There’s a beach closure due to a blue-green algae bloom near me. Is it safe to let my dog swim in the lake?
Uncategorized
Anna Mueller
No. It’s best to keep them away. You may have experienced a beach closure due to an algae bloom in the warm months. It is important for humans to avoid swimming in the water. But is it okay for your pet to still jump in? Usually, the answer is no. It’s best they also avoid Read more…
There was a measles case in my area. Do I need to be revaccinated?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Anna Mueller
For most people, the answer is NO, you do not need to be revaccinated. The measles vaccine is given in a two-shot series. The first one at 12-16 months and the second at 4-6 years. If you got BOTH doses, you are well protected. However, there are a few specific groups of people who might Read more…
Can a tick bite really make you allergic to meat?
Clinical Symptoms General Health
Yes. A tick bite really can trigger a new allergy to meat, thanks to a condition called alpha‑gal syndrome (AGS). But this tick‑borne food allergy isn’t only about meat. AGS can also cause delayed allergic reactions after eating dairy and other products from mammals, including some that are hidden as ingredients. Late last year, a Read more…
What is National Nurses’ Week?
Health Policy Women in STEM
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
National Nurses’ Week runs from May 6 to May 12 to celebrate the work of nurses across the United States. Nurses’ Day became an “official holiday” in 1982, when then-President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring May 6 to be a “National Recognition Day for Nurses”. The American Nurses’ Association (ANA) expanded the day to Read more…
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Health Policy Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
⚠️ On May 1, 2026, a U.S. federal appeals court restricted telemedicine access to mifepristone across the country, affecting all states, even states where people currently have access to abortion care. The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily paused that ruling. Mifepristone can still be prescribed via telemedicine and mailed to patients at least through May 11, Read more…
Can you tell me more about hantavirus? It’s been in the news, and I’m worried.
Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
Hantavirus sounds scary in the headlines, but understanding how it actually spreads can help you see why most people have little to worry about, and there are some steps you can take to protect yourself if you happen to be in a high-risk exposure group. From what we know so far, the risk for the Read more…
Spring is blooming, but your allergies don’t have to.
General Health
Hannah Mestel, MPH, MBA
Reduce your “pollen load” by using physical barriers like HEPA filters, saline rinses, and evening showers to stop seasonal allergies at the source. If you’ve stepped outside lately and felt like your eyes were replaced by sandpaper, you’re not alone. We love the flowers, but we could do without the microscopic yellow dust that turns Read more…
What is “Cicada,” the new COVID variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
You might have heard of a highly mutated new COVID variant that is making headlines. It’s a variant worth watching, but not worth panicking about — here’s what the science actually says, and what you can do to protect yourself. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): “Cicada’, AKA BA.3.2 in science speak, is a variant to Read more…
Q: How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General Health
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 6, 2023. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Second, get the AED, or Automatic External Defibrillator, because it can help Read more…
Got leftover medications at home? Here’s what to do.
General Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Medications have a way of piling up and can pose real risks. The good news is that getting rid of prescription and over-the-counter medications safely is simple, and any time of year is a good time to do it. 💊Medications have a way of piling up. A prescription you picked up but ended up not Read more…
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
The Hidden Choices Behind Geographic Data
Data Literacy
Claire Wilkinson, MPH
Geographic data, or information organized by location, may look precise, but it’s shaped by choices. How boundaries are drawn, how data are grouped, and how small numbers are handled can all change the story you see. Geographic data, or information tied to a specific place, often appears clean and straightforward – zip code, census tract Read more…
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17.
Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17. What do we need to know? During pregnancy, childbirth, or the first 42 days after delivery of a living child, Black people are dying at almost three times the rate as white people. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. After the initial feelings Read more…
What’s going on with measles (Part 2)
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With measles cases now in 30 states (as of April 2026), many of our readers have questions about what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (Immuno Minutes) is here to answer them. Read our most recent post on measles by Nerdy Girls Dr. Cindy Leifer Read more…
Measles cases continue to rise, and it’s worrying.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Measles is a virus that spreads from person to person in tiny droplets that stay in the air for hours. It is the most contagious infection in people. The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine, which is greater than 97% effective if you get both doses. Watch this video from Cindy Read more…
How do I best navigate a health appointment?
General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks
Those Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
No. It’s best to keep them away. You may have experienced a beach closure due to an algae bloom in the warm months. It is important for humans to avoid swimming in the water. But is it okay for your pet to still jump in? Usually, the answer is no. It’s best they also avoid Read more…
There was a measles case in my area. Do I need to be revaccinated?
