Should I still be wearing a mask when I am out of my home in the presence of other people?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes! You should wear the mask. A recent systematic review published in The Lancet examined the reduction in viral transmission with physical distancing and when wearing a mask. The rigorous study design summarizes existing evidence of 172 observational studies by grading the quality of each study and compiling the results. The findings of this Read more…
Study On Use of Steroids to Reduce COVID-19 Deaths
Treatments
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
BREAKING NEWS: A well-designed study by a respectable research group has yielded preliminary results indicating that a common, inexpensive steroid reduced deaths among very ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nerdy Girl initial reactions: (1) THE STUDY IS WELL-DESIGNED Using the 3 Cs Framework: COMPARISON, CHANCE, and CONTEXT a) There is a randomly assigned COMPARISON group Read more…
Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
A: Yes! You should wear the mask. A recent systematic review published in The Lancet examined the reduction in viral transmission with physical distancing and when wearing a mask. The rigorous study design summarizes existing evidence of 172 observational studies by grading the quality of each study and compiling the results. The findings of this Read more…
Study On Use of Steroids to Reduce COVID-19 Deaths
TreatmentsLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
BREAKING NEWS: A well-designed study by a respectable research group has yielded preliminary results indicating that a common, inexpensive steroid reduced deaths among very ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nerdy Girl initial reactions: (1) THE STUDY IS WELL-DESIGNED Using the 3 Cs Framework: COMPARISON, CHANCE, and CONTEXT a) There is a randomly assigned COMPARISON group Read more…
Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
BREAKING NEWS: A well-designed study by a respectable research group has yielded preliminary results indicating that a common, inexpensive steroid reduced deaths among very ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nerdy Girl initial reactions: (1) THE STUDY IS WELL-DESIGNED Using the 3 Cs Framework: COMPARISON, CHANCE, and CONTEXT a) There is a randomly assigned COMPARISON group Read more…
Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission?
Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying SafeLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health VideosAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying SafeAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and MisinformationMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying SafeAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact TracingSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe TravelLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
James H. Conway, MD, FAAP (Infectious disease pediatrician at UW-Madison) chats with Nerdy Girls Malia Jones and Lindsey Leininger about vaccine development and the COVID-19 vaccine progress. Link to original FB post
Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental HealthJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…
Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Families/KidsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
A: Most likely due to biological sex differences in immune function, though other social and behavioral factors may contribute as well. Sadly, men are more likely be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, and die from COVID-19 than women. This pattern first emerged in China and has been relatively consistent across countries, supporting the notion of Read more…
I was super sick in Nov/Dec/Jan (or in most parts of the world, February). Did I have COVID-19 already?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
A: Nope… you probably had the flu. What makes us think it wasn’t COVID-19? We had a bad influenza year in the United States. This year’s flu vaccine did not cover one of the main flu strains that circulated this year very well–a type of influenza type B. So a lot of people who got Read more…
Is it safe to go back to the doctor?
Families/Kids Staying SafeLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
A: YES. Please don’t let fear keep you from seeking needed medical care! Nerdy Guest Dr. Eve Bloomgarden, a co-founder of Dear Pandemic partner organization Impact (impact4hc.com), has kindly shared helpful and reassuring guidance for health care seekers. Impact is a physician-led organization developing and disseminating evidence-based advice to patients, policymakers, and other decision-makers impacted Read more…
Can you settle the controversy around hydroxychloroquine? What is the latest news around this drug?
Treatments Uncertainty and MisinformationSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
A. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) made headlines recently because a published observational study that raised alarms about its safety was retracted by the study’s authors. What does this mean? The results of scientific studies traditionally go through a rigorous review process by other researchers who were not involved in the original study. After this process, the article Read more…
What do we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy?
Families/Kids Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
A: The Nerdy Girls posted on this several weeks back, but recent research has provided us with some updates. Here are a few key points based on available data: -Pregnant women are no more likely to have high disease severity than than non-pregnant adults. -We do not know if COVID-19 increases risk of adverse effects Read more…
