What’s the “she-cession?”
Data and Metrics Families/Kids
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Women are currently leaving the labor force at higher rates than men. Mothers account for the starkest declines. To quote social scientists Drs. Kerri Raissian and Jennifer Dineen: “We need to realize that mothers can’t continue to be our shock absorbers.” Context: The steep relative decline in female labor participation – most pronounced among Read more…
How is the homeless/transient population doing during this pandemic?
Social and Racial Justice
Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD FNP-BC
In the United States, hundreds of thousands of people are experiencing homelessness each night. There are many reasons why people might be experiencing homelessness: some people are chronically homeless, some were recently evicted or lost their housing, some are leaving a violent situation, and some are staying with friends or family temporarily but might not Read more…
What do the new results from the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine trial mean?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: More good news! While efficacy was not as high as that reported in the recent Pfizer and Moderna trials, this vaccine has some important advantages with regard to cost and ease of storage. But as with much of the recent “science by press release,” we’ll be anxiously awaiting further details. For the 3rd Monday Read more…
Can SARS-CoV-2 infection be passed to babies in breastmilk?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Treatments
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection can pass to babies via breastmilk with NEW findings to suggest breastmilk in mothers who have had Covid-19 contains specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Insert tiny happy dance here. A recent study of breastmilk in 15 women who had recovered from Covid-19 found specific antibodies to the virus in Read more…
Has my COVID bubble gotten out of control? How can I tell?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread School Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Your “bubble” might be far bigger than you think. To figure out exactly how big and who you might be sharing germs with, think like a contact tracer and sketch out your contact network. 🖧 If you need to pull out a piece of paper to figure this out, that’s a whole lot of Read more…
When do I get my first dose of a COVID vaccine?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Ok, you convinced me, the vaccine news is good. Yay! But: When do I get my first dose!? Will I be prioritized if vaccine supply is limited? A: Vaccine supply will be limited at first to high-priority groups. The rest of us should be getting vaccine “in arm” starting in the spring and extending Read more…
Why does it seem like COVID-19 infections go up so quickly?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: TL; DR Exponential math (think curved line like a J shape graph). Let’s assume that each person infected will infect two other people (in other words, the number of people infected doubles every two weeks). If we start with one case on Week 1 and each individual passes the virus to two other people, Read more…
I heard that mouthwash kills the coronavirus! How often should I gargle?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR: Mouthwash won’t prevent or cure COVID-19. Consistent with several prior studies, a recent laboratory-based study out of Cardiff University found that over-the-counter mouthwash (with active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC]) will inactivate 90-99% of the coronavirus after a mere 30 seconds. Sounds exciting! …but don’t get your hopes up. The clinical relevance of mouthwash Read more…
How can I avoid one of those “superspreader” events I keep hearing about?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Avoid sharing indoor air with anyone outside your household, ESPECIALLY in large groups. Even a medium-sized gathering, like an extended family trip to a cabin, can be a recipe for aerosol transmission of COVID-19 with people spending a long time together in poor ventilation. A superspreader event is one in which many people are Read more…
What’s going on with COVID-19 in Europe?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Despite a significant respite over the summer compared to the U.S., the COVID-19 wildfire is again raging in most of Europe. But unlike the U.S., Europe *might* be showing some signs of bending the curve. What happened, if Europe was doing so well over the summer? Like some regions of the US, not all Read more…
If studies have shown that the antibodies from COVID-19 diminish after a few months, can you talk about how a vaccine would differ from this?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Answer: There are a lot of reasons why vaccines are preferable to natural immunity (besides not getting sick!). Vaccines have immune enhancing strategies including: delivery of a uniform dose of immune stimulus, two injections and/ or use of an adjuvant (immune enhancer). You may have seen the recent publication profiled in the NY Times that Read more…
What are the 3 S’s of hospital capacity?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Space, staff, and stuff… “You need all three, and if you don’t have one, it doesn’t matter if you have the other two.” This quote from Michigan-based emergency physician Dr. Madshid Abir (NPR article link) highlights what it takes to keep a hospital system humming. Unfortunately, shortages across the three S’s have thrown numerous hospital Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
I love going for long walks with my dog. But, I heard that my dog can give me COVID-19! Is this true?
