What have we learned about Covid-19 transmission in nursing homes that could be helpful in tailoring our approach to infection control across settings?
Infection and Spread
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Broad testing and protective equipment are essential in containing Covid-19 spread and saving lives. Residents of nursing homes and the many professionals who provide care to older adults in nursing homes have been extremely hard hit by Covid-19. Once Covid-19 enters a nursing home, the shared living space can make it very difficult to Read more…
Housing Policy and the Pandemic
Social and Racial Justice Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Michael Lens of UCLA Luskin School of Public Policy chats with Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic about housing policy & COVID-19. Links to additional reading on housing and inequality suggested by Dr. Lens at the end of the video: 1. Generation Priced Out (book) by Randy Shaw 2. The Color of Law (book) by Read more…
How did Dear Pandemic begin as a trusted source of Covid-19 information?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Check out this new WHYY The Pulse episode, Social Media’s ‘Infodemic’. This episode features our very own Nerdy Girl, Dr. Alison Buttenheim, as well as other leaders in the field. Link to original FB post
Can you tell me the story of Hydroxychloroquine again?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Absolutely. To answer this question, we turn to the analysis of others….because we also love elevating others’ excellent and succinct work for you. This quick video by The Incidental Economist hits on the major points of the retracted studies and where we are now. It also ends on a hopeful message: “Science isn’t perfect. Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
I heard that the MMR vaccine prevents COVID-19. Should I get an MMR vaccine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: If you haven’t had one already, you should definitely get an MMR vaccine to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella! But no evidence so far supports the idea that your MMR vaccine might prevent COVID-19. We’ve all seen the news: risk of dying of COVID-19 infection jumps at about age 50 and increases every year Read more…
Why the heck are COVID-19 researchers so obsessed with cruise ships?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Two words: SILENT INFECTION. Specifically, cruise ships that were out-to-sea during the emergence of the pandemic provided a unique setting to compute a complete count of people “at risk” of becoming infected and a complete count of people who ultimately become infected. These complete counts allowed scientists to calculate the presence of SILENT INFECTION Read more…
Should I still be wearing a mask when I am out of my home in the presence of other people?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes! You should wear the mask. A recent systematic review published in The Lancet examined the reduction in viral transmission with physical distancing and when wearing a mask. The rigorous study design summarizes existing evidence of 172 observational studies by grading the quality of each study and compiling the results. The findings of this Read more…
Study On Use of Steroids to Reduce COVID-19 Deaths
Treatments
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
BREAKING NEWS: A well-designed study by a respectable research group has yielded preliminary results indicating that a common, inexpensive steroid reduced deaths among very ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nerdy Girl initial reactions: (1) THE STUDY IS WELL-DESIGNED Using the 3 Cs Framework: COMPARISON, CHANCE, and CONTEXT a) There is a randomly assigned COMPARISON group Read more…
Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
A: Broad testing and protective equipment are essential in containing Covid-19 spread and saving lives. Residents of nursing homes and the many professionals who provide care to older adults in nursing homes have been extremely hard hit by Covid-19. Once Covid-19 enters a nursing home, the shared living space can make it very difficult to Read more…
Housing Policy and the Pandemic
Social and Racial Justice VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Michael Lens of UCLA Luskin School of Public Policy chats with Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic about housing policy & COVID-19. Links to additional reading on housing and inequality suggested by Dr. Lens at the end of the video: 1. Generation Priced Out (book) by Randy Shaw 2. The Color of Law (book) by Read more…
How did Dear Pandemic begin as a trusted source of Covid-19 information?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Check out this new WHYY The Pulse episode, Social Media’s ‘Infodemic’. This episode features our very own Nerdy Girl, Dr. Alison Buttenheim, as well as other leaders in the field. Link to original FB post
Can you tell me the story of Hydroxychloroquine again?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Absolutely. To answer this question, we turn to the analysis of others….because we also love elevating others’ excellent and succinct work for you. This quick video by The Incidental Economist hits on the major points of the retracted studies and where we are now. It also ends on a hopeful message: “Science isn’t perfect. Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
