We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
“Can’t wait to write a tell all about my experience during my last two trimesters dealing with incompetent doctors at Montefiore [Hospital].” On April 17, 2020, Amber Rose Isaac logged into her Twitter account and aired her grievances for the last time. Just four days later, she died of childbirth complications from a severely delayed Read more…
Do I need any special vaccinations for my upcoming trip to Costa Rica?
Travel Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Fun!! We are jealous! The CDC monitors infectious diseases all over the world and makes recommendations for immunizations you might need that aren’t common in the United States. They keep an up-do-date list for each country. Just go to the CDC Traveler’s Health website and choose your destination. You’ll see notices about any special health Read more…
February is American Heart Month: what screenings are available for cardiovascular disease?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
Screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes checking for risk factors including high blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. Screenings such as an EKG, stress test, coronary calcium score CT scan or cardiac catheterization may also be used depending on risks and symptoms. Those Nerdy Girls want to help people identify symptoms and reduce their risk of Read more…
Are there differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) between women and men?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
Risk factors and symptoms of CVD can be different for women. Estrogen plays an important role in risk for CVD. Besides chest pain, women may have subtle symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, milder discomfort in the chest, back and abdomen or a sensation of generalized weakness. **Nerds, for the purpose of this article, “women” refers Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Why do Those Nerdy Girls use phrases like “people with cervices” and “people who lactate” in your reproductive health posts? Why not just say “women”?
Health Policy Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or Neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Great question from Leah!* The answer: Yes, it is OK! We don’t have evidence that using nose sprays or Neti pots will change your COVID-19 rapid test results! TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
Do rapid antigen tests detect the latest COVID-19 variants?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests can detect the latest COVID-19 variants, but their performance may be weaker than it was with the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is a good chance that you will have to test more than once to get your first positive test. The answer to the question “how well do antigen tests work?” is Read more…
¿Es normal estar muy ansiosa seis meses después de tener un bebé? Todo el mundo me dice que mejorará.
Mental Health Posts en Español Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
SĂ y no. Cierto grado de adaptaciĂłn es normal, pero los cambios repentinos en cĂłmo te sientes pueden ser un signo de que estás experimentando un trastorno del estado de ánimo o de ansiedad en el periodo perinatal (a veces denominado trastorno de ansiedad postparto). ÂżAsĂ que mucha gente realmente pasa por esto? Por supuesto. Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
“Can’t wait to write a tell all about my experience during my last two trimesters dealing with incompetent doctors at Montefiore [Hospital].” On April 17, 2020, Amber Rose Isaac logged into her Twitter account and aired her grievances for the last time. Just four days later, she died of childbirth complications from a severely delayed Read more…
Do I need any special vaccinations for my upcoming trip to Costa Rica?
Travel VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Fun!! We are jealous! The CDC monitors infectious diseases all over the world and makes recommendations for immunizations you might need that aren’t common in the United States. They keep an up-do-date list for each country. Just go to the CDC Traveler’s Health website and choose your destination. You’ll see notices about any special health Read more…
February is American Heart Month: what screenings are available for cardiovascular disease?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
Screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes checking for risk factors including high blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. Screenings such as an EKG, stress test, coronary calcium score CT scan or cardiac catheterization may also be used depending on risks and symptoms. Those Nerdy Girls want to help people identify symptoms and reduce their risk of Read more…
Are there differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) between women and men?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
Risk factors and symptoms of CVD can be different for women. Estrogen plays an important role in risk for CVD. Besides chest pain, women may have subtle symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, milder discomfort in the chest, back and abdomen or a sensation of generalized weakness. **Nerds, for the purpose of this article, “women” refers Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Why do Those Nerdy Girls use phrases like “people with cervices” and “people who lactate” in your reproductive health posts? Why not just say “women”?
