A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine.
Infectious Diseases VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
January 14, 2024
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
January 10, 2024
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
January 8, 2024
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
January 3, 2024
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
December 21, 2023
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
December 20, 2023
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
December 17, 2023
Who is eligible for the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Everyone ages 50+ and 19+ with a weakened immune system is eligible for the Shingrix vaccine, including people who previously received the one-dose shingles vaccine, Zostavax. Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine that reduces the risk of shingles by more than 90%. Who should get Shingrix? People ages 50+ should get two doses of Shingrix. People ages 19 Read more…
December 16, 2023
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 **Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes:** Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
December 15, 2023
Do zinc supplements help treat or prevent colds?
General Health
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe. Maybe not. Some studies find that zinc supplements may help prevent or treat colds, but many others find no benefit. On balance, the case for boosting zinc to fight colds is weak, unless you are zinc deficient. Zinc is a metal that we all need in tiny amounts for optimal health. Zinc helps your Read more…
December 14, 2023
Those Nerdy Girls’ Goals for 2024
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Dear Nerdy Girl Community, As 2023 draws to a close and with the first few months of my role as Executive Director behind me, we have been reflecting on where Those Nerdy Girls has been. But now I’d like us to think about where we are going. And it is certainly exciting! My goal in Read more…
December 14, 2023
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
December 13, 2023
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEM
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. Winter respiratory illness season is coming on strong. In case you haven’t noticed, there is A LOT of COVID around. I was getting serious Omicron wave vibes the last few weeks as more and more Read more…
Is COVID-19 surging?
Infectious DiseasesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
January 10, 2024
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious Diseases
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
January 8, 2024
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
January 3, 2024
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
December 21, 2023
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
December 20, 2023
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
December 17, 2023
Who is eligible for the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Everyone ages 50+ and 19+ with a weakened immune system is eligible for the Shingrix vaccine, including people who previously received the one-dose shingles vaccine, Zostavax. Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine that reduces the risk of shingles by more than 90%. Who should get Shingrix? People ages 50+ should get two doses of Shingrix. People ages 19 Read more…
December 16, 2023
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 **Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes:** Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
December 15, 2023
Do zinc supplements help treat or prevent colds?
General Health
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe. Maybe not. Some studies find that zinc supplements may help prevent or treat colds, but many others find no benefit. On balance, the case for boosting zinc to fight colds is weak, unless you are zinc deficient. Zinc is a metal that we all need in tiny amounts for optimal health. Zinc helps your Read more…
December 14, 2023
Those Nerdy Girls’ Goals for 2024
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Dear Nerdy Girl Community, As 2023 draws to a close and with the first few months of my role as Executive Director behind me, we have been reflecting on where Those Nerdy Girls has been. But now I’d like us to think about where we are going. And it is certainly exciting! My goal in Read more…
December 14, 2023
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
December 13, 2023
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEM
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
Yes. If it seems like everyone you know has gotten COVID-19 in the past 3 weeks, you aren’t wrong-cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are all on the rise in the U.S. Over the past 3-4 weeks, at least 4 Nerdy Girl families were hit with COVID-19, so if you feel like COVID-19 is everywhere, you are Read more…
Can I get shingles over and over again?
Biology/Immunity Infectious DiseasesRoopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
January 8, 2024
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
January 3, 2024
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
December 21, 2023
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
December 20, 2023
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
December 17, 2023
Who is eligible for the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Everyone ages 50+ and 19+ with a weakened immune system is eligible for the Shingrix vaccine, including people who previously received the one-dose shingles vaccine, Zostavax. Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine that reduces the risk of shingles by more than 90%. Who should get Shingrix? People ages 50+ should get two doses of Shingrix. People ages 19 Read more…
December 16, 2023
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 **Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes:** Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
December 15, 2023
Do zinc supplements help treat or prevent colds?
General Health
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe. Maybe not. Some studies find that zinc supplements may help prevent or treat colds, but many others find no benefit. On balance, the case for boosting zinc to fight colds is weak, unless you are zinc deficient. Zinc is a metal that we all need in tiny amounts for optimal health. Zinc helps your Read more…
December 14, 2023
Those Nerdy Girls’ Goals for 2024
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Dear Nerdy Girl Community, As 2023 draws to a close and with the first few months of my role as Executive Director behind me, we have been reflecting on where Those Nerdy Girls has been. But now I’d like us to think about where we are going. And it is certainly exciting! My goal in Read more…
December 14, 2023
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
December 13, 2023
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEM
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
Although not very common, getting shingles more than once is possible. The shingles vaccine can reduce the chance of recurrence. If you have had shingles, there is a small chance that you will get it again. This is called recurrent shingles. This is really understudied, and not a lot is known about why or how Read more…
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccines for older adults?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
January 3, 2024
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
December 21, 2023
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
December 20, 2023
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
December 17, 2023
Who is eligible for the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Everyone ages 50+ and 19+ with a weakened immune system is eligible for the Shingrix vaccine, including people who previously received the one-dose shingles vaccine, Zostavax. Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine that reduces the risk of shingles by more than 90%. Who should get Shingrix? People ages 50+ should get two doses of Shingrix. People ages 19 Read more…
December 16, 2023
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 **Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes:** Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
December 15, 2023
Do zinc supplements help treat or prevent colds?