Infection and Spread Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
A: Women are currently leaving the labor force at higher rates than men. Mothers account for the starkest declines. To quote social scientists Drs. Kerri Raissian and Jennifer Dineen: “We need to realize that mothers can’t continue to be our shock absorbers.” Context: The steep relative decline in female labor participation – most pronounced among Read more…
How is the homeless/transient population doing during this pandemic?
Social and Racial JusticeShoshana Aronowitz, PhD FNP-BC
In the United States, hundreds of thousands of people are experiencing homelessness each night. There are many reasons why people might be experiencing homelessness: some people are chronically homeless, some were recently evicted or lost their housing, some are leaving a violent situation, and some are staying with friends or family temporarily but might not Read more…
What do the new results from the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine trial mean?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: More good news! While efficacy was not as high as that reported in the recent Pfizer and Moderna trials, this vaccine has some important advantages with regard to cost and ease of storage. But as with much of the recent “science by press release,” we’ll be anxiously awaiting further details. For the 3rd Monday Read more…
Can SARS-CoV-2 infection be passed to babies in breastmilk?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Treatments
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection can pass to babies via breastmilk with NEW findings to suggest breastmilk in mothers who have had Covid-19 contains specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Insert tiny happy dance here. A recent study of breastmilk in 15 women who had recovered from Covid-19 found specific antibodies to the virus in Read more…
Has my COVID bubble gotten out of control? How can I tell?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread School Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Your “bubble” might be far bigger than you think. To figure out exactly how big and who you might be sharing germs with, think like a contact tracer and sketch out your contact network. 🖧 If you need to pull out a piece of paper to figure this out, that’s a whole lot of Read more…
When do I get my first dose of a COVID vaccine?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Ok, you convinced me, the vaccine news is good. Yay! But: When do I get my first dose!? Will I be prioritized if vaccine supply is limited? A: Vaccine supply will be limited at first to high-priority groups. The rest of us should be getting vaccine “in arm” starting in the spring and extending Read more…
Why does it seem like COVID-19 infections go up so quickly?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: TL; DR Exponential math (think curved line like a J shape graph). Let’s assume that each person infected will infect two other people (in other words, the number of people infected doubles every two weeks). If we start with one case on Week 1 and each individual passes the virus to two other people, Read more…
I heard that mouthwash kills the coronavirus! How often should I gargle?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR: Mouthwash won’t prevent or cure COVID-19. Consistent with several prior studies, a recent laboratory-based study out of Cardiff University found that over-the-counter mouthwash (with active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC]) will inactivate 90-99% of the coronavirus after a mere 30 seconds. Sounds exciting! …but don’t get your hopes up. The clinical relevance of mouthwash Read more…
How can I avoid one of those “superspreader” events I keep hearing about?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Avoid sharing indoor air with anyone outside your household, ESPECIALLY in large groups. Even a medium-sized gathering, like an extended family trip to a cabin, can be a recipe for aerosol transmission of COVID-19 with people spending a long time together in poor ventilation. A superspreader event is one in which many people are Read more…
What’s going on with COVID-19 in Europe?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Despite a significant respite over the summer compared to the U.S., the COVID-19 wildfire is again raging in most of Europe. But unlike the U.S., Europe *might* be showing some signs of bending the curve. What happened, if Europe was doing so well over the summer? Like some regions of the US, not all Read more…
If studies have shown that the antibodies from COVID-19 diminish after a few months, can you talk about how a vaccine would differ from this?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Answer: There are a lot of reasons why vaccines are preferable to natural immunity (besides not getting sick!). Vaccines have immune enhancing strategies including: delivery of a uniform dose of immune stimulus, two injections and/ or use of an adjuvant (immune enhancer). You may have seen the recent publication profiled in the NY Times that Read more…
What are the 3 S’s of hospital capacity?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Space, staff, and stuff… “You need all three, and if you don’t have one, it doesn’t matter if you have the other two.” This quote from Michigan-based emergency physician Dr. Madshid Abir (NPR article link) highlights what it takes to keep a hospital system humming. Unfortunately, shortages across the three S’s have thrown numerous hospital Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
I love going for long walks with my dog. But, I heard that my dog can give me COVID-19! Is this true?