Infection and Spread VaccinesAnna Mueller
For most people, the answer is NO, you do not need to be revaccinated. The measles vaccine is given in a two-shot series. The first one at 12-16 months and the second at 4-6 years. If you got BOTH doses, you are well protected. However, there are a few specific groups of people who might Read more…
Can a tick bite really make you allergic to meat?
Clinical Symptoms General Health
Yes. A tick bite really can trigger a new allergy to meat, thanks to a condition called alpha‑gal syndrome (AGS). But this tick‑borne food allergy isn’t only about meat. AGS can also cause delayed allergic reactions after eating dairy and other products from mammals, including some that are hidden as ingredients. Late last year, a Read more…
What is National Nurses’ Week?
Health Policy Women in STEM
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
National Nurses’ Week runs from May 6 to May 12 to celebrate the work of nurses across the United States. Nurses’ Day became an “official holiday” in 1982, when then-President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring May 6 to be a “National Recognition Day for Nurses”. The American Nurses’ Association (ANA) expanded the day to Read more…
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Health Policy Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
⚠️ On May 1, 2026, a U.S. federal appeals court restricted telemedicine access to mifepristone across the country, affecting all states, even states where people currently have access to abortion care. The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily paused that ruling. Mifepristone can still be prescribed via telemedicine and mailed to patients at least through May 11, Read more…
Can you tell me more about hantavirus? It’s been in the news, and I’m worried.
Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
Hantavirus sounds scary in the headlines, but understanding how it actually spreads can help you see why most people have little to worry about, and there are some steps you can take to protect yourself if you happen to be in a high-risk exposure group. From what we know so far, the risk for the Read more…
Spring is blooming, but your allergies don’t have to.
General Health
Hannah Mestel, MPH, MBA
Reduce your “pollen load” by using physical barriers like HEPA filters, saline rinses, and evening showers to stop seasonal allergies at the source. If you’ve stepped outside lately and felt like your eyes were replaced by sandpaper, you’re not alone. We love the flowers, but we could do without the microscopic yellow dust that turns Read more…
What is “Cicada,” the new COVID variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
You might have heard of a highly mutated new COVID variant that is making headlines. It’s a variant worth watching, but not worth panicking about — here’s what the science actually says, and what you can do to protect yourself. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): “Cicada’, AKA BA.3.2 in science speak, is a variant to Read more…
Q: How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General Health
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 6, 2023. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Second, get the AED, or Automatic External Defibrillator, because it can help Read more…
Got leftover medications at home? Here’s what to do.
General Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Medications have a way of piling up and can pose real risks. The good news is that getting rid of prescription and over-the-counter medications safely is simple, and any time of year is a good time to do it. 💊Medications have a way of piling up. A prescription you picked up but ended up not Read more…
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
The Hidden Choices Behind Geographic Data
Data Literacy
Claire Wilkinson, MPH
Geographic data, or information organized by location, may look precise, but it’s shaped by choices. How boundaries are drawn, how data are grouped, and how small numbers are handled can all change the story you see. Geographic data, or information tied to a specific place, often appears clean and straightforward – zip code, census tract Read more…
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17.
Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17. What do we need to know? During pregnancy, childbirth, or the first 42 days after delivery of a living child, Black people are dying at almost three times the rate as white people. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. After the initial feelings Read more…
What’s going on with measles (Part 2)
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With measles cases now in 30 states (as of April 2026), many of our readers have questions about what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (Immuno Minutes) is here to answer them. Read our most recent post on measles by Nerdy Girls Dr. Cindy Leifer Read more…
Measles cases continue to rise, and it’s worrying.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Measles is a virus that spreads from person to person in tiny droplets that stay in the air for hours. It is the most contagious infection in people. The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine, which is greater than 97% effective if you get both doses. Watch this video from Cindy Read more…
How do I best navigate a health appointment?
General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks
Those Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
For most people, the answer is NO, you do not need to be revaccinated. The measles vaccine is given in a two-shot series. The first one at 12-16 months and the second at 4-6 years. If you got BOTH doses, you are well protected. However, there are a few specific groups of people who might Read more…
Can a tick bite really make you allergic to meat?
Clinical Symptoms General Health
Yes. A tick bite really can trigger a new allergy to meat, thanks to a condition called alpha‑gal syndrome (AGS). But this tick‑borne food allergy isn’t only about meat. AGS can also cause delayed allergic reactions after eating dairy and other products from mammals, including some that are hidden as ingredients. Late last year, a Read more…
What is National Nurses’ Week?