Health Policy Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or Neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Great question from Leah!* The answer: Yes, it is OK! We don’t have evidence that using nose sprays or Neti pots will change your COVID-19 rapid test results! TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
Do rapid antigen tests detect the latest COVID-19 variants?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests can detect the latest COVID-19 variants, but their performance may be weaker than it was with the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is a good chance that you will have to test more than once to get your first positive test. The answer to the question “how well do antigen tests work?” is Read more…
¿Es normal estar muy ansiosa seis meses después de tener un bebé? Todo el mundo me dice que mejorará.
Mental Health Posts en Español Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
SĂ y no. Cierto grado de adaptaciĂłn es normal, pero los cambios repentinos en cĂłmo te sientes pueden ser un signo de que estás experimentando un trastorno del estado de ánimo o de ansiedad en el periodo perinatal (a veces denominado trastorno de ansiedad postparto). ÂżAsĂ que mucha gente realmente pasa por esto? Por supuesto. Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
Fun!! We are jealous! The CDC monitors infectious diseases all over the world and makes recommendations for immunizations you might need that aren’t common in the United States. They keep an up-do-date list for each country. Just go to the CDC Traveler’s Health website and choose your destination. You’ll see notices about any special health Read more…
February is American Heart Month: what screenings are available for cardiovascular disease?
Health & WellnessMegan Madsen, DO
Screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes checking for risk factors including high blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. Screenings such as an EKG, stress test, coronary calcium score CT scan or cardiac catheterization may also be used depending on risks and symptoms. Those Nerdy Girls want to help people identify symptoms and reduce their risk of Read more…
Are there differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) between women and men?
Health & Wellness
Megan Madsen, DO
Risk factors and symptoms of CVD can be different for women. Estrogen plays an important role in risk for CVD. Besides chest pain, women may have subtle symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, milder discomfort in the chest, back and abdomen or a sensation of generalized weakness. **Nerds, for the purpose of this article, “women” refers Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Why do Those Nerdy Girls use phrases like “people with cervices” and “people who lactate” in your reproductive health posts? Why not just say “women”?
Health Policy Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or Neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Great question from Leah!* The answer: Yes, it is OK! We don’t have evidence that using nose sprays or Neti pots will change your COVID-19 rapid test results! TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
Do rapid antigen tests detect the latest COVID-19 variants?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests can detect the latest COVID-19 variants, but their performance may be weaker than it was with the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is a good chance that you will have to test more than once to get your first positive test. The answer to the question “how well do antigen tests work?” is Read more…
¿Es normal estar muy ansiosa seis meses después de tener un bebé? Todo el mundo me dice que mejorará.
Mental Health Posts en Español Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
SĂ y no. Cierto grado de adaptaciĂłn es normal, pero los cambios repentinos en cĂłmo te sientes pueden ser un signo de que estás experimentando un trastorno del estado de ánimo o de ansiedad en el periodo perinatal (a veces denominado trastorno de ansiedad postparto). ÂżAsĂ que mucha gente realmente pasa por esto? Por supuesto. Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
Screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes checking for risk factors including high blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. Screenings such as an EKG, stress test, coronary calcium score CT scan or cardiac catheterization may also be used depending on risks and symptoms. Those Nerdy Girls want to help people identify symptoms and reduce their risk of Read more…
Are there differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) between women and men?
Health & WellnessMegan Madsen, DO
Risk factors and symptoms of CVD can be different for women. Estrogen plays an important role in risk for CVD. Besides chest pain, women may have subtle symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, milder discomfort in the chest, back and abdomen or a sensation of generalized weakness. **Nerds, for the purpose of this article, “women” refers Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Why do Those Nerdy Girls use phrases like “people with cervices” and “people who lactate” in your reproductive health posts? Why not just say “women”?
Health Policy Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or Neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Great question from Leah!* The answer: Yes, it is OK! We don’t have evidence that using nose sprays or Neti pots will change your COVID-19 rapid test results! TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
Do rapid antigen tests detect the latest COVID-19 variants?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests can detect the latest COVID-19 variants, but their performance may be weaker than it was with the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is a good chance that you will have to test more than once to get your first positive test. The answer to the question “how well do antigen tests work?” is Read more…
¿Es normal estar muy ansiosa seis meses después de tener un bebé? Todo el mundo me dice que mejorará.