Infection and Spread Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
In the United States, hundreds of thousands of people are experiencing homelessness each night. There are many reasons why people might be experiencing homelessness: some people are chronically homeless, some were recently evicted or lost their housing, some are leaving a violent situation, and some are staying with friends or family temporarily but might not Read more…
What do the new results from the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine trial mean?
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: More good news! While efficacy was not as high as that reported in the recent Pfizer and Moderna trials, this vaccine has some important advantages with regard to cost and ease of storage. But as with much of the recent “science by press release,” we’ll be anxiously awaiting further details. For the 3rd Monday Read more…
Can SARS-CoV-2 infection be passed to babies in breastmilk?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Treatments
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection can pass to babies via breastmilk with NEW findings to suggest breastmilk in mothers who have had Covid-19 contains specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Insert tiny happy dance here. A recent study of breastmilk in 15 women who had recovered from Covid-19 found specific antibodies to the virus in Read more…
Has my COVID bubble gotten out of control? How can I tell?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread School Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Your “bubble” might be far bigger than you think. To figure out exactly how big and who you might be sharing germs with, think like a contact tracer and sketch out your contact network. 🖧 If you need to pull out a piece of paper to figure this out, that’s a whole lot of Read more…
When do I get my first dose of a COVID vaccine?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Ok, you convinced me, the vaccine news is good. Yay! But: When do I get my first dose!? Will I be prioritized if vaccine supply is limited? A: Vaccine supply will be limited at first to high-priority groups. The rest of us should be getting vaccine “in arm” starting in the spring and extending Read more…
Why does it seem like COVID-19 infections go up so quickly?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: TL; DR Exponential math (think curved line like a J shape graph). Let’s assume that each person infected will infect two other people (in other words, the number of people infected doubles every two weeks). If we start with one case on Week 1 and each individual passes the virus to two other people, Read more…
I heard that mouthwash kills the coronavirus! How often should I gargle?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR: Mouthwash won’t prevent or cure COVID-19. Consistent with several prior studies, a recent laboratory-based study out of Cardiff University found that over-the-counter mouthwash (with active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC]) will inactivate 90-99% of the coronavirus after a mere 30 seconds. Sounds exciting! …but don’t get your hopes up. The clinical relevance of mouthwash Read more…
How can I avoid one of those “superspreader” events I keep hearing about?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Avoid sharing indoor air with anyone outside your household, ESPECIALLY in large groups. Even a medium-sized gathering, like an extended family trip to a cabin, can be a recipe for aerosol transmission of COVID-19 with people spending a long time together in poor ventilation. A superspreader event is one in which many people are Read more…
What’s going on with COVID-19 in Europe?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Despite a significant respite over the summer compared to the U.S., the COVID-19 wildfire is again raging in most of Europe. But unlike the U.S., Europe *might* be showing some signs of bending the curve. What happened, if Europe was doing so well over the summer? Like some regions of the US, not all Read more…
If studies have shown that the antibodies from COVID-19 diminish after a few months, can you talk about how a vaccine would differ from this?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Answer: There are a lot of reasons why vaccines are preferable to natural immunity (besides not getting sick!). Vaccines have immune enhancing strategies including: delivery of a uniform dose of immune stimulus, two injections and/ or use of an adjuvant (immune enhancer). You may have seen the recent publication profiled in the NY Times that Read more…
What are the 3 S’s of hospital capacity?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Space, staff, and stuff… “You need all three, and if you don’t have one, it doesn’t matter if you have the other two.” This quote from Michigan-based emergency physician Dr. Madshid Abir (NPR article link) highlights what it takes to keep a hospital system humming. Unfortunately, shortages across the three S’s have thrown numerous hospital Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
I love going for long walks with my dog. But, I heard that my dog can give me COVID-19! Is this true?
