How worried should I be that any time I go outside I will contract coronavirus from outdoor exercise?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: “How worried should I be that any time I go outside, I will contract coronavirus from a fellow pedestrian, runner, or cyclist who happens to exhale as they pass by? A: The answer is, you probably don’t need to freak out about it. As long as you’re maintaining at least 6 feet of distance Read more…
Should those who have had COVID-19 and recovered be issued an “immunity passport” or “risk-free certificate”?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The World Health Organization states, “At this point in the pandemic, there is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of antibody-mediated immunity to guarantee the accuracy of an “immunity passport” or “risk-free certificate.”” Main reasons why: Laboratory tests that detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in people need further validation to determine their accuracy and reliability Read more…
Are there neurological issues, other than strokes, that I should worry about?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
All I have is a homemade mask. What can I do to increase its effectiveness?
Masks Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: The CDC offers a number of evidence guidelines about cloth face coverings. Here are a few hot tips: Be sure not to touch the outside of the mask when you put it on and take it off (hold it by the straps). And continue washing your hands regularly. Be sure to wash cloth masks Read more…
Wondering about the status of your state’s response to the pandemic?
Reopening Staying Safe Travel
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Much of the pandemic response has been left to states, resulting in a variety of responses and timelines. CNN has compiled the status of stay-at-home orders in each state for you review. Remember, viruses are unlikely to respect state lines. Follow your local Department of Health and a trustworthy news outlet to understand the Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
Could over 20% of individuals living in New York City really already have been exposed to COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Possibly, but there are a few things to consider about the sample of individuals included in the study (and all sero-surveys assessing past exposure to the infection via detection of antibodies targeted against SARS-CoV-2). In this study, ~3000 individuals (~1300 in NYC specifically) were recruited to be tested for presence of antibodies targeted against Read more…
What does a pandemic offensive line look like?
Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The pandemic offensive line has 5 players: social distancing, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and treatment. The goal is to find the virus, trap it, and prevent it from finding other hosts (people) and harming them. Social distancing makes it harder for the virus to find the next host, but doesn’t tell us where the Read more…
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
I know I’ve been infected with COVID-19. How long am I contagious for and when can I come out of isolation?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Scientists still don’t know how long people remain contagious for after infection. The CDC has issued guidelines for when people with known COVID infection can leave the house for essential trips: No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicines to reduce the fever, AND Other symptoms have improved, AND At Read more…
I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
Q: “How worried should I be that any time I go outside, I will contract coronavirus from a fellow pedestrian, runner, or cyclist who happens to exhale as they pass by? A: The answer is, you probably don’t need to freak out about it. As long as you’re maintaining at least 6 feet of distance Read more…
Should those who have had COVID-19 and recovered be issued an “immunity passport” or “risk-free certificate”?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: The World Health Organization states, “At this point in the pandemic, there is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of antibody-mediated immunity to guarantee the accuracy of an “immunity passport” or “risk-free certificate.”” Main reasons why: Laboratory tests that detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in people need further validation to determine their accuracy and reliability Read more…
Are there neurological issues, other than strokes, that I should worry about?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
All I have is a homemade mask. What can I do to increase its effectiveness?
Masks Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: The CDC offers a number of evidence guidelines about cloth face coverings. Here are a few hot tips: Be sure not to touch the outside of the mask when you put it on and take it off (hold it by the straps). And continue washing your hands regularly. Be sure to wash cloth masks Read more…
Wondering about the status of your state’s response to the pandemic?
Reopening Staying Safe Travel
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Much of the pandemic response has been left to states, resulting in a variety of responses and timelines. CNN has compiled the status of stay-at-home orders in each state for you review. Remember, viruses are unlikely to respect state lines. Follow your local Department of Health and a trustworthy news outlet to understand the Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
Could over 20% of individuals living in New York City really already have been exposed to COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Possibly, but there are a few things to consider about the sample of individuals included in the study (and all sero-surveys assessing past exposure to the infection via detection of antibodies targeted against SARS-CoV-2). In this study, ~3000 individuals (~1300 in NYC specifically) were recruited to be tested for presence of antibodies targeted against Read more…
What does a pandemic offensive line look like?
Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The pandemic offensive line has 5 players: social distancing, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and treatment. The goal is to find the virus, trap it, and prevent it from finding other hosts (people) and harming them. Social distancing makes it harder for the virus to find the next host, but doesn’t tell us where the Read more…
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
I know I’ve been infected with COVID-19. How long am I contagious for and when can I come out of isolation?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Scientists still don’t know how long people remain contagious for after infection. The CDC has issued guidelines for when people with known COVID infection can leave the house for essential trips: No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicines to reduce the fever, AND Other symptoms have improved, AND At Read more…
I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: The World Health Organization states, “At this point in the pandemic, there is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of antibody-mediated immunity to guarantee the accuracy of an “immunity passport” or “risk-free certificate.”” Main reasons why: Laboratory tests that detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in people need further validation to determine their accuracy and reliability Read more…
Are there neurological issues, other than strokes, that I should worry about?
Biology/Immunity Clinical SymptomsAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
All I have is a homemade mask. What can I do to increase its effectiveness?
Masks Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: The CDC offers a number of evidence guidelines about cloth face coverings. Here are a few hot tips: Be sure not to touch the outside of the mask when you put it on and take it off (hold it by the straps). And continue washing your hands regularly. Be sure to wash cloth masks Read more…
Wondering about the status of your state’s response to the pandemic?
Reopening Staying Safe Travel
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Much of the pandemic response has been left to states, resulting in a variety of responses and timelines. CNN has compiled the status of stay-at-home orders in each state for you review. Remember, viruses are unlikely to respect state lines. Follow your local Department of Health and a trustworthy news outlet to understand the Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
Could over 20% of individuals living in New York City really already have been exposed to COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Possibly, but there are a few things to consider about the sample of individuals included in the study (and all sero-surveys assessing past exposure to the infection via detection of antibodies targeted against SARS-CoV-2). In this study, ~3000 individuals (~1300 in NYC specifically) were recruited to be tested for presence of antibodies targeted against Read more…
What does a pandemic offensive line look like?
Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The pandemic offensive line has 5 players: social distancing, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and treatment. The goal is to find the virus, trap it, and prevent it from finding other hosts (people) and harming them. Social distancing makes it harder for the virus to find the next host, but doesn’t tell us where the Read more…
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
I know I’ve been infected with COVID-19. How long am I contagious for and when can I come out of isolation?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Scientists still don’t know how long people remain contagious for after infection. The CDC has issued guidelines for when people with known COVID infection can leave the house for essential trips: No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicines to reduce the fever, AND Other symptoms have improved, AND At Read more…
I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: Yes and no. Most of the other neurological complications seen to date have occurred later in disease progression (some time after active COVID-19 symptoms). There is some concern that COVID-19 can have effects on neural cells in the brain through the same mechanism that the virus enters other cells (ACE-2 receptor). There is also Read more…
I have been hearing about young, healthy people who didn’t have overt symptoms of COVID-19 having strokes. What does this mean?
Biology/Immunity Clinical SymptomsAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
All I have is a homemade mask. What can I do to increase its effectiveness?
Masks Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: The CDC offers a number of evidence guidelines about cloth face coverings. Here are a few hot tips: Be sure not to touch the outside of the mask when you put it on and take it off (hold it by the straps). And continue washing your hands regularly. Be sure to wash cloth masks Read more…
Wondering about the status of your state’s response to the pandemic?
Reopening Staying Safe Travel
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Much of the pandemic response has been left to states, resulting in a variety of responses and timelines. CNN has compiled the status of stay-at-home orders in each state for you review. Remember, viruses are unlikely to respect state lines. Follow your local Department of Health and a trustworthy news outlet to understand the Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
Could over 20% of individuals living in New York City really already have been exposed to COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Possibly, but there are a few things to consider about the sample of individuals included in the study (and all sero-surveys assessing past exposure to the infection via detection of antibodies targeted against SARS-CoV-2). In this study, ~3000 individuals (~1300 in NYC specifically) were recruited to be tested for presence of antibodies targeted against Read more…
What does a pandemic offensive line look like?
Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The pandemic offensive line has 5 players: social distancing, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and treatment. The goal is to find the virus, trap it, and prevent it from finding other hosts (people) and harming them. Social distancing makes it harder for the virus to find the next host, but doesn’t tell us where the Read more…
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
I know I’ve been infected with COVID-19. How long am I contagious for and when can I come out of isolation?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Scientists still don’t know how long people remain contagious for after infection. The CDC has issued guidelines for when people with known COVID infection can leave the house for essential trips: No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicines to reduce the fever, AND Other symptoms have improved, AND At Read more…
I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: We are still learning a great deal about the virus. Early reports from Italy and China have demonstrated that patients positive for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which can increase the risk of stroke due to occlusion of the blood vessels (1). Increasing cases of young, otherwise healthy people Read more…
All I have is a homemade mask. What can I do to increase its effectiveness?
Masks Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: The CDC offers a number of evidence guidelines about cloth face coverings. Here are a few hot tips: Be sure not to touch the outside of the mask when you put it on and take it off (hold it by the straps). And continue washing your hands regularly. Be sure to wash cloth masks Read more…
Wondering about the status of your state’s response to the pandemic?
Reopening Staying Safe Travel
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Much of the pandemic response has been left to states, resulting in a variety of responses and timelines. CNN has compiled the status of stay-at-home orders in each state for you review. Remember, viruses are unlikely to respect state lines. Follow your local Department of Health and a trustworthy news outlet to understand the Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
Could over 20% of individuals living in New York City really already have been exposed to COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Possibly, but there are a few things to consider about the sample of individuals included in the study (and all sero-surveys assessing past exposure to the infection via detection of antibodies targeted against SARS-CoV-2). In this study, ~3000 individuals (~1300 in NYC specifically) were recruited to be tested for presence of antibodies targeted against Read more…
What does a pandemic offensive line look like?
Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The pandemic offensive line has 5 players: social distancing, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and treatment. The goal is to find the virus, trap it, and prevent it from finding other hosts (people) and harming them. Social distancing makes it harder for the virus to find the next host, but doesn’t tell us where the Read more…
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
I know I’ve been infected with COVID-19. How long am I contagious for and when can I come out of isolation?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Scientists still don’t know how long people remain contagious for after infection. The CDC has issued guidelines for when people with known COVID infection can leave the house for essential trips: No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicines to reduce the fever, AND Other symptoms have improved, AND At Read more…
I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: The CDC offers a number of evidence guidelines about cloth face coverings. Here are a few hot tips: Be sure not to touch the outside of the mask when you put it on and take it off (hold it by the straps). And continue washing your hands regularly. Be sure to wash cloth masks Read more…
Wondering about the status of your state’s response to the pandemic?
Reopening Staying Safe TravelAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Much of the pandemic response has been left to states, resulting in a variety of responses and timelines. CNN has compiled the status of stay-at-home orders in each state for you review. Remember, viruses are unlikely to respect state lines. Follow your local Department of Health and a trustworthy news outlet to understand the Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening School
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
Could over 20% of individuals living in New York City really already have been exposed to COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Possibly, but there are a few things to consider about the sample of individuals included in the study (and all sero-surveys assessing past exposure to the infection via detection of antibodies targeted against SARS-CoV-2). In this study, ~3000 individuals (~1300 in NYC specifically) were recruited to be tested for presence of antibodies targeted against Read more…
What does a pandemic offensive line look like?
Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The pandemic offensive line has 5 players: social distancing, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and treatment. The goal is to find the virus, trap it, and prevent it from finding other hosts (people) and harming them. Social distancing makes it harder for the virus to find the next host, but doesn’t tell us where the Read more…
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
I know I’ve been infected with COVID-19. How long am I contagious for and when can I come out of isolation?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Scientists still don’t know how long people remain contagious for after infection. The CDC has issued guidelines for when people with known COVID infection can leave the house for essential trips: No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicines to reduce the fever, AND Other symptoms have improved, AND At Read more…
I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: Much of the pandemic response has been left to states, resulting in a variety of responses and timelines. CNN has compiled the status of stay-at-home orders in each state for you review. Remember, viruses are unlikely to respect state lines. Follow your local Department of Health and a trustworthy news outlet to understand the Read more…
My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open?
Families/Kids Reopening SchoolAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
Could over 20% of individuals living in New York City really already have been exposed to COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Possibly, but there are a few things to consider about the sample of individuals included in the study (and all sero-surveys assessing past exposure to the infection via detection of antibodies targeted against SARS-CoV-2). In this study, ~3000 individuals (~1300 in NYC specifically) were recruited to be tested for presence of antibodies targeted against Read more…
What does a pandemic offensive line look like?
Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The pandemic offensive line has 5 players: social distancing, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and treatment. The goal is to find the virus, trap it, and prevent it from finding other hosts (people) and harming them. Social distancing makes it harder for the virus to find the next host, but doesn’t tell us where the Read more…
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
I know I’ve been infected with COVID-19. How long am I contagious for and when can I come out of isolation?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Scientists still don’t know how long people remain contagious for after infection. The CDC has issued guidelines for when people with known COVID infection can leave the house for essential trips: No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicines to reduce the fever, AND Other symptoms have improved, AND At Read more…
I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
Q: Help! My kid is supposed to start or return to college in the fall. Will colleges even be open? Our family isn’t that excited about Zoom U. A: Very few colleges have announced firm plans; many more plan to do so by mid-June or early July. Figuring how to safely re-open is a daunting Read more…
Could over 20% of individuals living in New York City really already have been exposed to COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Possibly, but there are a few things to consider about the sample of individuals included in the study (and all sero-surveys assessing past exposure to the infection via detection of antibodies targeted against SARS-CoV-2). In this study, ~3000 individuals (~1300 in NYC specifically) were recruited to be tested for presence of antibodies targeted against Read more…
What does a pandemic offensive line look like?
Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The pandemic offensive line has 5 players: social distancing, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and treatment. The goal is to find the virus, trap it, and prevent it from finding other hosts (people) and harming them. Social distancing makes it harder for the virus to find the next host, but doesn’t tell us where the Read more…
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
I know I’ve been infected with COVID-19. How long am I contagious for and when can I come out of isolation?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Scientists still don’t know how long people remain contagious for after infection. The CDC has issued guidelines for when people with known COVID infection can leave the house for essential trips: No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicines to reduce the fever, AND Other symptoms have improved, AND At Read more…
I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: Possibly, but there are a few things to consider about the sample of individuals included in the study (and all sero-surveys assessing past exposure to the infection via detection of antibodies targeted against SARS-CoV-2). In this study, ~3000 individuals (~1300 in NYC specifically) were recruited to be tested for presence of antibodies targeted against Read more…
What does a pandemic offensive line look like?
Infection and SpreadAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: The pandemic offensive line has 5 players: social distancing, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and treatment. The goal is to find the virus, trap it, and prevent it from finding other hosts (people) and harming them. Social distancing makes it harder for the virus to find the next host, but doesn’t tell us where the Read more…
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
I know I’ve been infected with COVID-19. How long am I contagious for and when can I come out of isolation?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Scientists still don’t know how long people remain contagious for after infection. The CDC has issued guidelines for when people with known COVID infection can leave the house for essential trips: No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicines to reduce the fever, AND Other symptoms have improved, AND At Read more…
I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: The pandemic offensive line has 5 players: social distancing, testing, isolation, contact tracing, and treatment. The goal is to find the virus, trap it, and prevent it from finding other hosts (people) and harming them. Social distancing makes it harder for the virus to find the next host, but doesn’t tell us where the Read more…
I keep hearing reports that a lab accident caused the pandemic. Is this true?