I heard that the MMR vaccine prevents COVID-19. Should I get an MMR vaccine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: If you haven’t had one already, you should definitely get an MMR vaccine to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella! But no evidence so far supports the idea that your MMR vaccine might prevent COVID-19. We’ve all seen the news: risk of dying of COVID-19 infection jumps at about age 50 and increases every year Read more…
Why the heck are COVID-19 researchers so obsessed with cruise ships?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Two words: SILENT INFECTION. Specifically, cruise ships that were out-to-sea during the emergence of the pandemic provided a unique setting to compute a complete count of people “at risk” of becoming infected and a complete count of people who ultimately become infected. These complete counts allowed scientists to calculate the presence of SILENT INFECTION Read more…
Should I still be wearing a mask when I am out of my home in the presence of other people?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes! You should wear the mask. A recent systematic review published in The Lancet examined the reduction in viral transmission with physical distancing and when wearing a mask. The rigorous study design summarizes existing evidence of 172 observational studies by grading the quality of each study and compiling the results. The findings of this Read more…
Study On Use of Steroids to Reduce COVID-19 Deaths
Treatments
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
BREAKING NEWS: A well-designed study by a respectable research group has yielded preliminary results indicating that a common, inexpensive steroid reduced deaths among very ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nerdy Girl initial reactions: (1) THE STUDY IS WELL-DESIGNED Using the 3 Cs Framework: COMPARISON, CHANCE, and CONTEXT a) There is a randomly assigned COMPARISON group Read more…
Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
Dr. Michael Lens of UCLA Luskin School of Public Policy chats with Malia Jones of Dear Pandemic about housing policy & COVID-19. Links to additional reading on housing and inequality suggested by Dr. Lens at the end of the video: 1. Generation Priced Out (book) by Randy Shaw 2. The Color of Law (book) by Read more…
How did Dear Pandemic begin as a trusted source of Covid-19 information?
Uncertainty and MisinformationAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Check out this new WHYY The Pulse episode, Social Media’s ‘Infodemic’. This episode features our very own Nerdy Girl, Dr. Alison Buttenheim, as well as other leaders in the field. Link to original FB post
Can you tell me the story of Hydroxychloroquine again?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Absolutely. To answer this question, we turn to the analysis of others….because we also love elevating others’ excellent and succinct work for you. This quick video by The Incidental Economist hits on the major points of the retracted studies and where we are now. It also ends on a hopeful message: “Science isn’t perfect. Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
I heard that the MMR vaccine prevents COVID-19. Should I get an MMR vaccine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: If you haven’t had one already, you should definitely get an MMR vaccine to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella! But no evidence so far supports the idea that your MMR vaccine might prevent COVID-19. We’ve all seen the news: risk of dying of COVID-19 infection jumps at about age 50 and increases every year Read more…
Why the heck are COVID-19 researchers so obsessed with cruise ships?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Two words: SILENT INFECTION. Specifically, cruise ships that were out-to-sea during the emergence of the pandemic provided a unique setting to compute a complete count of people “at risk” of becoming infected and a complete count of people who ultimately become infected. These complete counts allowed scientists to calculate the presence of SILENT INFECTION Read more…
Should I still be wearing a mask when I am out of my home in the presence of other people?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes! You should wear the mask. A recent systematic review published in The Lancet examined the reduction in viral transmission with physical distancing and when wearing a mask. The rigorous study design summarizes existing evidence of 172 observational studies by grading the quality of each study and compiling the results. The findings of this Read more…
Study On Use of Steroids to Reduce COVID-19 Deaths
Treatments
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
BREAKING NEWS: A well-designed study by a respectable research group has yielded preliminary results indicating that a common, inexpensive steroid reduced deaths among very ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nerdy Girl initial reactions: (1) THE STUDY IS WELL-DESIGNED Using the 3 Cs Framework: COMPARISON, CHANCE, and CONTEXT a) There is a randomly assigned COMPARISON group Read more…
Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
A: Check out this new WHYY The Pulse episode, Social Media’s ‘Infodemic’. This episode features our very own Nerdy Girl, Dr. Alison Buttenheim, as well as other leaders in the field. Link to original FB post
Can you tell me the story of Hydroxychloroquine again?