General Health
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe. Maybe not. Some studies find that zinc supplements may help prevent or treat colds, but many others find no benefit. On balance, the case for boosting zinc to fight colds is weak, unless you are zinc deficient. Zinc is a metal that we all need in tiny amounts for optimal health. Zinc helps your Read more…
December 14, 2023
Those Nerdy Girls’ Goals for 2024
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Dear Nerdy Girl Community, As 2023 draws to a close and with the first few months of my role as Executive Director behind me, we have been reflecting on where Those Nerdy Girls has been. But now I’d like us to think about where we are going. And it is certainly exciting! My goal in Read more…
December 14, 2023
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
December 13, 2023
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEM
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
Side effects for both RSV vaccinations include the usual injection site pain, feeling tired and achy, and headache. The are nearly always so mild that they do not interfere with usual activities. Side effects for both RSV vaccinations (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are nearly always so mild they do not interfere with usual activities. Rates of Read more…
If I already got the 1-dose shingles vaccine, should I get the 2-dose shingles vaccine now?
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
December 21, 2023
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
December 20, 2023
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
December 17, 2023
Who is eligible for the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Everyone ages 50+ and 19+ with a weakened immune system is eligible for the Shingrix vaccine, including people who previously received the one-dose shingles vaccine, Zostavax. Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine that reduces the risk of shingles by more than 90%. Who should get Shingrix? People ages 50+ should get two doses of Shingrix. People ages 19 Read more…
December 16, 2023
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 **Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes:** Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
December 15, 2023
Do zinc supplements help treat or prevent colds?
General Health
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe. Maybe not. Some studies find that zinc supplements may help prevent or treat colds, but many others find no benefit. On balance, the case for boosting zinc to fight colds is weak, unless you are zinc deficient. Zinc is a metal that we all need in tiny amounts for optimal health. Zinc helps your Read more…
December 14, 2023
Those Nerdy Girls’ Goals for 2024
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Dear Nerdy Girl Community, As 2023 draws to a close and with the first few months of my role as Executive Director behind me, we have been reflecting on where Those Nerdy Girls has been. But now I’d like us to think about where we are going. And it is certainly exciting! My goal in Read more…
December 14, 2023
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
December 13, 2023
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEM
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
If you got the 1-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), yes–you should get the newer and more effective 2-dose shingles vaccine (Shingrix) 5 years after your Zostavax shot. The two-dose vaccine has been shown to be much more effective for longer. Zostavax came onto the US market in 2006 and was recommended for adults 60 years and Read more…
What are the side effects of the updated COVID vaccine?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesRoopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
December 20, 2023
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
December 17, 2023
Who is eligible for the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Everyone ages 50+ and 19+ with a weakened immune system is eligible for the Shingrix vaccine, including people who previously received the one-dose shingles vaccine, Zostavax. Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine that reduces the risk of shingles by more than 90%. Who should get Shingrix? People ages 50+ should get two doses of Shingrix. People ages 19 Read more…
December 16, 2023
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 **Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes:** Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
December 15, 2023
Do zinc supplements help treat or prevent colds?
General Health
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe. Maybe not. Some studies find that zinc supplements may help prevent or treat colds, but many others find no benefit. On balance, the case for boosting zinc to fight colds is weak, unless you are zinc deficient. Zinc is a metal that we all need in tiny amounts for optimal health. Zinc helps your Read more…
December 14, 2023
Those Nerdy Girls’ Goals for 2024
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Dear Nerdy Girl Community, As 2023 draws to a close and with the first few months of my role as Executive Director behind me, we have been reflecting on where Those Nerdy Girls has been. But now I’d like us to think about where we are going. And it is certainly exciting! My goal in Read more…
December 14, 2023
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
December 13, 2023
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEM
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
The most common side effects are the same as earlier versions of the vaccine–rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms are typically mild and last 1-3 days. The most common side effects of the updated COVID-19 vaccine are rash and soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive HealthMacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
December 19, 2023
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
December 17, 2023
Who is eligible for the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Everyone ages 50+ and 19+ with a weakened immune system is eligible for the Shingrix vaccine, including people who previously received the one-dose shingles vaccine, Zostavax. Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine that reduces the risk of shingles by more than 90%. Who should get Shingrix? People ages 50+ should get two doses of Shingrix. People ages 19 Read more…
December 16, 2023
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 **Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes:** Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
December 15, 2023
Do zinc supplements help treat or prevent colds?