Health Policy Women in STEMClara Ke, BSN, RN
National Nurses’ Week runs from May 6 to May 12 to celebrate the work of nurses across the United States. Nurses’ Day became an “official holiday” in 1982, when then-President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring May 6 to be a “National Recognition Day for Nurses”. The American Nurses’ Association (ANA) expanded the day to Read more…
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Health Policy Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
⚠️ On May 1, 2026, a U.S. federal appeals court restricted telemedicine access to mifepristone across the country, affecting all states, even states where people currently have access to abortion care. The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily paused that ruling. Mifepristone can still be prescribed via telemedicine and mailed to patients at least through May 11, Read more…
Can you tell me more about hantavirus? It’s been in the news, and I’m worried.
Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
Hantavirus sounds scary in the headlines, but understanding how it actually spreads can help you see why most people have little to worry about, and there are some steps you can take to protect yourself if you happen to be in a high-risk exposure group. From what we know so far, the risk for the Read more…
Spring is blooming, but your allergies don’t have to.
General Health
Hannah Mestel, MPH, MBA
Reduce your “pollen load” by using physical barriers like HEPA filters, saline rinses, and evening showers to stop seasonal allergies at the source. If you’ve stepped outside lately and felt like your eyes were replaced by sandpaper, you’re not alone. We love the flowers, but we could do without the microscopic yellow dust that turns Read more…
What is “Cicada,” the new COVID variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
You might have heard of a highly mutated new COVID variant that is making headlines. It’s a variant worth watching, but not worth panicking about — here’s what the science actually says, and what you can do to protect yourself. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): “Cicada’, AKA BA.3.2 in science speak, is a variant to Read more…
Q: How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General Health
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 6, 2023. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Second, get the AED, or Automatic External Defibrillator, because it can help Read more…
Got leftover medications at home? Here’s what to do.
General Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Medications have a way of piling up and can pose real risks. The good news is that getting rid of prescription and over-the-counter medications safely is simple, and any time of year is a good time to do it. 💊Medications have a way of piling up. A prescription you picked up but ended up not Read more…
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
The Hidden Choices Behind Geographic Data
Data Literacy
Claire Wilkinson, MPH
Geographic data, or information organized by location, may look precise, but it’s shaped by choices. How boundaries are drawn, how data are grouped, and how small numbers are handled can all change the story you see. Geographic data, or information tied to a specific place, often appears clean and straightforward – zip code, census tract Read more…
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17.
Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17. What do we need to know? During pregnancy, childbirth, or the first 42 days after delivery of a living child, Black people are dying at almost three times the rate as white people. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. After the initial feelings Read more…
What’s going on with measles (Part 2)
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With measles cases now in 30 states (as of April 2026), many of our readers have questions about what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (Immuno Minutes) is here to answer them. Read our most recent post on measles by Nerdy Girls Dr. Cindy Leifer Read more…
Measles cases continue to rise, and it’s worrying.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Measles is a virus that spreads from person to person in tiny droplets that stay in the air for hours. It is the most contagious infection in people. The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine, which is greater than 97% effective if you get both doses. Watch this video from Cindy Read more…
How do I best navigate a health appointment?
General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks
Those Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
National Nurses’ Week runs from May 6 to May 12 to celebrate the work of nurses across the United States. Nurses’ Day became an “official holiday” in 1982, when then-President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring May 6 to be a “National Recognition Day for Nurses”. The American Nurses’ Association (ANA) expanded the day to Read more…
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Health Policy Reproductive HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
⚠️ On May 1, 2026, a U.S. federal appeals court restricted telemedicine access to mifepristone across the country, affecting all states, even states where people currently have access to abortion care. The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily paused that ruling. Mifepristone can still be prescribed via telemedicine and mailed to patients at least through May 11, Read more…
Can you tell me more about hantavirus? It’s been in the news, and I’m worried.
Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
Hantavirus sounds scary in the headlines, but understanding how it actually spreads can help you see why most people have little to worry about, and there are some steps you can take to protect yourself if you happen to be in a high-risk exposure group. From what we know so far, the risk for the Read more…
Spring is blooming, but your allergies don’t have to.