Mental Health Posts en Español Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
SĂ y no. Cierto grado de adaptaciĂłn es normal, pero los cambios repentinos en cĂłmo te sientes pueden ser un signo de que estás experimentando un trastorno del estado de ánimo o de ansiedad en el periodo perinatal (a veces denominado trastorno de ansiedad postparto). ÂżAsĂ que mucha gente realmente pasa por esto? Por supuesto. Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
Risk factors and symptoms of CVD can be different for women. Estrogen plays an important role in risk for CVD. Besides chest pain, women may have subtle symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, milder discomfort in the chest, back and abdomen or a sensation of generalized weakness. **Nerds, for the purpose of this article, “women” refers Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious DiseasesChana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Why do Those Nerdy Girls use phrases like “people with cervices” and “people who lactate” in your reproductive health posts? Why not just say “women”?
Health Policy Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or Neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Great question from Leah!* The answer: Yes, it is OK! We don’t have evidence that using nose sprays or Neti pots will change your COVID-19 rapid test results! TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
Do rapid antigen tests detect the latest COVID-19 variants?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests can detect the latest COVID-19 variants, but their performance may be weaker than it was with the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is a good chance that you will have to test more than once to get your first positive test. The answer to the question “how well do antigen tests work?” is Read more…
¿Es normal estar muy ansiosa seis meses después de tener un bebé? Todo el mundo me dice que mejorará.
Mental Health Posts en Español Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
SĂ y no. Cierto grado de adaptaciĂłn es normal, pero los cambios repentinos en cĂłmo te sientes pueden ser un signo de que estás experimentando un trastorno del estado de ánimo o de ansiedad en el periodo perinatal (a veces denominado trastorno de ansiedad postparto). ÂżAsĂ que mucha gente realmente pasa por esto? Por supuesto. Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
Why do Those Nerdy Girls use phrases like “people with cervices” and “people who lactate” in your reproductive health posts? Why not just say “women”?
Health Policy Reproductive Health Social and Racial JusticeMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or Neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Great question from Leah!* The answer: Yes, it is OK! We don’t have evidence that using nose sprays or Neti pots will change your COVID-19 rapid test results! TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
Do rapid antigen tests detect the latest COVID-19 variants?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests can detect the latest COVID-19 variants, but their performance may be weaker than it was with the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is a good chance that you will have to test more than once to get your first positive test. The answer to the question “how well do antigen tests work?” is Read more…
¿Es normal estar muy ansiosa seis meses después de tener un bebé? Todo el mundo me dice que mejorará.
Mental Health Posts en Español Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
SĂ y no. Cierto grado de adaptaciĂłn es normal, pero los cambios repentinos en cĂłmo te sientes pueden ser un signo de que estás experimentando un trastorno del estado de ánimo o de ansiedad en el periodo perinatal (a veces denominado trastorno de ansiedad postparto). ÂżAsĂ que mucha gente realmente pasa por esto? Por supuesto. Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
I just heard about Missed Period Pills – is that really a thing?
Reproductive Health
A: “Missed period pills” are the same medications used for an at-home abortion, but are taken much earlier and without confirming an actual pregnancy. If you are a few days late for a period, it could be due to a very early pregnancy OR to a variety of other things. Stress, illness, and hormonal fluctuations Read more…
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Health & Wellness Reproductive HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or Neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Great question from Leah!* The answer: Yes, it is OK! We don’t have evidence that using nose sprays or Neti pots will change your COVID-19 rapid test results! TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
Do rapid antigen tests detect the latest COVID-19 variants?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests can detect the latest COVID-19 variants, but their performance may be weaker than it was with the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is a good chance that you will have to test more than once to get your first positive test. The answer to the question “how well do antigen tests work?” is Read more…
¿Es normal estar muy ansiosa seis meses después de tener un bebé? Todo el mundo me dice que mejorará.
