Two new reported cases of H5N1 in humans
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
*This information is up to date as of May 22, 2024 Press releases from the CDC and the Victoria, Australia Department of Health were sent out today regarding two new cases of human H5N1 infections. Here is what we know about each case: Michigan, USA Dairy Worker This is the second US case this year Read more…
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 15, 2024
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current Bird Flu outbreak? Here is what’s new and what we know about the current H5N1 outbreak: In a nutshell: ⚫ According to the USDA there are now 46 affected cattle herds across nine states (although testing remains patchy and spread is likely wider). ⚫ There Read more…
We should get ahead of vaccine hesitancy before new vaccines come out.
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Recent headlines have been filled with news about the H5N1 “avian flu” outbreak in birds and cattle. The situation is quickly evolving, requiring public health officials and communicators to stay up to date and provide rapid and regular updates. Concerns about our country’s readiness to deal with another pandemic are growing, including insufficient data collection Read more…
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
Avian flu update – May 3, 2024
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
The avian flu virus that has infected wild birds & mammals with recent spread to dairy cattle herds currently presents a low risk to human health but is an evolving situation that deserves monitoring. I recently heard Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator (and excellent science communicator), say something like: “Highly pathogenic avian Read more…
Avian flu update – April 2024
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The avian flu virus infecting dairy cattle herds, poultry, and many wild birds in the United States is an emerging situation with unanswered questions. At this point, no case of a human passing the virus along to another human has been identified. This means that it’s unlikely to become widespread among humans in its current Read more…
COVID vaccination reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes after a COVID infection.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
New data shows an important benefit of COVID vaccines – lowering your risk of cardiovascular events after an infection. As if a nasty illness, hospitalization, or long COVID were not enough, the risk of a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke is higher for weeks (or even months) after a COVID infection. Read more…
What should I do if I get sick? The guidance keeps changing!
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: If you can stay home for a few days when you are sick, you should. If you test positive for COVID, isolating until you test negative is safest. If you can’t, wear a high quality mask and do your best to minimize your exposure to others. The US CDC recently updated their guidance to Read more…
Who is still dying of COVID?
Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Jenn Dowd answers your COVID question. ➡️ A lot of people who could be benefiting from vaccines and treatment but are not. The good news is that COVID mortality is much lower than it has been in previous winters. The bad news is that this winter, close to 2000 Americans per week Read more…
I’m over 65. Do I really need another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
People over 65 in the US are now eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine. If you didn’t get a vaccine this fall, have chronic health conditions, or have important spring and summer events planned, you should get a dose now. Following a review of vaccine data by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Read more…
Home Test to Treat Program in US
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
We wanted to let you know about an exciting new program in the US that provides free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu – at home! It’s called the Home Test to Treat program and is worth looking into BEFORE you get sick, because time is of the essence for testing and treatment. Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
*This information is up to date as of May 22, 2024 Press releases from the CDC and the Victoria, Australia Department of Health were sent out today regarding two new cases of human H5N1 infections. Here is what we know about each case: Michigan, USA Dairy Worker This is the second US case this year Read more…
Is it safe to eat beef, given the avian flu outbreaks in cows?
Infectious Diseases Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 15, 2024
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current Bird Flu outbreak? Here is what’s new and what we know about the current H5N1 outbreak: In a nutshell: ⚫ According to the USDA there are now 46 affected cattle herds across nine states (although testing remains patchy and spread is likely wider). ⚫ There Read more…
We should get ahead of vaccine hesitancy before new vaccines come out.
