuna para niños de 11 años o menos, que actualmente no tienen una vacuna disponible, la Academia Estadounidense de Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Do you have practical advice for families around testing for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
We value your support! Those Nerdy Girls are now sending our twice-weekly newsletter from Substack. It provides our usual curated, credible, and timely interpretation of science in an approachable style delivered straight to your inbox. Read the current “Hot Topic” or catch up on some “In Case You Missed It” content. Although our newsletter will Read more…
California Classroom Outbreak Explained
COVID Variants Infection and Spread SchoolJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
La Asociación Americana de Pediatría advierte contra el uso no autorizado 🚫 de vacunas 💉 Covid-19 en niños menores de 12 años.
Families/Kids Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
ITASCA, IL – La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) finalizó la aprobación total de la vacuna 💉 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 para mayores de 16 años. Si bien ahora pueden surgir preguntas sobre la administración de la vacuna para niños de 11 años o menos, que actualmente no tienen una vacuna disponible, la Academia Estadounidense de Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Do you have practical advice for families around testing for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
La Asociación Americana de Pediatría advierte contra el uso no autorizado 🚫 de vacunas 💉 Covid-19 en niños menores de 12 años.
Families/Kids Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
ITASCA, IL – La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) finalizó la aprobación total de la vacuna 💉 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 para mayores de 16 años. Si bien ahora pueden surgir preguntas sobre la administración de la vacuna para niños de 11 años o menos, que actualmente no tienen una vacuna disponible, la Academia Estadounidense de Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Do you have practical advice for families around testing for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
La Asociación Americana de Pediatría advierte contra el uso no autorizado 🚫 de vacunas 💉 Covid-19 en niños menores de 12 años.
Families/Kids Posts en Español
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
ITASCA, IL – La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) finalizó la aprobación total de la vacuna 💉 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 para mayores de 16 años. Si bien ahora pueden surgir preguntas sobre la administración de la vacuna para niños de 11 años o menos, que actualmente no tienen una vacuna disponible, la Academia Estadounidense de Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Do you have practical advice for families around testing for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
La Asociación Americana de Pediatría advierte contra el uso no autorizado 🚫 de vacunas 💉 Covid-19 en niños menores de 12 años.
Families/Kids Posts en EspañolTita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
ITASCA, IL – La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) finalizó la aprobación total de la vacuna 💉 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 para mayores de 16 años. Si bien ahora pueden surgir preguntas sobre la administración de la vacuna para niños de 11 años o menos, que actualmente no tienen una vacuna disponible, la Academia Estadounidense de Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Do you have practical advice for families around testing for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
ITASCA, IL – La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) finalizó la aprobación total de la vacuna 💉 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 para mayores de 16 años. Si bien ahora pueden surgir preguntas sobre la administración de la vacuna para niños de 11 años o menos, que actualmente no tienen una vacuna disponible, la Academia Estadounidense de Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
UncategorizedAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Do you have practical advice for families around testing for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
VaccinesLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Do you have practical advice for families around testing for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Do you have practical advice for families around testing for COVID-19?
Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
Q: Are there good resources out there?” A: Yes! With people heading back to school and work and increasing risks of exposure, this is an important question. It is important to test at the right time, with the right test, and as often as needed. Before we dive in, here are a few details. Remember Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What are the best masks for kids?
Families/Kids MasksJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids School
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
We know this is a HOT topic among parents sending their kids back to school right now, and we wanted to share some recommendations from aerosol scientist and Nerdy Girl favorite Dr. Linsey Marr and her colleague Dr. Aaron Prussin from Virginia Tech. We are posting their advice below: “The most important factors to consider Read more…
What can I do to prepare for back to school?
Families/Kids SchoolAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
A: Delta and a fourth wave of COVID-19 was not the plan. In this unfortunate reality, focus and flexibility will go a long way. Back-to-school will be bumpy. The timing of the Delta surge in the United States is overlapping with the return to classes for students. This is complicated, frustrating, scary (and many other Read more…
3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
💥BREAKING💥: 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine authorization & recommendation for immunocompromised in the U.S. Yesterday (August 12th,) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an additional dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12+. Today (August 13th) the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) also voted to recommend these Read more…
What is psychological PPE (personal protective equipment)?
Mental HealthSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
A: We all know that personal protective equipment (like masks) has been important during the COVID-19 pandemic. But psychological PPE is important too! Psychological PPE includes individual and systems-wide actions that can be taken to protect your mental health, the mental health of those around you and protect against burnout. As the pandemic rages on Read more…
Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one?
Families/Kids MasksJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
A: Yes. A well-fitted mask can provide good protection for the wearer (though two-sided masking remains most effective). We know that plans to drop mask mandates in many schools have many parents of unvaccinated children on edge, especially with the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant. While we encourage parents to communicate concerns they Read more…
Si recibí la vacuna de Johnson & Johnson, ¿necesito una vacuna de refuerzo debido a la variante Delta?
Posts en Español VaccinesSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
Aún no se tiene una respuesta concreta. Aunque algunos científicos están compartiendo sus decisiones personales de reforzar su vacuna de J&J con una segunda dosis de la vacuna de ARNm, los reguladores de vacunas de los EE.UU. no han aprobado esta estrategia. Esto puede poner a clínicos y farmacéuticos en una posición difícil si los Read more…