Infection and Spread Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
A: More good news! While efficacy was not as high as that reported in the recent Pfizer and Moderna trials, this vaccine has some important advantages with regard to cost and ease of storage. But as with much of the recent “science by press release,” we’ll be anxiously awaiting further details. For the 3rd Monday Read more…
Can SARS-CoV-2 infection be passed to babies in breastmilk?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread TreatmentsAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection can pass to babies via breastmilk with NEW findings to suggest breastmilk in mothers who have had Covid-19 contains specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Insert tiny happy dance here. A recent study of breastmilk in 15 women who had recovered from Covid-19 found specific antibodies to the virus in Read more…
Has my COVID bubble gotten out of control? How can I tell?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread School Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Your “bubble” might be far bigger than you think. To figure out exactly how big and who you might be sharing germs with, think like a contact tracer and sketch out your contact network. 🖧 If you need to pull out a piece of paper to figure this out, that’s a whole lot of Read more…
When do I get my first dose of a COVID vaccine?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Ok, you convinced me, the vaccine news is good. Yay! But: When do I get my first dose!? Will I be prioritized if vaccine supply is limited? A: Vaccine supply will be limited at first to high-priority groups. The rest of us should be getting vaccine “in arm” starting in the spring and extending Read more…
Why does it seem like COVID-19 infections go up so quickly?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: TL; DR Exponential math (think curved line like a J shape graph). Let’s assume that each person infected will infect two other people (in other words, the number of people infected doubles every two weeks). If we start with one case on Week 1 and each individual passes the virus to two other people, Read more…
I heard that mouthwash kills the coronavirus! How often should I gargle?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR: Mouthwash won’t prevent or cure COVID-19. Consistent with several prior studies, a recent laboratory-based study out of Cardiff University found that over-the-counter mouthwash (with active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC]) will inactivate 90-99% of the coronavirus after a mere 30 seconds. Sounds exciting! …but don’t get your hopes up. The clinical relevance of mouthwash Read more…
How can I avoid one of those “superspreader” events I keep hearing about?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Avoid sharing indoor air with anyone outside your household, ESPECIALLY in large groups. Even a medium-sized gathering, like an extended family trip to a cabin, can be a recipe for aerosol transmission of COVID-19 with people spending a long time together in poor ventilation. A superspreader event is one in which many people are Read more…
What’s going on with COVID-19 in Europe?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Despite a significant respite over the summer compared to the U.S., the COVID-19 wildfire is again raging in most of Europe. But unlike the U.S., Europe *might* be showing some signs of bending the curve. What happened, if Europe was doing so well over the summer? Like some regions of the US, not all Read more…
If studies have shown that the antibodies from COVID-19 diminish after a few months, can you talk about how a vaccine would differ from this?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Answer: There are a lot of reasons why vaccines are preferable to natural immunity (besides not getting sick!). Vaccines have immune enhancing strategies including: delivery of a uniform dose of immune stimulus, two injections and/ or use of an adjuvant (immune enhancer). You may have seen the recent publication profiled in the NY Times that Read more…
What are the 3 S’s of hospital capacity?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Space, staff, and stuff… “You need all three, and if you don’t have one, it doesn’t matter if you have the other two.” This quote from Michigan-based emergency physician Dr. Madshid Abir (NPR article link) highlights what it takes to keep a hospital system humming. Unfortunately, shortages across the three S’s have thrown numerous hospital Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
I love going for long walks with my dog. But, I heard that my dog can give me COVID-19! Is this true?