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Recent headlines have been filled with news about the H5N1 “avian flu” outbreak in birds and cattle. The situation is quickly evolving, requiring public health officials and communicators to stay up to date and provide rapid and regular updates. Concerns about our country’s readiness to deal with another pandemic are growing, including insufficient data collection Read more…
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
Avian flu update – May 3, 2024
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
The avian flu virus that has infected wild birds & mammals with recent spread to dairy cattle herds currently presents a low risk to human health but is an evolving situation that deserves monitoring. I recently heard Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator (and excellent science communicator), say something like: “Highly pathogenic avian Read more…
Avian flu update – April 2024
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The avian flu virus infecting dairy cattle herds, poultry, and many wild birds in the United States is an emerging situation with unanswered questions. At this point, no case of a human passing the virus along to another human has been identified. This means that it’s unlikely to become widespread among humans in its current Read more…
COVID vaccination reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes after a COVID infection.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
New data shows an important benefit of COVID vaccines – lowering your risk of cardiovascular events after an infection. As if a nasty illness, hospitalization, or long COVID were not enough, the risk of a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke is higher for weeks (or even months) after a COVID infection. Read more…
What should I do if I get sick? The guidance keeps changing!
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: If you can stay home for a few days when you are sick, you should. If you test positive for COVID, isolating until you test negative is safest. If you can’t, wear a high quality mask and do your best to minimize your exposure to others. The US CDC recently updated their guidance to Read more…
Who is still dying of COVID?
Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Jenn Dowd answers your COVID question. ➡️ A lot of people who could be benefiting from vaccines and treatment but are not. The good news is that COVID mortality is much lower than it has been in previous winters. The bad news is that this winter, close to 2000 Americans per week Read more…
I’m over 65. Do I really need another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
People over 65 in the US are now eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine. If you didn’t get a vaccine this fall, have chronic health conditions, or have important spring and summer events planned, you should get a dose now. Following a review of vaccine data by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Read more…
Home Test to Treat Program in US
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
We wanted to let you know about an exciting new program in the US that provides free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu – at home! It’s called the Home Test to Treat program and is worth looking into BEFORE you get sick, because time is of the essence for testing and treatment. Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
A: The short answer is probably, but no one really knows. But: we do know that cooking your food properly and practicing good food safety to avoid cross-contamination is always SAFER. Reducing your risk is effective no matter what the risk was in the first place or how badly we understand it, so risk-reduction is Read more…
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 15, 2024
Infectious DiseasesSandy Laping
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current Bird Flu outbreak? Here is what’s new and what we know about the current H5N1 outbreak: In a nutshell: ⚫ According to the USDA there are now 46 affected cattle herds across nine states (although testing remains patchy and spread is likely wider). ⚫ There Read more…
We should get ahead of vaccine hesitancy before new vaccines come out.
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Recent headlines have been filled with news about the H5N1 “avian flu” outbreak in birds and cattle. The situation is quickly evolving, requiring public health officials and communicators to stay up to date and provide rapid and regular updates. Concerns about our country’s readiness to deal with another pandemic are growing, including insufficient data collection Read more…
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
Avian flu update – May 3, 2024
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
The avian flu virus that has infected wild birds & mammals with recent spread to dairy cattle herds currently presents a low risk to human health but is an evolving situation that deserves monitoring. I recently heard Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator (and excellent science communicator), say something like: “Highly pathogenic avian Read more…
Avian flu update – April 2024
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The avian flu virus infecting dairy cattle herds, poultry, and many wild birds in the United States is an emerging situation with unanswered questions. At this point, no case of a human passing the virus along to another human has been identified. This means that it’s unlikely to become widespread among humans in its current Read more…
COVID vaccination reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes after a COVID infection.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
New data shows an important benefit of COVID vaccines – lowering your risk of cardiovascular events after an infection. As if a nasty illness, hospitalization, or long COVID were not enough, the risk of a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke is higher for weeks (or even months) after a COVID infection. Read more…
What should I do if I get sick? The guidance keeps changing!
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: If you can stay home for a few days when you are sick, you should. If you test positive for COVID, isolating until you test negative is safest. If you can’t, wear a high quality mask and do your best to minimize your exposure to others. The US CDC recently updated their guidance to Read more…
Who is still dying of COVID?
Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Jenn Dowd answers your COVID question. ➡️ A lot of people who could be benefiting from vaccines and treatment but are not. The good news is that COVID mortality is much lower than it has been in previous winters. The bad news is that this winter, close to 2000 Americans per week Read more…
I’m over 65. Do I really need another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
People over 65 in the US are now eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine. If you didn’t get a vaccine this fall, have chronic health conditions, or have important spring and summer events planned, you should get a dose now. Following a review of vaccine data by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Read more…
Home Test to Treat Program in US
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
We wanted to let you know about an exciting new program in the US that provides free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu – at home! It’s called the Home Test to Treat program and is worth looking into BEFORE you get sick, because time is of the essence for testing and treatment. Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
Are there any updates on what’s happening with the current Bird Flu outbreak? Here is what’s new and what we know about the current H5N1 outbreak: In a nutshell: ⚫ According to the USDA there are now 46 affected cattle herds across nine states (although testing remains patchy and spread is likely wider). ⚫ There Read more…
We should get ahead of vaccine hesitancy before new vaccines come out.
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Recent headlines have been filled with news about the H5N1 “avian flu” outbreak in birds and cattle. The situation is quickly evolving, requiring public health officials and communicators to stay up to date and provide rapid and regular updates. Concerns about our country’s readiness to deal with another pandemic are growing, including insufficient data collection Read more…
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
Avian flu update – May 3, 2024
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
The avian flu virus that has infected wild birds & mammals with recent spread to dairy cattle herds currently presents a low risk to human health but is an evolving situation that deserves monitoring. I recently heard Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator (and excellent science communicator), say something like: “Highly pathogenic avian Read more…
Avian flu update – April 2024
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The avian flu virus infecting dairy cattle herds, poultry, and many wild birds in the United States is an emerging situation with unanswered questions. At this point, no case of a human passing the virus along to another human has been identified. This means that it’s unlikely to become widespread among humans in its current Read more…
COVID vaccination reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes after a COVID infection.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
New data shows an important benefit of COVID vaccines – lowering your risk of cardiovascular events after an infection. As if a nasty illness, hospitalization, or long COVID were not enough, the risk of a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke is higher for weeks (or even months) after a COVID infection. Read more…
What should I do if I get sick? The guidance keeps changing!
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: If you can stay home for a few days when you are sick, you should. If you test positive for COVID, isolating until you test negative is safest. If you can’t, wear a high quality mask and do your best to minimize your exposure to others. The US CDC recently updated their guidance to Read more…
Who is still dying of COVID?
Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Jenn Dowd answers your COVID question. ➡️ A lot of people who could be benefiting from vaccines and treatment but are not. The good news is that COVID mortality is much lower than it has been in previous winters. The bad news is that this winter, close to 2000 Americans per week Read more…
I’m over 65. Do I really need another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
People over 65 in the US are now eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine. If you didn’t get a vaccine this fall, have chronic health conditions, or have important spring and summer events planned, you should get a dose now. Following a review of vaccine data by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Read more…
Home Test to Treat Program in US
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
We wanted to let you know about an exciting new program in the US that provides free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu – at home! It’s called the Home Test to Treat program and is worth looking into BEFORE you get sick, because time is of the essence for testing and treatment. Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
Recent headlines have been filled with news about the H5N1 “avian flu” outbreak in birds and cattle. The situation is quickly evolving, requiring public health officials and communicators to stay up to date and provide rapid and regular updates. Concerns about our country’s readiness to deal with another pandemic are growing, including insufficient data collection Read more…
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update – May 8, 2024
Infectious Diseases Staying SafeSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
Avian flu update – May 3, 2024
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
The avian flu virus that has infected wild birds & mammals with recent spread to dairy cattle herds currently presents a low risk to human health but is an evolving situation that deserves monitoring. I recently heard Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator (and excellent science communicator), say something like: “Highly pathogenic avian Read more…
Avian flu update – April 2024
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The avian flu virus infecting dairy cattle herds, poultry, and many wild birds in the United States is an emerging situation with unanswered questions. At this point, no case of a human passing the virus along to another human has been identified. This means that it’s unlikely to become widespread among humans in its current Read more…
COVID vaccination reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes after a COVID infection.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
New data shows an important benefit of COVID vaccines – lowering your risk of cardiovascular events after an infection. As if a nasty illness, hospitalization, or long COVID were not enough, the risk of a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke is higher for weeks (or even months) after a COVID infection. Read more…
What should I do if I get sick? The guidance keeps changing!
