Are there really false positives from COVID tests?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Jennifer from Texas asks: Are there really false-positives from COVID tests? If so, how is it possible for a test to pick up something that is not there? A: Yep, they exist. High-profile false-positive COVID tests are making the news again after Michael Burton of the New Orleans Saints erroneously tested positive the day Read more…
It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day. How are Native Americans doing during COVID-19?
Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Thank you for drawing attention to this important topic. By now, you’ve probably heard that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, Native American populations are not an exception. ** Native Americans are more than 5 times as likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic white Americans. This is a larger COVID-19 Read more…
What do you think of the idea of “focused protection” or “shielding” the vulnerable so that everyone else can get on with normal life?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Travel
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Q: It’s finally fall, and my kids are back in school. Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons? A: There are ways to make socializing safer and SMARTer if you remember that reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19 adds up—it is NOT all-or-nothing. You and your family can use a “risk budget” Read more…
Is it safe to give or receive hugs?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Ekay from San Jose asks if it is safe to give or receive hugs? A: Hugs bring many psychological benefits AND can be done with relatively low risk. As you might guess, pandemic precautions still apply. If you plan on dishing out hugs, your SMART toolkit will help maximize the benefits which include happy Read more…
I would prefer to vote in person, but I’m worried about long lines on Election Day.
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: Do I have any other options? Help! A: Maybe – depending on your state. Now that we are 4 weeks away from the election, states with early voting may be starting soon or have already opened their polls! We came across a WONDERFUL chart on early voting from the bipartisan group, National Conference of Read more…
SMART Halloween Yard Sign
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
Q: Jennifer from Texas asks: Are there really false-positives from COVID tests? If so, how is it possible for a test to pick up something that is not there? A: Yep, they exist. High-profile false-positive COVID tests are making the news again after Michael Burton of the New Orleans Saints erroneously tested positive the day Read more…
It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day. How are Native Americans doing during COVID-19?
Social and Racial JusticeLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Thank you for drawing attention to this important topic. By now, you’ve probably heard that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, Native American populations are not an exception. ** Native Americans are more than 5 times as likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic white Americans. This is a larger COVID-19 Read more…
What do you think of the idea of “focused protection” or “shielding” the vulnerable so that everyone else can get on with normal life?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Travel
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Q: It’s finally fall, and my kids are back in school. Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons? A: There are ways to make socializing safer and SMARTer if you remember that reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19 adds up—it is NOT all-or-nothing. You and your family can use a “risk budget” Read more…
Is it safe to give or receive hugs?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Ekay from San Jose asks if it is safe to give or receive hugs? A: Hugs bring many psychological benefits AND can be done with relatively low risk. As you might guess, pandemic precautions still apply. If you plan on dishing out hugs, your SMART toolkit will help maximize the benefits which include happy Read more…
I would prefer to vote in person, but I’m worried about long lines on Election Day.
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: Do I have any other options? Help! A: Maybe – depending on your state. Now that we are 4 weeks away from the election, states with early voting may be starting soon or have already opened their polls! We came across a WONDERFUL chart on early voting from the bipartisan group, National Conference of Read more…
SMART Halloween Yard Sign
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
A: Thank you for drawing attention to this important topic. By now, you’ve probably heard that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, Native American populations are not an exception. ** Native Americans are more than 5 times as likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic white Americans. This is a larger COVID-19 Read more…
What do you think of the idea of “focused protection” or “shielding” the vulnerable so that everyone else can get on with normal life?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Travel
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Q: It’s finally fall, and my kids are back in school. Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons? A: There are ways to make socializing safer and SMARTer if you remember that reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19 adds up—it is NOT all-or-nothing. You and your family can use a “risk budget” Read more…
Is it safe to give or receive hugs?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Ekay from San Jose asks if it is safe to give or receive hugs? A: Hugs bring many psychological benefits AND can be done with relatively low risk. As you might guess, pandemic precautions still apply. If you plan on dishing out hugs, your SMART toolkit will help maximize the benefits which include happy Read more…
I would prefer to vote in person, but I’m worried about long lines on Election Day.