Mental Health Posts en Español Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
SĂ y no. Cierto grado de adaptaciĂłn es normal, pero los cambios repentinos en cĂłmo te sientes pueden ser un signo de que estás experimentando un trastorno del estado de ánimo o de ansiedad en el periodo perinatal (a veces denominado trastorno de ansiedad postparto). ÂżAsĂ que mucha gente realmente pasa por esto? Por supuesto. Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
Q: Who should get Pap tests? At what point do they become unnecessary? – Debra in Washington A: Everyone with a cervix aged 21 to 65 years should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. Screening should use either a Pap test that looks for pre-cancer or cancer cells on the cervix and/or a Read more…
Did you know it is National News Literacy Week?!!!
Uncertainty and MisinformationAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or Neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Great question from Leah!* The answer: Yes, it is OK! We don’t have evidence that using nose sprays or Neti pots will change your COVID-19 rapid test results! TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
Do rapid antigen tests detect the latest COVID-19 variants?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests can detect the latest COVID-19 variants, but their performance may be weaker than it was with the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is a good chance that you will have to test more than once to get your first positive test. The answer to the question “how well do antigen tests work?” is Read more…
¿Es normal estar muy ansiosa seis meses después de tener un bebé? Todo el mundo me dice que mejorará.
Mental Health Posts en Español Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
SĂ y no. Cierto grado de adaptaciĂłn es normal, pero los cambios repentinos en cĂłmo te sientes pueden ser un signo de que estás experimentando un trastorno del estado de ánimo o de ansiedad en el periodo perinatal (a veces denominado trastorno de ansiedad postparto). ÂżAsĂ que mucha gente realmente pasa por esto? Por supuesto. Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
It is! This week marks the 4th annual National News Literacy Week during which The News Literacy Project will be sharing tools and resources that can help us all become better at navigating news information and discuss how to rebuild trust in news media! TL; DR: Check out the events they have planned and sign Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or Neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Great question from Leah!* The answer: Yes, it is OK! We don’t have evidence that using nose sprays or Neti pots will change your COVID-19 rapid test results! TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
Do rapid antigen tests detect the latest COVID-19 variants?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests can detect the latest COVID-19 variants, but their performance may be weaker than it was with the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is a good chance that you will have to test more than once to get your first positive test. The answer to the question “how well do antigen tests work?” is Read more…
¿Es normal estar muy ansiosa seis meses después de tener un bebé? Todo el mundo me dice que mejorará.
Mental Health Posts en Español Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
SĂ y no. Cierto grado de adaptaciĂłn es normal, pero los cambios repentinos en cĂłmo te sientes pueden ser un signo de que estás experimentando un trastorno del estado de ánimo o de ansiedad en el periodo perinatal (a veces denominado trastorno de ansiedad postparto). ÂżAsĂ que mucha gente realmente pasa por esto? Por supuesto. Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
Great question from Leah!* The answer: Yes, it is OK! We don’t have evidence that using nose sprays or Neti pots will change your COVID-19 rapid test results! TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 01-18-23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Masks Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing VideosChana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
Do rapid antigen tests detect the latest COVID-19 variants?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests can detect the latest COVID-19 variants, but their performance may be weaker than it was with the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is a good chance that you will have to test more than once to get your first positive test. The answer to the question “how well do antigen tests work?” is Read more…
¿Es normal estar muy ansiosa seis meses después de tener un bebé? Todo el mundo me dice que mejorará.
Mental Health Posts en Español Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
SĂ y no. Cierto grado de adaptaciĂłn es normal, pero los cambios repentinos en cĂłmo te sientes pueden ser un signo de que estás experimentando un trastorno del estado de ánimo o de ansiedad en el periodo perinatal (a veces denominado trastorno de ansiedad postparto). ÂżAsĂ que mucha gente realmente pasa por esto? Por supuesto. Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls deliver a New Year’s message from our CEO Dr. Ashley Ritter and also share advice on staying healthy during the tripledemic, including testing, masking, and more. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: – Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD:TNG CEO & Founding Member – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder at Fueled Read more…
Do rapid antigen tests detect the latest COVID-19 variants?
Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests can detect the latest COVID-19 variants, but their performance may be weaker than it was with the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is a good chance that you will have to test more than once to get your first positive test. The answer to the question “how well do antigen tests work?” is Read more…
¿Es normal estar muy ansiosa seis meses después de tener un bebé? Todo el mundo me dice que mejorará.
Mental Health Posts en Español Reproductive Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
SĂ y no. Cierto grado de adaptaciĂłn es normal, pero los cambios repentinos en cĂłmo te sientes pueden ser un signo de que estás experimentando un trastorno del estado de ánimo o de ansiedad en el periodo perinatal (a veces denominado trastorno de ansiedad postparto). ÂżAsĂ que mucha gente realmente pasa por esto? Por supuesto. Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
Rapid antigen tests can detect the latest COVID-19 variants, but their performance may be weaker than it was with the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is a good chance that you will have to test more than once to get your first positive test. The answer to the question “how well do antigen tests work?” is Read more…
¿Es normal estar muy ansiosa seis meses después de tener un bebé? Todo el mundo me dice que mejorará.
Mental Health Posts en Español Reproductive HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
SĂ y no. Cierto grado de adaptaciĂłn es normal, pero los cambios repentinos en cĂłmo te sientes pueden ser un signo de que estás experimentando un trastorno del estado de ánimo o de ansiedad en el periodo perinatal (a veces denominado trastorno de ansiedad postparto). ÂżAsĂ que mucha gente realmente pasa por esto? Por supuesto. Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
Vaccines
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
SĂ y no. Cierto grado de adaptaciĂłn es normal, pero los cambios repentinos en cĂłmo te sientes pueden ser un signo de que estás experimentando un trastorno del estado de ánimo o de ansiedad en el periodo perinatal (a veces denominado trastorno de ansiedad postparto). ÂżAsĂ que mucha gente realmente pasa por esto? Por supuesto. Read more…
Help! Some of my friends/family are not up to date on their vaccines. How do I start the conversation?
VaccinesSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
A: Bottom line – start small (with questions) and be empathic. Don’t focus on why they’re “wrong.” While a majority of Americans (about 79%) have received at least one dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, many have not stayed up to date on boosters (or finished their primary series). Some are still waiting for Read more…
What’s going on with strep infections?
Infectious DiseasesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
TL;DR: Group A streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause infections of the throat and skin. In rare cases, it can lead to serious and invasive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and other severe infections. Though still rare, the WHO Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the US Read more…
Does getting COVID-19 rapid tests covered by your insurance require you to pay out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed?
Testing and Contact TracingAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID Variants
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
Not always! In many cases you can walk into a pharmacy, provide your insurance card, and walk out with 8 free tests! No paperwork or reimbursement required. If you have health insurance in the U.S. (via your employer, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace) **EACH PERSON** in your family covered on Read more…
How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant?
COVID VariantsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
XBB.1.5 has a transmission advantage, but this doesn’t make it a game-changing “super variant.” Keep calm, get boosted (and ramp-up precautions), and carry-on. At this stage of the pandemic, new variants are *guaranteed* to come and go. Variants arise from random errors as viruses make copies of itself. Most of these errors will be neutral Read more…
Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster!
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
COVID activity is picking up in the United States and much of Europe. We’ve heard from our own families that many people *think* they are up to date on boosters but actually haven’t gotten the updated (or “bivalent” booster). If you got your previous boosters prior to September 2022 but none since, you are eligible Read more…
Feeling the holiday blues?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
đź’™ Everybody has the blues, sometimes. Almost 50% of us at this time of year, to be specific. The holiday week between 🎄 Christmas and 🎊 New Year’s Day can be a difficult one. Of course some of us have joyful feelings and good memories, but others feel lonely, sad, empty, or not physically well, Read more…
When during my cycle can I get pregnant?
Reproductive HealthAlexandra Hall, MD
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
A: Most people are in their “fertile window” from about day 10-17 after the first day of their period, but this can vary a LOT. In people not taking hormonal types of birth control, the uterus and ovaries tend to go through a cycle, trying about once a month to get the body pregnant. The Read more…