Treatments Uncertainty and MisinformationAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Absolutely. To answer this question, we turn to the analysis of others….because we also love elevating others’ excellent and succinct work for you. This quick video by The Incidental Economist hits on the major points of the retracted studies and where we are now. It also ends on a hopeful message: “Science isn’t perfect. Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
I heard that the MMR vaccine prevents COVID-19. Should I get an MMR vaccine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: If you haven’t had one already, you should definitely get an MMR vaccine to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella! But no evidence so far supports the idea that your MMR vaccine might prevent COVID-19. We’ve all seen the news: risk of dying of COVID-19 infection jumps at about age 50 and increases every year Read more…
Why the heck are COVID-19 researchers so obsessed with cruise ships?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Two words: SILENT INFECTION. Specifically, cruise ships that were out-to-sea during the emergence of the pandemic provided a unique setting to compute a complete count of people “at risk” of becoming infected and a complete count of people who ultimately become infected. These complete counts allowed scientists to calculate the presence of SILENT INFECTION Read more…
Should I still be wearing a mask when I am out of my home in the presence of other people?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes! You should wear the mask. A recent systematic review published in The Lancet examined the reduction in viral transmission with physical distancing and when wearing a mask. The rigorous study design summarizes existing evidence of 172 observational studies by grading the quality of each study and compiling the results. The findings of this Read more…
Study On Use of Steroids to Reduce COVID-19 Deaths
Treatments
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
BREAKING NEWS: A well-designed study by a respectable research group has yielded preliminary results indicating that a common, inexpensive steroid reduced deaths among very ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nerdy Girl initial reactions: (1) THE STUDY IS WELL-DESIGNED Using the 3 Cs Framework: COMPARISON, CHANCE, and CONTEXT a) There is a randomly assigned COMPARISON group Read more…
Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
A: Absolutely. To answer this question, we turn to the analysis of others….because we also love elevating others’ excellent and succinct work for you. This quick video by The Incidental Economist hits on the major points of the retracted studies and where we are now. It also ends on a hopeful message: “Science isn’t perfect. Read more…
Is blood type really linked to a higher risk of COVID-19?
Biology/ImmunitySandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
I heard that the MMR vaccine prevents COVID-19. Should I get an MMR vaccine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: If you haven’t had one already, you should definitely get an MMR vaccine to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella! But no evidence so far supports the idea that your MMR vaccine might prevent COVID-19. We’ve all seen the news: risk of dying of COVID-19 infection jumps at about age 50 and increases every year Read more…
Why the heck are COVID-19 researchers so obsessed with cruise ships?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Two words: SILENT INFECTION. Specifically, cruise ships that were out-to-sea during the emergence of the pandemic provided a unique setting to compute a complete count of people “at risk” of becoming infected and a complete count of people who ultimately become infected. These complete counts allowed scientists to calculate the presence of SILENT INFECTION Read more…
Should I still be wearing a mask when I am out of my home in the presence of other people?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes! You should wear the mask. A recent systematic review published in The Lancet examined the reduction in viral transmission with physical distancing and when wearing a mask. The rigorous study design summarizes existing evidence of 172 observational studies by grading the quality of each study and compiling the results. The findings of this Read more…
Study On Use of Steroids to Reduce COVID-19 Deaths
Treatments
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
BREAKING NEWS: A well-designed study by a respectable research group has yielded preliminary results indicating that a common, inexpensive steroid reduced deaths among very ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nerdy Girl initial reactions: (1) THE STUDY IS WELL-DESIGNED Using the 3 Cs Framework: COMPARISON, CHANCE, and CONTEXT a) There is a randomly assigned COMPARISON group Read more…
Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
Short answer: We don’t know yet. Long answer: A study by DNA testing company 23andMe recently made headlines, reporting that people with blood Type O were up to 18% less likely get infected with COVID19 than other blood types (A, B, and AB), and they were also less likely to be hospitalized. The findings appear Read more…
I heard that the MMR vaccine prevents COVID-19. Should I get an MMR vaccine?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: If you haven’t had one already, you should definitely get an MMR vaccine to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella! But no evidence so far supports the idea that your MMR vaccine might prevent COVID-19. We’ve all seen the news: risk of dying of COVID-19 infection jumps at about age 50 and increases every year Read more…
Why the heck are COVID-19 researchers so obsessed with cruise ships?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Two words: SILENT INFECTION. Specifically, cruise ships that were out-to-sea during the emergence of the pandemic provided a unique setting to compute a complete count of people “at risk” of becoming infected and a complete count of people who ultimately become infected. These complete counts allowed scientists to calculate the presence of SILENT INFECTION Read more…