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: Do I have any other options? Help! A: Maybe – depending on your state. Now that we are 4 weeks away from the election, states with early voting may be starting soon or have already opened their polls! We came across a WONDERFUL chart on early voting from the bipartisan group, National Conference of Read more…
SMART Halloween Yard Sign
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe TravelAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Q: It’s finally fall, and my kids are back in school. Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons? A: There are ways to make socializing safer and SMARTer if you remember that reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19 adds up—it is NOT all-or-nothing. You and your family can use a “risk budget” Read more…
Is it safe to give or receive hugs?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Ekay from San Jose asks if it is safe to give or receive hugs? A: Hugs bring many psychological benefits AND can be done with relatively low risk. As you might guess, pandemic precautions still apply. If you plan on dishing out hugs, your SMART toolkit will help maximize the benefits which include happy Read more…
I would prefer to vote in person, but I’m worried about long lines on Election Day.
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: Do I have any other options? Help! A: Maybe – depending on your state. Now that we are 4 weeks away from the election, states with early voting may be starting soon or have already opened their polls! We came across a WONDERFUL chart on early voting from the bipartisan group, National Conference of Read more…
SMART Halloween Yard Sign
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Q: It’s finally fall, and my kids are back in school. Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons? A: There are ways to make socializing safer and SMARTer if you remember that reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19 adds up—it is NOT all-or-nothing. You and your family can use a “risk budget” Read more…
Is it safe to give or receive hugs?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Ekay from San Jose asks if it is safe to give or receive hugs? A: Hugs bring many psychological benefits AND can be done with relatively low risk. As you might guess, pandemic precautions still apply. If you plan on dishing out hugs, your SMART toolkit will help maximize the benefits which include happy Read more…
I would prefer to vote in person, but I’m worried about long lines on Election Day.
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: Do I have any other options? Help! A: Maybe – depending on your state. Now that we are 4 weeks away from the election, states with early voting may be starting soon or have already opened their polls! We came across a WONDERFUL chart on early voting from the bipartisan group, National Conference of Read more…
SMART Halloween Yard Sign
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Q: It’s finally fall, and my kids are back in school. Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons? A: There are ways to make socializing safer and SMARTer if you remember that reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19 adds up—it is NOT all-or-nothing. You and your family can use a “risk budget” Read more…
Is it safe to give or receive hugs?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Ekay from San Jose asks if it is safe to give or receive hugs? A: Hugs bring many psychological benefits AND can be done with relatively low risk. As you might guess, pandemic precautions still apply. If you plan on dishing out hugs, your SMART toolkit will help maximize the benefits which include happy Read more…
I would prefer to vote in person, but I’m worried about long lines on Election Day.
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: Do I have any other options? Help! A: Maybe – depending on your state. Now that we are 4 weeks away from the election, states with early voting may be starting soon or have already opened their polls! We came across a WONDERFUL chart on early voting from the bipartisan group, National Conference of Read more…
SMART Halloween Yard Sign
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Q: It’s finally fall, and my kids are back in school. Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons? A: There are ways to make socializing safer and SMARTer if you remember that reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19 adds up—it is NOT all-or-nothing. You and your family can use a “risk budget” Read more…
Is it safe to give or receive hugs?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Ekay from San Jose asks if it is safe to give or receive hugs? A: Hugs bring many psychological benefits AND can be done with relatively low risk. As you might guess, pandemic precautions still apply. If you plan on dishing out hugs, your SMART toolkit will help maximize the benefits which include happy Read more…
I would prefer to vote in person, but I’m worried about long lines on Election Day.
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: Do I have any other options? Help! A: Maybe – depending on your state. Now that we are 4 weeks away from the election, states with early voting may be starting soon or have already opened their polls! We came across a WONDERFUL chart on early voting from the bipartisan group, National Conference of Read more…
SMART Halloween Yard Sign
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact TracingAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Q: It’s finally fall, and my kids are back in school. Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons? A: There are ways to make socializing safer and SMARTer if you remember that reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19 adds up—it is NOT all-or-nothing. You and your family can use a “risk budget” Read more…
Is it safe to give or receive hugs?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Ekay from San Jose asks if it is safe to give or receive hugs? A: Hugs bring many psychological benefits AND can be done with relatively low risk. As you might guess, pandemic precautions still apply. If you plan on dishing out hugs, your SMART toolkit will help maximize the benefits which include happy Read more…
I would prefer to vote in person, but I’m worried about long lines on Election Day.