General Health
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe. Maybe not. Some studies find that zinc supplements may help prevent or treat colds, but many others find no benefit. On balance, the case for boosting zinc to fight colds is weak, unless you are zinc deficient. Zinc is a metal that we all need in tiny amounts for optimal health. Zinc helps your Read more…
December 14, 2023
Those Nerdy Girls’ Goals for 2024
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Dear Nerdy Girl Community, As 2023 draws to a close and with the first few months of my role as Executive Director behind me, we have been reflecting on where Those Nerdy Girls has been. But now I’d like us to think about where we are going. And it is certainly exciting! My goal in Read more…
December 14, 2023
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
December 13, 2023
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEM
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
NOW is a good time to dial up your strategic masking.
Masks Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
December 17, 2023
Who is eligible for the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Roopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Everyone ages 50+ and 19+ with a weakened immune system is eligible for the Shingrix vaccine, including people who previously received the one-dose shingles vaccine, Zostavax. Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine that reduces the risk of shingles by more than 90%. Who should get Shingrix? People ages 50+ should get two doses of Shingrix. People ages 19 Read more…
December 16, 2023
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 **Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes:** Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
December 15, 2023
Do zinc supplements help treat or prevent colds?
General Health
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe. Maybe not. Some studies find that zinc supplements may help prevent or treat colds, but many others find no benefit. On balance, the case for boosting zinc to fight colds is weak, unless you are zinc deficient. Zinc is a metal that we all need in tiny amounts for optimal health. Zinc helps your Read more…
December 14, 2023
Those Nerdy Girls’ Goals for 2024
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Dear Nerdy Girl Community, As 2023 draws to a close and with the first few months of my role as Executive Director behind me, we have been reflecting on where Those Nerdy Girls has been. But now I’d like us to think about where we are going. And it is certainly exciting! My goal in Read more…
December 14, 2023
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
December 13, 2023
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEM
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
COVID is surging again, just in time for the holidays. NOW is a good time to dial up your use of strategic masking. Masking sometimes is a form of harm reduction. Here are tips to help you rock the mask when it matters most. TL;DR: Keep a good mask handy and incorporate masking into common Read more…
Who is eligible for the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesRoopa Seshadri, PhD, AM
Everyone ages 50+ and 19+ with a weakened immune system is eligible for the Shingrix vaccine, including people who previously received the one-dose shingles vaccine, Zostavax. Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine that reduces the risk of shingles by more than 90%. Who should get Shingrix? People ages 50+ should get two doses of Shingrix. People ages 19 Read more…
December 16, 2023
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 **Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes:** Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
December 15, 2023
Do zinc supplements help treat or prevent colds?
General Health
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe. Maybe not. Some studies find that zinc supplements may help prevent or treat colds, but many others find no benefit. On balance, the case for boosting zinc to fight colds is weak, unless you are zinc deficient. Zinc is a metal that we all need in tiny amounts for optimal health. Zinc helps your Read more…
December 14, 2023
Those Nerdy Girls’ Goals for 2024
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Dear Nerdy Girl Community, As 2023 draws to a close and with the first few months of my role as Executive Director behind me, we have been reflecting on where Those Nerdy Girls has been. But now I’d like us to think about where we are going. And it is certainly exciting! My goal in Read more…
December 14, 2023
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
December 13, 2023
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEM
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
Everyone ages 50+ and 19+ with a weakened immune system is eligible for the Shingrix vaccine, including people who previously received the one-dose shingles vaccine, Zostavax. Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine that reduces the risk of shingles by more than 90%. Who should get Shingrix? People ages 50+ should get two doses of Shingrix. People ages 19 Read more…
Light in Darkness
UncategorizedMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 **Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes:** Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
December 15, 2023
Do zinc supplements help treat or prevent colds?
General Health
Chana Davis, PhD
Maybe. Maybe not. Some studies find that zinc supplements may help prevent or treat colds, but many others find no benefit. On balance, the case for boosting zinc to fight colds is weak, unless you are zinc deficient. Zinc is a metal that we all need in tiny amounts for optimal health. Zinc helps your Read more…
December 14, 2023
Those Nerdy Girls’ Goals for 2024
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Dear Nerdy Girl Community, As 2023 draws to a close and with the first few months of my role as Executive Director behind me, we have been reflecting on where Those Nerdy Girls has been. But now I’d like us to think about where we are going. And it is certainly exciting! My goal in Read more…
December 14, 2023
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
December 13, 2023
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEM
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 **Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes:** Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Do zinc supplements help treat or prevent colds?