Should I still be wearing a mask when I am out of my home in the presence of other people?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes! You should wear the mask. A recent systematic review published in The Lancet examined the reduction in viral transmission with physical distancing and when wearing a mask. The rigorous study design summarizes existing evidence of 172 observational studies by grading the quality of each study and compiling the results. The findings of this Read more…
Study On Use of Steroids to Reduce COVID-19 Deaths
Treatments
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
BREAKING NEWS: A well-designed study by a respectable research group has yielded preliminary results indicating that a common, inexpensive steroid reduced deaths among very ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nerdy Girl initial reactions: (1) THE STUDY IS WELL-DESIGNED Using the 3 Cs Framework: COMPARISON, CHANCE, and CONTEXT a) There is a randomly assigned COMPARISON group Read more…
Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
A: If you haven’t had one already, you should definitely get an MMR vaccine to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella! But no evidence so far supports the idea that your MMR vaccine might prevent COVID-19. We’ve all seen the news: risk of dying of COVID-19 infection jumps at about age 50 and increases every year Read more…
Why the heck are COVID-19 researchers so obsessed with cruise ships?
Infection and Spread TravelLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Two words: SILENT INFECTION. Specifically, cruise ships that were out-to-sea during the emergence of the pandemic provided a unique setting to compute a complete count of people “at risk” of becoming infected and a complete count of people who ultimately become infected. These complete counts allowed scientists to calculate the presence of SILENT INFECTION Read more…
Should I still be wearing a mask when I am out of my home in the presence of other people?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes! You should wear the mask. A recent systematic review published in The Lancet examined the reduction in viral transmission with physical distancing and when wearing a mask. The rigorous study design summarizes existing evidence of 172 observational studies by grading the quality of each study and compiling the results. The findings of this Read more…
Study On Use of Steroids to Reduce COVID-19 Deaths
Treatments
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
BREAKING NEWS: A well-designed study by a respectable research group has yielded preliminary results indicating that a common, inexpensive steroid reduced deaths among very ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nerdy Girl initial reactions: (1) THE STUDY IS WELL-DESIGNED Using the 3 Cs Framework: COMPARISON, CHANCE, and CONTEXT a) There is a randomly assigned COMPARISON group Read more…
Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
A: Two words: SILENT INFECTION. Specifically, cruise ships that were out-to-sea during the emergence of the pandemic provided a unique setting to compute a complete count of people “at risk” of becoming infected and a complete count of people who ultimately become infected. These complete counts allowed scientists to calculate the presence of SILENT INFECTION Read more…
Should I still be wearing a mask when I am out of my home in the presence of other people?
Infection and Spread Masks Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes! You should wear the mask. A recent systematic review published in The Lancet examined the reduction in viral transmission with physical distancing and when wearing a mask. The rigorous study design summarizes existing evidence of 172 observational studies by grading the quality of each study and compiling the results. The findings of this Read more…
Study On Use of Steroids to Reduce COVID-19 Deaths
Treatments
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
BREAKING NEWS: A well-designed study by a respectable research group has yielded preliminary results indicating that a common, inexpensive steroid reduced deaths among very ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nerdy Girl initial reactions: (1) THE STUDY IS WELL-DESIGNED Using the 3 Cs Framework: COMPARISON, CHANCE, and CONTEXT a) There is a randomly assigned COMPARISON group Read more…
Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
A: Yes! You should wear the mask. A recent systematic review published in The Lancet examined the reduction in viral transmission with physical distancing and when wearing a mask. The rigorous study design summarizes existing evidence of 172 observational studies by grading the quality of each study and compiling the results. The findings of this Read more…
Study On Use of Steroids to Reduce COVID-19 Deaths
TreatmentsLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
BREAKING NEWS: A well-designed study by a respectable research group has yielded preliminary results indicating that a common, inexpensive steroid reduced deaths among very ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nerdy Girl initial reactions: (1) THE STUDY IS WELL-DESIGNED Using the 3 Cs Framework: COMPARISON, CHANCE, and CONTEXT a) There is a randomly assigned COMPARISON group Read more…
Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
BREAKING NEWS: A well-designed study by a respectable research group has yielded preliminary results indicating that a common, inexpensive steroid reduced deaths among very ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Nerdy Girl initial reactions: (1) THE STUDY IS WELL-DESIGNED Using the 3 Cs Framework: COMPARISON, CHANCE, and CONTEXT a) There is a randomly assigned COMPARISON group Read more…
Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission?
Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying Safe
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
A: Recent analysis of infection clusters in Japan bolsters evidence that heavy breathing in close proximity is high risk activity for community spread. Japan has been aggressively tracing “clusters” of coronavirus infections, and the recently summary published by the CDC (linked below) is full of interesting findings. “Clusters” were defined as 5 or more confirmed Read more…
I hear that the CDC has recently published tips on “personal and social activities.” Can you please provide an overview?
Socializing Staying SafeLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
A: The CDC urges people to consider four factors prior to engaging in any given activity: (1) Extent of disease burden in your community; (2) Likelihood you’ll be coming into contact with potentially exposed individuals; (3) Your personal/household risk for a bad COVID outcome should you be exposed; (4) Ability to adapt personally protective behaviors Read more…
Maternal Mental Health Issues During COVID-19
Families/Kids Mental Health VideosAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
Adrienne Griffin, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, discusses maternal mental health issues during COVID-19 with Dear Pandemic Nerdy Girl Dr. Aparna Kumar, BSN, MSN, PhD. Link to original FB post
What’s your take on the recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claiming that mandatory face coverings changed the course of the pandemic?
Masks Staying SafeAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
Link to study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences A: Based on all of the available evidence, we are wearing our masks and strongly encourage others to do so. Sadly, this study is a HOT MESS… How can this be? The *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,* that’s a serious journal, Read more…
Interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD
Staying Safe Uncertainty and MisinformationMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying Safe
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
Dear Pandemic is pleased to bring you this interview with Distinguished Nerdy Guest, Anne R. Pebley, PhD. Dr. Pebley is a Distinguished Professor at UCLA and a social demographer whose research focuses on social inequality both in the United States and globally. She joins us today to talk about the need for timely and accurate Read more…
Restaurants in my city are reopening for outdoor dining. Is that safe?
Reopening Socializing Staying SafeAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
A: It’s probably safe for you as a diner. But also consider if it’s safe for kitchen crew and wait staff. Several Nerdy Girls live in Philadelphia, where restaurants were allowed to resume outdoor or sidewalk service as of Friday night. One of us (Alison) was interviewed by a local magazine about the safety of Read more…
Now that “homeschooling” is wrapping up, when can we safely start camp this summer?
Families/Kids School Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
Q: Will it be safe to go back to school in the fall? HELP! A: I feel you! Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. It may help to reframe the question to not only think about the safety risks of COVID-19 if kids return to school, but also the broader risks if kids Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Are there any updates to COVID-19 testing options?
Testing and Contact TracingSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
A. Yes! With more and more ways to test for COVID-19, it’s definitely tough to keep track of everything out there! But before we talk about the different options, it’s important to keep in mind that there are tests that assess ACTIVE (or CURRENT) infection (molecular tests), and then there are tests that assess PAST Read more…
What’s Happening with School Reopening in Israel?
School Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe Travel
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
Dear Pandemic is psyched to introduce today’s Nerdy Guest, historian Dr. Daphna Oren-Magidor, PhD, to discuss what’s happening with school reopening in Israel, where she lives with her husband and son. Q: When and under what circumstances did schools reopen in Israel? A: Israel acted fairly quickly and aggressively once the threat of COVID-19 became Read more…
How risky are my favorite places and activities?
Families/Kids Reopening Socializing Staying Safe TravelLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
A: A group of Michigan-based COVID-19 experts has put together a helpful set of activity “rankings.” TL;DR: Skip the buffet. Opt for tennis instead. Context: Nerdy Girls are here to help you #StaySMART this summer! A refresher of our SMART principles: S – Space. Keep your distance. M – Mask. Keep it on. A – Read more…