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: If you can stay home for a few days when you are sick, you should. If you test positive for COVID, isolating until you test negative is safest. If you can’t, wear a high quality mask and do your best to minimize your exposure to others. The US CDC recently updated their guidance to Read more…
Who is still dying of COVID?
Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Jenn Dowd answers your COVID question. ➡️ A lot of people who could be benefiting from vaccines and treatment but are not. The good news is that COVID mortality is much lower than it has been in previous winters. The bad news is that this winter, close to 2000 Americans per week Read more…
I’m over 65. Do I really need another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
People over 65 in the US are now eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine. If you didn’t get a vaccine this fall, have chronic health conditions, or have important spring and summer events planned, you should get a dose now. Following a review of vaccine data by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Read more…
Home Test to Treat Program in US
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
We wanted to let you know about an exciting new program in the US that provides free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu – at home! It’s called the Home Test to Treat program and is worth looking into BEFORE you get sick, because time is of the essence for testing and treatment. Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
Avian Influenza (H5N1) Update This update is accurate as of May 8, 2024. Q: What’s the latest in the H5N1 outbreak? A: We are beginning to get more information about how this virus spreads and what the public health community could be doing to improve its response. The current outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has Read more…
Avian flu update – May 3, 2024
Hot Health Topics Infectious DiseasesAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
The avian flu virus that has infected wild birds & mammals with recent spread to dairy cattle herds currently presents a low risk to human health but is an evolving situation that deserves monitoring. I recently heard Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator (and excellent science communicator), say something like: “Highly pathogenic avian Read more…
Avian flu update – April 2024
Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The avian flu virus infecting dairy cattle herds, poultry, and many wild birds in the United States is an emerging situation with unanswered questions. At this point, no case of a human passing the virus along to another human has been identified. This means that it’s unlikely to become widespread among humans in its current Read more…
COVID vaccination reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes after a COVID infection.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
New data shows an important benefit of COVID vaccines – lowering your risk of cardiovascular events after an infection. As if a nasty illness, hospitalization, or long COVID were not enough, the risk of a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke is higher for weeks (or even months) after a COVID infection. Read more…
What should I do if I get sick? The guidance keeps changing!
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: If you can stay home for a few days when you are sick, you should. If you test positive for COVID, isolating until you test negative is safest. If you can’t, wear a high quality mask and do your best to minimize your exposure to others. The US CDC recently updated their guidance to Read more…
Who is still dying of COVID?
Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Jenn Dowd answers your COVID question. ➡️ A lot of people who could be benefiting from vaccines and treatment but are not. The good news is that COVID mortality is much lower than it has been in previous winters. The bad news is that this winter, close to 2000 Americans per week Read more…
I’m over 65. Do I really need another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
People over 65 in the US are now eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine. If you didn’t get a vaccine this fall, have chronic health conditions, or have important spring and summer events planned, you should get a dose now. Following a review of vaccine data by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Read more…
Home Test to Treat Program in US
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
We wanted to let you know about an exciting new program in the US that provides free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu – at home! It’s called the Home Test to Treat program and is worth looking into BEFORE you get sick, because time is of the essence for testing and treatment. Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
The avian flu virus that has infected wild birds & mammals with recent spread to dairy cattle herds currently presents a low risk to human health but is an evolving situation that deserves monitoring. I recently heard Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator (and excellent science communicator), say something like: “Highly pathogenic avian Read more…
Avian flu update – April 2024
Hot Health Topics Infectious DiseasesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
The avian flu virus infecting dairy cattle herds, poultry, and many wild birds in the United States is an emerging situation with unanswered questions. At this point, no case of a human passing the virus along to another human has been identified. This means that it’s unlikely to become widespread among humans in its current Read more…
COVID vaccination reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes after a COVID infection.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
New data shows an important benefit of COVID vaccines – lowering your risk of cardiovascular events after an infection. As if a nasty illness, hospitalization, or long COVID were not enough, the risk of a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke is higher for weeks (or even months) after a COVID infection. Read more…
What should I do if I get sick? The guidance keeps changing!