General HealthChana Davis, PhD
Maybe. Maybe not. Some studies find that zinc supplements may help prevent or treat colds, but many others find no benefit. On balance, the case for boosting zinc to fight colds is weak, unless you are zinc deficient. Zinc is a metal that we all need in tiny amounts for optimal health. Zinc helps your Read more…
December 14, 2023
Those Nerdy Girls’ Goals for 2024
Uncategorized
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Dear Nerdy Girl Community, As 2023 draws to a close and with the first few months of my role as Executive Director behind me, we have been reflecting on where Those Nerdy Girls has been. But now I’d like us to think about where we are going. And it is certainly exciting! My goal in Read more…
December 14, 2023
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
December 13, 2023
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEM
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
Maybe. Maybe not. Some studies find that zinc supplements may help prevent or treat colds, but many others find no benefit. On balance, the case for boosting zinc to fight colds is weak, unless you are zinc deficient. Zinc is a metal that we all need in tiny amounts for optimal health. Zinc helps your Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls’ Goals for 2024
UncategorizedSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Dear Nerdy Girl Community, As 2023 draws to a close and with the first few months of my role as Executive Director behind me, we have been reflecting on where Those Nerdy Girls has been. But now I’d like us to think about where we are going. And it is certainly exciting! My goal in Read more…
December 14, 2023
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
December 13, 2023
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEM
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
Dear Nerdy Girl Community, As 2023 draws to a close and with the first few months of my role as Executive Director behind me, we have been reflecting on where Those Nerdy Girls has been. But now I’d like us to think about where we are going. And it is certainly exciting! My goal in Read more…
You can now “test to treat” at home in the US!!
Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing TreatmentsAndrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
December 13, 2023
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEM
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
TLDR: Home Test To Treat is a new program that provides telehealth and antiviral home delivery for people testing positive for Flu or Covid-19. The U.S. The Test To Treat Program aimed to make it quicker and easier for people at risk for severe Covid-19 to get the antivirals they need. Not only were pharmacists Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Women in STEMSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
December 13, 2023
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls! Sarah Whitley Coles, MD – Founding Member Dr. Sarah Coles is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix in the Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine. She received her undergraduate degrees in molecular and cellular biology and saxophone performance from the University of Arizona. Read more…
Do we know if the new RSV vaccines are safe?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
December 12, 2023
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
Possible safety signals were very, very rare in the RSV vaccine trials, and no surprises have emerged with roughly 12 million Americans having received them so far. There are two new vaccines available to prevent RSV and serious outcomes from RSV, both available in the US for adults aged 60 and up. Both were FDA-approved Read more…
What can I do to stop my eyes from feeling like sandpaper or watering like crazy, especially in the winter?
Aging General HealthAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
December 10, 2023
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
An eye care routine can improve symptoms of dry, itchy, or watery eyes. Routine eye care includes keeping your fingers out of your eyes, gentle cleansing, using sun protection, and seeking care with a health professional when symptoms do not improve. Blepharitis or eyelid inflammation is a common condition affecting all ages, though the prevalence Read more…
Will I have to pay for my COVID-19 vaccine?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
December 8, 2023
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
No, in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are still free for everyone. They are either covered by your health insurance or by a government program if you are uninsured. With the end of the government’s official pandemic emergency response last Spring, the U.S. government no longer directly purchases COVID-19 vaccines to provide free to the public. Read more…
It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays!
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
December 7, 2023
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
Go get your flu and COVID vaccines NOW to be protected for the holidays. Peak protection takes around 2 weeks to ramp up, so now is the perfect time. No one wants to fall ill right before a big holiday family gathering. You also don’t want to be the one to infect grandparents, babies, or Read more…
Video – Can the new diabetes and weight loss drugs affect reproductive health?
Reproductive HealthAlexandra Hall, MD
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
December 6, 2023
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
A: Potentially, yes! Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may reduce birth control effectiveness and may increase risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The new GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have been a breakthrough in treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They significantly improve blood glucose levels and lower body weight. Read more…
How common are side effects from the shingles vaccine?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…
4 in 5 people get a sore arm, and 1 in 6 people has a reaction severe enough to send them to bed–like headache, fatigue, muscle pain, or fever. Side effects usually last 1-3 days. One of the reasons people put off getting the shingles vaccine is that they’ve heard the side effects are nasty. Read more…