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: Do I have any other options? Help! A: Maybe – depending on your state. Now that we are 4 weeks away from the election, states with early voting may be starting soon or have already opened their polls! We came across a WONDERFUL chart on early voting from the bipartisan group, National Conference of Read more…
SMART Halloween Yard Sign
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
MasksJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Q: It’s finally fall, and my kids are back in school. Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons? A: There are ways to make socializing safer and SMARTer if you remember that reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19 adds up—it is NOT all-or-nothing. You and your family can use a “risk budget” Read more…
Is it safe to give or receive hugs?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Ekay from San Jose asks if it is safe to give or receive hugs? A: Hugs bring many psychological benefits AND can be done with relatively low risk. As you might guess, pandemic precautions still apply. If you plan on dishing out hugs, your SMART toolkit will help maximize the benefits which include happy Read more…
I would prefer to vote in person, but I’m worried about long lines on Election Day.
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: Do I have any other options? Help! A: Maybe – depending on your state. Now that we are 4 weeks away from the election, states with early voting may be starting soon or have already opened their polls! We came across a WONDERFUL chart on early voting from the bipartisan group, National Conference of Read more…
SMART Halloween Yard Sign
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying SafeSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe
Q: It’s finally fall, and my kids are back in school. Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons? A: There are ways to make socializing safer and SMARTer if you remember that reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19 adds up—it is NOT all-or-nothing. You and your family can use a “risk budget” Read more…
Is it safe to give or receive hugs?
Mental Health Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Ekay from San Jose asks if it is safe to give or receive hugs? A: Hugs bring many psychological benefits AND can be done with relatively low risk. As you might guess, pandemic precautions still apply. If you plan on dishing out hugs, your SMART toolkit will help maximize the benefits which include happy Read more…
I would prefer to vote in person, but I’m worried about long lines on Election Day.
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: Do I have any other options? Help! A: Maybe – depending on your state. Now that we are 4 weeks away from the election, states with early voting may be starting soon or have already opened their polls! We came across a WONDERFUL chart on early voting from the bipartisan group, National Conference of Read more…
SMART Halloween Yard Sign
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
TreatmentsA: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons?
Families/Kids Socializing Staying SafeQ: It’s finally fall, and my kids are back in school. Can we start seeing friends and doing sports & lessons? A: There are ways to make socializing safer and SMARTer if you remember that reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19 adds up—it is NOT all-or-nothing. You and your family can use a “risk budget” Read more…
Is it safe to give or receive hugs?
Mental Health Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: Ekay from San Jose asks if it is safe to give or receive hugs? A: Hugs bring many psychological benefits AND can be done with relatively low risk. As you might guess, pandemic precautions still apply. If you plan on dishing out hugs, your SMART toolkit will help maximize the benefits which include happy Read more…
I would prefer to vote in person, but I’m worried about long lines on Election Day.
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: Do I have any other options? Help! A: Maybe – depending on your state. Now that we are 4 weeks away from the election, states with early voting may be starting soon or have already opened their polls! We came across a WONDERFUL chart on early voting from the bipartisan group, National Conference of Read more…
SMART Halloween Yard Sign
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
Q: Ekay from San Jose asks if it is safe to give or receive hugs? A: Hugs bring many psychological benefits AND can be done with relatively low risk. As you might guess, pandemic precautions still apply. If you plan on dishing out hugs, your SMART toolkit will help maximize the benefits which include happy Read more…
I would prefer to vote in person, but I’m worried about long lines on Election Day.
Staying SafeRebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: Do I have any other options? Help! A: Maybe – depending on your state. Now that we are 4 weeks away from the election, states with early voting may be starting soon or have already opened their polls! We came across a WONDERFUL chart on early voting from the bipartisan group, National Conference of Read more…
SMART Halloween Yard Sign
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
Q: Do I have any other options? Help! A: Maybe – depending on your state. Now that we are 4 weeks away from the election, states with early voting may be starting soon or have already opened their polls! We came across a WONDERFUL chart on early voting from the bipartisan group, National Conference of Read more…
SMART Halloween Yard Sign
Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
Wondering how you can let your neighbors know about your SMART Halloween plan to deliver treats from a safe distance? Well, so did we! That’s why we made this handy sign! Nerdy Girls are ordering theirs to be printed as lawn signs now, in time for Halloween delivery. Download your free printable sign from our Read more…