Infection and Spread Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
A: There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection can pass to babies via breastmilk with NEW findings to suggest breastmilk in mothers who have had Covid-19 contains specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Insert tiny happy dance here. A recent study of breastmilk in 15 women who had recovered from Covid-19 found specific antibodies to the virus in Read more…
Has my COVID bubble gotten out of control? How can I tell?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread School Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact TracingMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Your “bubble” might be far bigger than you think. To figure out exactly how big and who you might be sharing germs with, think like a contact tracer and sketch out your contact network. 🖧 If you need to pull out a piece of paper to figure this out, that’s a whole lot of Read more…
When do I get my first dose of a COVID vaccine?
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Ok, you convinced me, the vaccine news is good. Yay! But: When do I get my first dose!? Will I be prioritized if vaccine supply is limited? A: Vaccine supply will be limited at first to high-priority groups. The rest of us should be getting vaccine “in arm” starting in the spring and extending Read more…
Why does it seem like COVID-19 infections go up so quickly?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: TL; DR Exponential math (think curved line like a J shape graph). Let’s assume that each person infected will infect two other people (in other words, the number of people infected doubles every two weeks). If we start with one case on Week 1 and each individual passes the virus to two other people, Read more…
I heard that mouthwash kills the coronavirus! How often should I gargle?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR: Mouthwash won’t prevent or cure COVID-19. Consistent with several prior studies, a recent laboratory-based study out of Cardiff University found that over-the-counter mouthwash (with active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC]) will inactivate 90-99% of the coronavirus after a mere 30 seconds. Sounds exciting! …but don’t get your hopes up. The clinical relevance of mouthwash Read more…
How can I avoid one of those “superspreader” events I keep hearing about?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Avoid sharing indoor air with anyone outside your household, ESPECIALLY in large groups. Even a medium-sized gathering, like an extended family trip to a cabin, can be a recipe for aerosol transmission of COVID-19 with people spending a long time together in poor ventilation. A superspreader event is one in which many people are Read more…
What’s going on with COVID-19 in Europe?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Despite a significant respite over the summer compared to the U.S., the COVID-19 wildfire is again raging in most of Europe. But unlike the U.S., Europe *might* be showing some signs of bending the curve. What happened, if Europe was doing so well over the summer? Like some regions of the US, not all Read more…
If studies have shown that the antibodies from COVID-19 diminish after a few months, can you talk about how a vaccine would differ from this?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Answer: There are a lot of reasons why vaccines are preferable to natural immunity (besides not getting sick!). Vaccines have immune enhancing strategies including: delivery of a uniform dose of immune stimulus, two injections and/ or use of an adjuvant (immune enhancer). You may have seen the recent publication profiled in the NY Times that Read more…
What are the 3 S’s of hospital capacity?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Space, staff, and stuff… “You need all three, and if you don’t have one, it doesn’t matter if you have the other two.” This quote from Michigan-based emergency physician Dr. Madshid Abir (NPR article link) highlights what it takes to keep a hospital system humming. Unfortunately, shortages across the three S’s have thrown numerous hospital Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
I love going for long walks with my dog. But, I heard that my dog can give me COVID-19! Is this true?
Infection and Spread Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
A: Your “bubble” might be far bigger than you think. To figure out exactly how big and who you might be sharing germs with, think like a contact tracer and sketch out your contact network. 🖧 If you need to pull out a piece of paper to figure this out, that’s a whole lot of Read more…
When do I get my first dose of a COVID vaccine?
VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Ok, you convinced me, the vaccine news is good. Yay! But: When do I get my first dose!? Will I be prioritized if vaccine supply is limited? A: Vaccine supply will be limited at first to high-priority groups. The rest of us should be getting vaccine “in arm” starting in the spring and extending Read more…
Why does it seem like COVID-19 infections go up so quickly?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: TL; DR Exponential math (think curved line like a J shape graph). Let’s assume that each person infected will infect two other people (in other words, the number of people infected doubles every two weeks). If we start with one case on Week 1 and each individual passes the virus to two other people, Read more…
I heard that mouthwash kills the coronavirus! How often should I gargle?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR: Mouthwash won’t prevent or cure COVID-19. Consistent with several prior studies, a recent laboratory-based study out of Cardiff University found that over-the-counter mouthwash (with active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC]) will inactivate 90-99% of the coronavirus after a mere 30 seconds. Sounds exciting! …but don’t get your hopes up. The clinical relevance of mouthwash Read more…
How can I avoid one of those “superspreader” events I keep hearing about?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Avoid sharing indoor air with anyone outside your household, ESPECIALLY in large groups. Even a medium-sized gathering, like an extended family trip to a cabin, can be a recipe for aerosol transmission of COVID-19 with people spending a long time together in poor ventilation. A superspreader event is one in which many people are Read more…
What’s going on with COVID-19 in Europe?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Despite a significant respite over the summer compared to the U.S., the COVID-19 wildfire is again raging in most of Europe. But unlike the U.S., Europe *might* be showing some signs of bending the curve. What happened, if Europe was doing so well over the summer? Like some regions of the US, not all Read more…
If studies have shown that the antibodies from COVID-19 diminish after a few months, can you talk about how a vaccine would differ from this?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Answer: There are a lot of reasons why vaccines are preferable to natural immunity (besides not getting sick!). Vaccines have immune enhancing strategies including: delivery of a uniform dose of immune stimulus, two injections and/ or use of an adjuvant (immune enhancer). You may have seen the recent publication profiled in the NY Times that Read more…
What are the 3 S’s of hospital capacity?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Space, staff, and stuff… “You need all three, and if you don’t have one, it doesn’t matter if you have the other two.” This quote from Michigan-based emergency physician Dr. Madshid Abir (NPR article link) highlights what it takes to keep a hospital system humming. Unfortunately, shortages across the three S’s have thrown numerous hospital Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
I love going for long walks with my dog. But, I heard that my dog can give me COVID-19! Is this true?
Infection and Spread Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
Q: Ok, you convinced me, the vaccine news is good. Yay! But: When do I get my first dose!? Will I be prioritized if vaccine supply is limited? A: Vaccine supply will be limited at first to high-priority groups. The rest of us should be getting vaccine “in arm” starting in the spring and extending Read more…
Why does it seem like COVID-19 infections go up so quickly?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: TL; DR Exponential math (think curved line like a J shape graph). Let’s assume that each person infected will infect two other people (in other words, the number of people infected doubles every two weeks). If we start with one case on Week 1 and each individual passes the virus to two other people, Read more…
I heard that mouthwash kills the coronavirus! How often should I gargle?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR: Mouthwash won’t prevent or cure COVID-19. Consistent with several prior studies, a recent laboratory-based study out of Cardiff University found that over-the-counter mouthwash (with active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC]) will inactivate 90-99% of the coronavirus after a mere 30 seconds. Sounds exciting! …but don’t get your hopes up. The clinical relevance of mouthwash Read more…
How can I avoid one of those “superspreader” events I keep hearing about?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Avoid sharing indoor air with anyone outside your household, ESPECIALLY in large groups. Even a medium-sized gathering, like an extended family trip to a cabin, can be a recipe for aerosol transmission of COVID-19 with people spending a long time together in poor ventilation. A superspreader event is one in which many people are Read more…
What’s going on with COVID-19 in Europe?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Despite a significant respite over the summer compared to the U.S., the COVID-19 wildfire is again raging in most of Europe. But unlike the U.S., Europe *might* be showing some signs of bending the curve. What happened, if Europe was doing so well over the summer? Like some regions of the US, not all Read more…
If studies have shown that the antibodies from COVID-19 diminish after a few months, can you talk about how a vaccine would differ from this?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Answer: There are a lot of reasons why vaccines are preferable to natural immunity (besides not getting sick!). Vaccines have immune enhancing strategies including: delivery of a uniform dose of immune stimulus, two injections and/ or use of an adjuvant (immune enhancer). You may have seen the recent publication profiled in the NY Times that Read more…
What are the 3 S’s of hospital capacity?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Space, staff, and stuff… “You need all three, and if you don’t have one, it doesn’t matter if you have the other two.” This quote from Michigan-based emergency physician Dr. Madshid Abir (NPR article link) highlights what it takes to keep a hospital system humming. Unfortunately, shortages across the three S’s have thrown numerous hospital Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
I love going for long walks with my dog. But, I heard that my dog can give me COVID-19! Is this true?