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: If you can stay home for a few days when you are sick, you should. If you test positive for COVID, isolating until you test negative is safest. If you can’t, wear a high quality mask and do your best to minimize your exposure to others. The US CDC recently updated their guidance to Read more…
Who is still dying of COVID?
Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Jenn Dowd answers your COVID question. ➡️ A lot of people who could be benefiting from vaccines and treatment but are not. The good news is that COVID mortality is much lower than it has been in previous winters. The bad news is that this winter, close to 2000 Americans per week Read more…
I’m over 65. Do I really need another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
People over 65 in the US are now eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine. If you didn’t get a vaccine this fall, have chronic health conditions, or have important spring and summer events planned, you should get a dose now. Following a review of vaccine data by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Read more…
Home Test to Treat Program in US
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
We wanted to let you know about an exciting new program in the US that provides free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu – at home! It’s called the Home Test to Treat program and is worth looking into BEFORE you get sick, because time is of the essence for testing and treatment. Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
The avian flu virus infecting dairy cattle herds, poultry, and many wild birds in the United States is an emerging situation with unanswered questions. At this point, no case of a human passing the virus along to another human has been identified. This means that it’s unlikely to become widespread among humans in its current Read more…
COVID vaccination reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes after a COVID infection.
Infectious Diseases VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
New data shows an important benefit of COVID vaccines – lowering your risk of cardiovascular events after an infection. As if a nasty illness, hospitalization, or long COVID were not enough, the risk of a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke is higher for weeks (or even months) after a COVID infection. Read more…
What should I do if I get sick? The guidance keeps changing!
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: If you can stay home for a few days when you are sick, you should. If you test positive for COVID, isolating until you test negative is safest. If you can’t, wear a high quality mask and do your best to minimize your exposure to others. The US CDC recently updated their guidance to Read more…
Who is still dying of COVID?
Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Jenn Dowd answers your COVID question. ➡️ A lot of people who could be benefiting from vaccines and treatment but are not. The good news is that COVID mortality is much lower than it has been in previous winters. The bad news is that this winter, close to 2000 Americans per week Read more…
I’m over 65. Do I really need another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
People over 65 in the US are now eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine. If you didn’t get a vaccine this fall, have chronic health conditions, or have important spring and summer events planned, you should get a dose now. Following a review of vaccine data by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Read more…
Home Test to Treat Program in US
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
We wanted to let you know about an exciting new program in the US that provides free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu – at home! It’s called the Home Test to Treat program and is worth looking into BEFORE you get sick, because time is of the essence for testing and treatment. Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
New data shows an important benefit of COVID vaccines – lowering your risk of cardiovascular events after an infection. As if a nasty illness, hospitalization, or long COVID were not enough, the risk of a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke is higher for weeks (or even months) after a COVID infection. Read more…
What should I do if I get sick? The guidance keeps changing!
Infectious DiseasesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: If you can stay home for a few days when you are sick, you should. If you test positive for COVID, isolating until you test negative is safest. If you can’t, wear a high quality mask and do your best to minimize your exposure to others. The US CDC recently updated their guidance to Read more…
Who is still dying of COVID?
Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Jenn Dowd answers your COVID question. ➡️ A lot of people who could be benefiting from vaccines and treatment but are not. The good news is that COVID mortality is much lower than it has been in previous winters. The bad news is that this winter, close to 2000 Americans per week Read more…
I’m over 65. Do I really need another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
People over 65 in the US are now eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine. If you didn’t get a vaccine this fall, have chronic health conditions, or have important spring and summer events planned, you should get a dose now. Following a review of vaccine data by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Read more…
Home Test to Treat Program in US
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
We wanted to let you know about an exciting new program in the US that provides free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu – at home! It’s called the Home Test to Treat program and is worth looking into BEFORE you get sick, because time is of the essence for testing and treatment. Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
A: If you can stay home for a few days when you are sick, you should. If you test positive for COVID, isolating until you test negative is safest. If you can’t, wear a high quality mask and do your best to minimize your exposure to others. The US CDC recently updated their guidance to Read more…
Who is still dying of COVID?
Infectious Diseases Treatments VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Dr. Jenn Dowd answers your COVID question. ➡️ A lot of people who could be benefiting from vaccines and treatment but are not. The good news is that COVID mortality is much lower than it has been in previous winters. The bad news is that this winter, close to 2000 Americans per week Read more…
I’m over 65. Do I really need another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
People over 65 in the US are now eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine. If you didn’t get a vaccine this fall, have chronic health conditions, or have important spring and summer events planned, you should get a dose now. Following a review of vaccine data by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Read more…
Home Test to Treat Program in US
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
We wanted to let you know about an exciting new program in the US that provides free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu – at home! It’s called the Home Test to Treat program and is worth looking into BEFORE you get sick, because time is of the essence for testing and treatment. Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
Nerdy Girl Dr. Jenn Dowd answers your COVID question. ➡️ A lot of people who could be benefiting from vaccines and treatment but are not. The good news is that COVID mortality is much lower than it has been in previous winters. The bad news is that this winter, close to 2000 Americans per week Read more…
I’m over 65. Do I really need another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
People over 65 in the US are now eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine. If you didn’t get a vaccine this fall, have chronic health conditions, or have important spring and summer events planned, you should get a dose now. Following a review of vaccine data by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Read more…
Home Test to Treat Program in US
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
We wanted to let you know about an exciting new program in the US that provides free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu – at home! It’s called the Home Test to Treat program and is worth looking into BEFORE you get sick, because time is of the essence for testing and treatment. Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
People over 65 in the US are now eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine. If you didn’t get a vaccine this fall, have chronic health conditions, or have important spring and summer events planned, you should get a dose now. Following a review of vaccine data by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Read more…
Home Test to Treat Program in US
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
We wanted to let you know about an exciting new program in the US that provides free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu – at home! It’s called the Home Test to Treat program and is worth looking into BEFORE you get sick, because time is of the essence for testing and treatment. Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
We wanted to let you know about an exciting new program in the US that provides free testing and treatment for COVID and the flu – at home! It’s called the Home Test to Treat program and is worth looking into BEFORE you get sick, because time is of the essence for testing and treatment. Read more…
New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots
Infectious Diseases VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
A new study shows that 66% RSV vaccine coverage could avert over 982,000 outpatient (office and ER) visits, 102,000 hospitalizations, and 8,700 deaths in one RSV season in the U.S. alone. We are really lucky to have the new RSV vaccines in our toolbelt for the first time to face this respiratory virus season. We’ve Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesRoopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing TreatmentsAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
Both new RSV vaccines are highly effective (over 80%) at preventing RSV disease. As we’ve recently covered, RSV can be a nasty illness for older adults, landing hundreds of thousands in the hospital each year and causing around ten thousand deaths annually in the US. The good news is that there are two new RSV vaccines approved Read more…
Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases?
Data and Metrics Infectious DiseasesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. But *populations* can experience a “catch-up” period after a period of low virus transmission, which is what seems to be happening in China right now. Recent reports of a high number of cases of childhood pneumonia in China definitely made epidemiologists a tad nervous. But so far, Read more…