General Health
Hannah Mestel, MPH, MBA
Reduce your “pollen load” by using physical barriers like HEPA filters, saline rinses, and evening showers to stop seasonal allergies at the source. If you’ve stepped outside lately and felt like your eyes were replaced by sandpaper, you’re not alone. We love the flowers, but we could do without the microscopic yellow dust that turns Read more…
What is “Cicada,” the new COVID variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
You might have heard of a highly mutated new COVID variant that is making headlines. It’s a variant worth watching, but not worth panicking about — here’s what the science actually says, and what you can do to protect yourself. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): “Cicada’, AKA BA.3.2 in science speak, is a variant to Read more…
Q: How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General Health
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 6, 2023. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Second, get the AED, or Automatic External Defibrillator, because it can help Read more…
Got leftover medications at home? Here’s what to do.
General Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Medications have a way of piling up and can pose real risks. The good news is that getting rid of prescription and over-the-counter medications safely is simple, and any time of year is a good time to do it. 💊Medications have a way of piling up. A prescription you picked up but ended up not Read more…
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
The Hidden Choices Behind Geographic Data
Data Literacy
Claire Wilkinson, MPH
Geographic data, or information organized by location, may look precise, but it’s shaped by choices. How boundaries are drawn, how data are grouped, and how small numbers are handled can all change the story you see. Geographic data, or information tied to a specific place, often appears clean and straightforward – zip code, census tract Read more…
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17.
Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17. What do we need to know? During pregnancy, childbirth, or the first 42 days after delivery of a living child, Black people are dying at almost three times the rate as white people. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. After the initial feelings Read more…
What’s going on with measles (Part 2)
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With measles cases now in 30 states (as of April 2026), many of our readers have questions about what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (Immuno Minutes) is here to answer them. Read our most recent post on measles by Nerdy Girls Dr. Cindy Leifer Read more…
Measles cases continue to rise, and it’s worrying.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Measles is a virus that spreads from person to person in tiny droplets that stay in the air for hours. It is the most contagious infection in people. The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine, which is greater than 97% effective if you get both doses. Watch this video from Cindy Read more…
How do I best navigate a health appointment?
General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks
Those Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
⚠️ On May 1, 2026, a U.S. federal appeals court restricted telemedicine access to mifepristone across the country, affecting all states, even states where people currently have access to abortion care. The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily paused that ruling. Mifepristone can still be prescribed via telemedicine and mailed to patients at least through May 11, Read more…
Can you tell me more about hantavirus? It’s been in the news, and I’m worried.
Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases
Hantavirus sounds scary in the headlines, but understanding how it actually spreads can help you see why most people have little to worry about, and there are some steps you can take to protect yourself if you happen to be in a high-risk exposure group. From what we know so far, the risk for the Read more…
Spring is blooming, but your allergies don’t have to.
General HealthHannah Mestel, MPH, MBA
Reduce your “pollen load” by using physical barriers like HEPA filters, saline rinses, and evening showers to stop seasonal allergies at the source. If you’ve stepped outside lately and felt like your eyes were replaced by sandpaper, you’re not alone. We love the flowers, but we could do without the microscopic yellow dust that turns Read more…
What is “Cicada,” the new COVID variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
You might have heard of a highly mutated new COVID variant that is making headlines. It’s a variant worth watching, but not worth panicking about — here’s what the science actually says, and what you can do to protect yourself. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): “Cicada’, AKA BA.3.2 in science speak, is a variant to Read more…
Q: How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General Health
A: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 6, 2023. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Second, get the AED, or Automatic External Defibrillator, because it can help Read more…
Got leftover medications at home? Here’s what to do.
General Health
Ilana Gerjuoy, MPH
Medications have a way of piling up and can pose real risks. The good news is that getting rid of prescription and over-the-counter medications safely is simple, and any time of year is a good time to do it. 💊Medications have a way of piling up. A prescription you picked up but ended up not Read more…
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
The Hidden Choices Behind Geographic Data
Data Literacy
Claire Wilkinson, MPH
Geographic data, or information organized by location, may look precise, but it’s shaped by choices. How boundaries are drawn, how data are grouped, and how small numbers are handled can all change the story you see. Geographic data, or information tied to a specific place, often appears clean and straightforward – zip code, census tract Read more…
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17.
Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17. What do we need to know? During pregnancy, childbirth, or the first 42 days after delivery of a living child, Black people are dying at almost three times the rate as white people. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. After the initial feelings Read more…
What’s going on with measles (Part 2)
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With measles cases now in 30 states (as of April 2026), many of our readers have questions about what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (Immuno Minutes) is here to answer them. Read our most recent post on measles by Nerdy Girls Dr. Cindy Leifer Read more…
Measles cases continue to rise, and it’s worrying.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Measles is a virus that spreads from person to person in tiny droplets that stay in the air for hours. It is the most contagious infection in people. The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine, which is greater than 97% effective if you get both doses. Watch this video from Cindy Read more…
How do I best navigate a health appointment?