Infection and Spread Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
A: TL; DR Exponential math (think curved line like a J shape graph). Let’s assume that each person infected will infect two other people (in other words, the number of people infected doubles every two weeks). If we start with one case on Week 1 and each individual passes the virus to two other people, Read more…
I heard that mouthwash kills the coronavirus! How often should I gargle?
Uncertainty and MisinformationLauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL,DR: Mouthwash won’t prevent or cure COVID-19. Consistent with several prior studies, a recent laboratory-based study out of Cardiff University found that over-the-counter mouthwash (with active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC]) will inactivate 90-99% of the coronavirus after a mere 30 seconds. Sounds exciting! …but don’t get your hopes up. The clinical relevance of mouthwash Read more…
How can I avoid one of those “superspreader” events I keep hearing about?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Avoid sharing indoor air with anyone outside your household, ESPECIALLY in large groups. Even a medium-sized gathering, like an extended family trip to a cabin, can be a recipe for aerosol transmission of COVID-19 with people spending a long time together in poor ventilation. A superspreader event is one in which many people are Read more…
What’s going on with COVID-19 in Europe?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Despite a significant respite over the summer compared to the U.S., the COVID-19 wildfire is again raging in most of Europe. But unlike the U.S., Europe *might* be showing some signs of bending the curve. What happened, if Europe was doing so well over the summer? Like some regions of the US, not all Read more…
If studies have shown that the antibodies from COVID-19 diminish after a few months, can you talk about how a vaccine would differ from this?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Answer: There are a lot of reasons why vaccines are preferable to natural immunity (besides not getting sick!). Vaccines have immune enhancing strategies including: delivery of a uniform dose of immune stimulus, two injections and/ or use of an adjuvant (immune enhancer). You may have seen the recent publication profiled in the NY Times that Read more…
What are the 3 S’s of hospital capacity?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Space, staff, and stuff… “You need all three, and if you don’t have one, it doesn’t matter if you have the other two.” This quote from Michigan-based emergency physician Dr. Madshid Abir (NPR article link) highlights what it takes to keep a hospital system humming. Unfortunately, shortages across the three S’s have thrown numerous hospital Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
I love going for long walks with my dog. But, I heard that my dog can give me COVID-19! Is this true?
Infection and Spread Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
A. TL,DR: Mouthwash won’t prevent or cure COVID-19. Consistent with several prior studies, a recent laboratory-based study out of Cardiff University found that over-the-counter mouthwash (with active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC]) will inactivate 90-99% of the coronavirus after a mere 30 seconds. Sounds exciting! …but don’t get your hopes up. The clinical relevance of mouthwash Read more…
How can I avoid one of those “superspreader” events I keep hearing about?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeA: Avoid sharing indoor air with anyone outside your household, ESPECIALLY in large groups. Even a medium-sized gathering, like an extended family trip to a cabin, can be a recipe for aerosol transmission of COVID-19 with people spending a long time together in poor ventilation. A superspreader event is one in which many people are Read more…
What’s going on with COVID-19 in Europe?
Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Despite a significant respite over the summer compared to the U.S., the COVID-19 wildfire is again raging in most of Europe. But unlike the U.S., Europe *might* be showing some signs of bending the curve. What happened, if Europe was doing so well over the summer? Like some regions of the US, not all Read more…
If studies have shown that the antibodies from COVID-19 diminish after a few months, can you talk about how a vaccine would differ from this?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Answer: There are a lot of reasons why vaccines are preferable to natural immunity (besides not getting sick!). Vaccines have immune enhancing strategies including: delivery of a uniform dose of immune stimulus, two injections and/ or use of an adjuvant (immune enhancer). You may have seen the recent publication profiled in the NY Times that Read more…
What are the 3 S’s of hospital capacity?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Space, staff, and stuff… “You need all three, and if you don’t have one, it doesn’t matter if you have the other two.” This quote from Michigan-based emergency physician Dr. Madshid Abir (NPR article link) highlights what it takes to keep a hospital system humming. Unfortunately, shortages across the three S’s have thrown numerous hospital Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
I love going for long walks with my dog. But, I heard that my dog can give me COVID-19! Is this true?