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
I know I’ve been infected with COVID-19. How long am I contagious for and when can I come out of isolation?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Scientists still don’t know how long people remain contagious for after infection. The CDC has issued guidelines for when people with known COVID infection can leave the house for essential trips: No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicines to reduce the fever, AND Other symptoms have improved, AND At Read more…
I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: Experts agree: “Virtually no chance.” NPR canvassed ten leading researchers specializing in coronaviruses and/or lab accidents, all of whom share the view that this virus was first transmitted to humans by animals in a real-world setting. As Robert Garry, a microbiologist at Tulane, goes on to explain: “The virus is really too good at Read more…
I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
I know I’ve been infected with COVID-19. How long am I contagious for and when can I come out of isolation?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Scientists still don’t know how long people remain contagious for after infection. The CDC has issued guidelines for when people with known COVID infection can leave the house for essential trips: No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicines to reduce the fever, AND Other symptoms have improved, AND At Read more…
I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: While the most serious risk for complications and mortality is still at older ages and those with co-morbidities, the course of disease in younger and middle-aged adults is proving highly unpredictable. “There’s a big difference in how people handle this virus,” says Robert Murphy, a professor of medicine and the director of the Center Read more…
I know I’ve been infected with COVID-19. How long am I contagious for and when can I come out of isolation?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Scientists still don’t know how long people remain contagious for after infection. The CDC has issued guidelines for when people with known COVID infection can leave the house for essential trips: No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicines to reduce the fever, AND Other symptoms have improved, AND At Read more…
I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A. Scientists still don’t know how long people remain contagious for after infection. The CDC has issued guidelines for when people with known COVID infection can leave the house for essential trips: No fever for at least 72 hours without the use of medicines to reduce the fever, AND Other symptoms have improved, AND At Read more…
I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…
What are COVID toes?
Clinical Symptoms Families/KidsLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical Symptoms
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: COVID toes refer to a frostbite-like skin rash on fingers and toes that may be a symptom of COVID-19, causing the skin to feel hot or itchy. This symptom may be more common among younger and asymptomatic patients. So, in addition to sniffing your kids’ stinky socks (to test how your own sense of Read more…
Is obesity really a risk factor for COVID-19?
Clinical SymptomsSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A. It’s not necessarily a risk factor for infection, but a small number of studies appear to show that individuals with BMI > 30 (defined as “obese”) and BMI > 40 (defined as “severely obese”) are more likely to be hospitalized than individuals with BMI <30 (which includes individuals of “normal” weight and “overweight”). Other Read more…
What things should I consider if I want to move my loved one out of a nursing home or assisted living facility during the current pandemic?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: Several factors make COVID-19 very dangerous to nursing home and assisted living residents. The virus can go undetected in staff and residents with no symptoms, facilitating rapid spread to older adults with underlying health conditions and their vital care providers. Like hospitals, adequate protective equipment and the capacity to test residents and staff are Read more…
What is a danger of relaxing social distancing measures prematurely?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: A resurgence of cases leading to a second and more severe peak can occur. Medical Historian and Pandemic Expert, Howard Markel, MD, PhD explains, “Easing up on “social distancing” steps too soon, and too quickly, could give the novel coronavirus a chance to race back into broad circulation, he explains. Serious cases, and deaths, Read more…
Meet COVID CRUSH
Infection and Spread UncategorizedAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
COVID CRUSH is a toy model of disease transmission created by our very own nerdy girl, Malia Jones, and her team in the Applied Population Lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Things you can do with this model: 1 – SEE the effects of different levels of social distancing 2 – Home School Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact TracingLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
I now know a little more about serological testing and antibodies. But I still have questions. For example, I read about antibody studies in California that say as many as 4% of all people have had the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
A: The short answer, as statistician Thomas Lumley says, is that “counting rare things is hard.” There is much we still don’t know about antibody testing for COVID-19 (levels of detection, interpretation, length/duration/extent of immunity). One issue is the testing itself. While current active illness tests (swab/PCR) are very accurate when performed correctly and at Read more…