General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks
Those Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
Reduce your “pollen load” by using physical barriers like HEPA filters, saline rinses, and evening showers to stop seasonal allergies at the source. If you’ve stepped outside lately and felt like your eyes were replaced by sandpaper, you’re not alone. We love the flowers, but we could do without the microscopic yellow dust that turns Read more…
What is “Cicada,” the new COVID variant?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
You might have heard of a highly mutated new COVID variant that is making headlines. It’s a variant worth watching, but not worth panicking about — here’s what the science actually says, and what you can do to protect yourself. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): “Cicada’, AKA BA.3.2 in science speak, is a variant to Read more…
Q: How can I help if someone has a cardiac arrest?
General HealthA: Quick CPR and use of an AED can save a life! Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original published on January 6, 2023. When someone’s heart stops beating, there are three things to do. First, call 911. Second, get the AED, or Automatic External Defibrillator, because it can help Read more…
Got leftover medications at home? Here’s what to do.
General HealthIlana Gerjuoy, MPH
Medications have a way of piling up and can pose real risks. The good news is that getting rid of prescription and over-the-counter medications safely is simple, and any time of year is a good time to do it. 💊Medications have a way of piling up. A prescription you picked up but ended up not Read more…
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Mental Health
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
The Hidden Choices Behind Geographic Data
Data Literacy
Claire Wilkinson, MPH
Geographic data, or information organized by location, may look precise, but it’s shaped by choices. How boundaries are drawn, how data are grouped, and how small numbers are handled can all change the story you see. Geographic data, or information tied to a specific place, often appears clean and straightforward – zip code, census tract Read more…
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17.
Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17. What do we need to know? During pregnancy, childbirth, or the first 42 days after delivery of a living child, Black people are dying at almost three times the rate as white people. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. After the initial feelings Read more…
What’s going on with measles (Part 2)
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With measles cases now in 30 states (as of April 2026), many of our readers have questions about what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (Immuno Minutes) is here to answer them. Read our most recent post on measles by Nerdy Girls Dr. Cindy Leifer Read more…
Measles cases continue to rise, and it’s worrying.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Measles is a virus that spreads from person to person in tiny droplets that stay in the air for hours. It is the most contagious infection in people. The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine, which is greater than 97% effective if you get both doses. Watch this video from Cindy Read more…
How do I best navigate a health appointment?
General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks
Those Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
Medications have a way of piling up and can pose real risks. The good news is that getting rid of prescription and over-the-counter medications safely is simple, and any time of year is a good time to do it. 💊Medications have a way of piling up. A prescription you picked up but ended up not Read more…
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Vaccines
I’ve heard there was a meningitis outbreak in the UK recently. Can you tell me more and how I can best protect my family? 🤔 Have you heard about the recent meningitis outbreak in the UK? Here’s what you need to know. TL;DR: A recent outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the UK, linked to a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Mental HealthSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
The Hidden Choices Behind Geographic Data
Data Literacy
Claire Wilkinson, MPH
Geographic data, or information organized by location, may look precise, but it’s shaped by choices. How boundaries are drawn, how data are grouped, and how small numbers are handled can all change the story you see. Geographic data, or information tied to a specific place, often appears clean and straightforward – zip code, census tract Read more…
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17.
Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17. What do we need to know? During pregnancy, childbirth, or the first 42 days after delivery of a living child, Black people are dying at almost three times the rate as white people. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. After the initial feelings Read more…
What’s going on with measles (Part 2)
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With measles cases now in 30 states (as of April 2026), many of our readers have questions about what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (Immuno Minutes) is here to answer them. Read our most recent post on measles by Nerdy Girls Dr. Cindy Leifer Read more…
Measles cases continue to rise, and it’s worrying.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Measles is a virus that spreads from person to person in tiny droplets that stay in the air for hours. It is the most contagious infection in people. The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine, which is greater than 97% effective if you get both doses. Watch this video from Cindy Read more…
How do I best navigate a health appointment?
General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks
Those Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
The Hidden Choices Behind Geographic Data
Data LiteracyClaire Wilkinson, MPH
Geographic data, or information organized by location, may look precise, but it’s shaped by choices. How boundaries are drawn, how data are grouped, and how small numbers are handled can all change the story you see. Geographic data, or information tied to a specific place, often appears clean and straightforward – zip code, census tract Read more…
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17.
Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17. What do we need to know? During pregnancy, childbirth, or the first 42 days after delivery of a living child, Black people are dying at almost three times the rate as white people. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. After the initial feelings Read more…
What’s going on with measles (Part 2)
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With measles cases now in 30 states (as of April 2026), many of our readers have questions about what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (Immuno Minutes) is here to answer them. Read our most recent post on measles by Nerdy Girls Dr. Cindy Leifer Read more…
Measles cases continue to rise, and it’s worrying.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Measles is a virus that spreads from person to person in tiny droplets that stay in the air for hours. It is the most contagious infection in people. The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine, which is greater than 97% effective if you get both doses. Watch this video from Cindy Read more…
How do I best navigate a health appointment?
General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks
Those Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
Geographic data, or information organized by location, may look precise, but it’s shaped by choices. How boundaries are drawn, how data are grouped, and how small numbers are handled can all change the story you see. Geographic data, or information tied to a specific place, often appears clean and straightforward – zip code, census tract Read more…
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17.
Social and Racial JusticeMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17. What do we need to know? During pregnancy, childbirth, or the first 42 days after delivery of a living child, Black people are dying at almost three times the rate as white people. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. After the initial feelings Read more…
What’s going on with measles (Part 2)
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With measles cases now in 30 states (as of April 2026), many of our readers have questions about what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (Immuno Minutes) is here to answer them. Read our most recent post on measles by Nerdy Girls Dr. Cindy Leifer Read more…
Measles cases continue to rise, and it’s worrying.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Measles is a virus that spreads from person to person in tiny droplets that stay in the air for hours. It is the most contagious infection in people. The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine, which is greater than 97% effective if you get both doses. Watch this video from Cindy Read more…
How do I best navigate a health appointment?
General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks
Those Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week is April 11 – 17. What do we need to know? During pregnancy, childbirth, or the first 42 days after delivery of a living child, Black people are dying at almost three times the rate as white people. More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. After the initial feelings Read more…
What’s going on with measles (Part 2)
Infectious Diseases Vaccines VideosCynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
With measles cases now in 30 states (as of April 2026), many of our readers have questions about what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (Immuno Minutes) is here to answer them. Read our most recent post on measles by Nerdy Girls Dr. Cindy Leifer Read more…
Measles cases continue to rise, and it’s worrying.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines Videos
Cynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Measles is a virus that spreads from person to person in tiny droplets that stay in the air for hours. It is the most contagious infection in people. The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine, which is greater than 97% effective if you get both doses. Watch this video from Cindy Read more…
How do I best navigate a health appointment?
General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks
Those Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
With measles cases now in 30 states (as of April 2026), many of our readers have questions about what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Nerdy Girl Dr. Cindy Leifer (Immuno Minutes) is here to answer them. Read our most recent post on measles by Nerdy Girls Dr. Cindy Leifer Read more…
Measles cases continue to rise, and it’s worrying.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines VideosCynthia (Cindy) Leifer, PhD
Measles is a virus that spreads from person to person in tiny droplets that stay in the air for hours. It is the most contagious infection in people. The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine, which is greater than 97% effective if you get both doses. Watch this video from Cindy Read more…
How do I best navigate a health appointment?
General Health
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks
Those Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
Measles is a virus that spreads from person to person in tiny droplets that stay in the air for hours. It is the most contagious infection in people. The good news is that there is a highly effective vaccine, which is greater than 97% effective if you get both doses. Watch this video from Cindy Read more…
How do I best navigate a health appointment?
General HealthAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks
Those Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
Navigating the healthcare system is difficult – even for those without disabilities or social, financial, employment, and/or family challenges. Many helpful tips are available on various reputable websites, examples here, here , and here. But if you find you’re still frustrated (I’m betting you are), keep reading, and remember – you’re taking care of your Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Q: If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
MasksThose Nerdy Girls
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy Notes
Those Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
We thought April Fools’ Day would be a good time to post one of our most popular and humorous posts, originally published on July 25, 2020. A: Great question — and we know there are lots of folks out there who have similar concerns about masks. Maybe you’ve wondered about how useful or safe masks Read more…
April 1, 2025, The Day the Science Died
Nerdy NotesThose Nerdy Girls
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services issued broad Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications that wiped out entire divisions at federal health agencies, like the CDC. The author of this piece serves at one such agency and describes their experiences on that day. [NOTE: This is another in our series Nerdy Read more…