Infection and Spread Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
A: Despite a significant respite over the summer compared to the U.S., the COVID-19 wildfire is again raging in most of Europe. But unlike the U.S., Europe *might* be showing some signs of bending the curve. What happened, if Europe was doing so well over the summer? Like some regions of the US, not all Read more…
If studies have shown that the antibodies from COVID-19 diminish after a few months, can you talk about how a vaccine would differ from this?
VaccinesMichelle Kinder, PhD
Answer: There are a lot of reasons why vaccines are preferable to natural immunity (besides not getting sick!). Vaccines have immune enhancing strategies including: delivery of a uniform dose of immune stimulus, two injections and/ or use of an adjuvant (immune enhancer). You may have seen the recent publication profiled in the NY Times that Read more…
What are the 3 S’s of hospital capacity?
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Space, staff, and stuff… “You need all three, and if you don’t have one, it doesn’t matter if you have the other two.” This quote from Michigan-based emergency physician Dr. Madshid Abir (NPR article link) highlights what it takes to keep a hospital system humming. Unfortunately, shortages across the three S’s have thrown numerous hospital Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
I love going for long walks with my dog. But, I heard that my dog can give me COVID-19! Is this true?
Infection and Spread Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
Answer: There are a lot of reasons why vaccines are preferable to natural immunity (besides not getting sick!). Vaccines have immune enhancing strategies including: delivery of a uniform dose of immune stimulus, two injections and/ or use of an adjuvant (immune enhancer). You may have seen the recent publication profiled in the NY Times that Read more…
What are the 3 S’s of hospital capacity?
Data and MetricsLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Space, staff, and stuff… “You need all three, and if you don’t have one, it doesn’t matter if you have the other two.” This quote from Michigan-based emergency physician Dr. Madshid Abir (NPR article link) highlights what it takes to keep a hospital system humming. Unfortunately, shortages across the three S’s have thrown numerous hospital Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
I love going for long walks with my dog. But, I heard that my dog can give me COVID-19! Is this true?
Infection and Spread Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
A: Space, staff, and stuff… “You need all three, and if you don’t have one, it doesn’t matter if you have the other two.” This quote from Michigan-based emergency physician Dr. Madshid Abir (NPR article link) highlights what it takes to keep a hospital system humming. Unfortunately, shortages across the three S’s have thrown numerous hospital Read more…
If I already recovered from Covid-19 infection, can I be sure I won’t get it again or pass it to others?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
I love going for long walks with my dog. But, I heard that my dog can give me COVID-19! Is this true?
Infection and Spread Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
A: No. Evidence on the longevity and strength of the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 remains inconclusive. Previous infection does not give you an “immunity passport”. All individuals should continue to follow SMART precautions, particularly during the holiday season. Here is what we know to date. Antibody testing alone is an insufficient measure of immunity. Read more…
I love going for long walks with my dog. But, I heard that my dog can give me COVID-19! Is this true?
Infection and Spread Mental Health Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and … keep walking your dog! Here’s the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
As winter approaches and many of us are facing unprecedented levels of COVID-19 in our communities, how can we stay safe AND stay sane over the next few months?
Mental Health Socializing Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this won’t last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?!
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
A: Another Monday, another ray of light breaking through the COVID-19 storm cloud. The news is good, but we must still BE PATIENT and HUNKER DOWN for the winter. Fresh on the heels of the happy Pfizer/BioNTech news from last week, Moderna announced an efficacy of *94.5%* in the first look at data from the Read more…
