I heard that the FDA says decongestants don’t work. Should I stop taking them?
General Health Hot Health Topics
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
A: Decongestants containing phenylephrine don’t work, but those containing pseudoephedrine are still very effective. It might not be cold season quite yet, but a recent FDA review on a common decongestant called phenylephrine might have you worried that one of your favorite over-the-counter remedies should be tossed out. Walking down the pharmacy’s “cough and cold” Read more…
When should I get my updated COVID vaccine if I’ve had a recent COVID-19 infection?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
❓What if I’ve had a recent COVID-19 infection? When should I get my updated COVID vaccine? Hi, I’m Nerdy Girl Chana (Fueled by Science), and I wanted to talk to you about timing your COVID shot 💉this fall because we’ve gotten a lot of questions about this. One of the common questions is “What if Read more…
Narcan (naloxone) is now on your local pharmacy shelves as an over-the-counter medicine!
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Have you heard? Narcan (naloxone), the nasal spray that saves people from dying of opioid overdose, is now on your local pharmacy shelves as an over-the-counter medicine! Yep, you read that right! Recently, the manufacturer of Narcan began shipping out the two-dose, 4-milligram nasal spray to pharmacies such as Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite Aid. What Read more…
Sept 16 is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
Can I get the COVID vaccine at the same time as another vaccine?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Sure can! The COVID vaccine can be given with other vaccines. Don’t delay and catch up on those vaccines! On Monday, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent COVID vaccine to target the XBB.1.5 variant. On Tuesday, the CDC recommended if for everyone aged 6 months and over if it Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines are now FDA and CDC approved and available soon in the US!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Everyone older than 6 months is eligible for the updated COVID19 vaccine. The new vaccine targets the most common circulating variants and should be available later this week. –On Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent COVID vaccines updated to target the XBB.1.5 variant. This means that The FDA Read more…
Can rapid antigen tests detect asymptomatic COVID-19 cases?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) can detect some asymptomatic (symptom-free) COVID-19 cases, but they are far from perfect, and should be interpreted with caution. TL:DR; A positive RAT is almost always right, but a negative result isn’t a guarantee that you are COVID-free. Best practice after a COVID exposure is to wait 5 days before testing, Read more…
💥 Some Good News! BA.2.86 is looking less scary than we thought.
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
As we covered last week, the new BA.2.86 variant raised eyebrows because of its high number of mutations, which made it look as different from current variants as Omicron was from Delta. Since then, we’ve gotten new data from several different laboratories testing the behavior of BA.2.86. All reached similar conclusions which were reassuring: ➡️ Read more…
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988 or chat here in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención del Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
Dr. Chana Davis, PhD answers your question “Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?” This latest Nerdy Girl live was hosted on 8/24/2023 by: 🔸Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner 🔸Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science You can find the Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Magnesium is trending on social media. Will taking magnesium help with my mental health? Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is Read more…
When will an updated COVID-19 booster be available? Should I wait to get it?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
A: Decongestants containing phenylephrine don’t work, but those containing pseudoephedrine are still very effective. It might not be cold season quite yet, but a recent FDA review on a common decongestant called phenylephrine might have you worried that one of your favorite over-the-counter remedies should be tossed out. Walking down the pharmacy’s “cough and cold” Read more…
When should I get my updated COVID vaccine if I’ve had a recent COVID-19 infection?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesChana Davis, PhD
❓What if I’ve had a recent COVID-19 infection? When should I get my updated COVID vaccine? Hi, I’m Nerdy Girl Chana (Fueled by Science), and I wanted to talk to you about timing your COVID shot 💉this fall because we’ve gotten a lot of questions about this. One of the common questions is “What if Read more…
Narcan (naloxone) is now on your local pharmacy shelves as an over-the-counter medicine!
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Have you heard? Narcan (naloxone), the nasal spray that saves people from dying of opioid overdose, is now on your local pharmacy shelves as an over-the-counter medicine! Yep, you read that right! Recently, the manufacturer of Narcan began shipping out the two-dose, 4-milligram nasal spray to pharmacies such as Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite Aid. What Read more…
Sept 16 is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
Can I get the COVID vaccine at the same time as another vaccine?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Sure can! The COVID vaccine can be given with other vaccines. Don’t delay and catch up on those vaccines! On Monday, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent COVID vaccine to target the XBB.1.5 variant. On Tuesday, the CDC recommended if for everyone aged 6 months and over if it Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines are now FDA and CDC approved and available soon in the US!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Everyone older than 6 months is eligible for the updated COVID19 vaccine. The new vaccine targets the most common circulating variants and should be available later this week. –On Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent COVID vaccines updated to target the XBB.1.5 variant. This means that The FDA Read more…
Can rapid antigen tests detect asymptomatic COVID-19 cases?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) can detect some asymptomatic (symptom-free) COVID-19 cases, but they are far from perfect, and should be interpreted with caution. TL:DR; A positive RAT is almost always right, but a negative result isn’t a guarantee that you are COVID-free. Best practice after a COVID exposure is to wait 5 days before testing, Read more…
💥 Some Good News! BA.2.86 is looking less scary than we thought.
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
As we covered last week, the new BA.2.86 variant raised eyebrows because of its high number of mutations, which made it look as different from current variants as Omicron was from Delta. Since then, we’ve gotten new data from several different laboratories testing the behavior of BA.2.86. All reached similar conclusions which were reassuring: ➡️ Read more…
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988 or chat here in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención del Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
Dr. Chana Davis, PhD answers your question “Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?” This latest Nerdy Girl live was hosted on 8/24/2023 by: 🔸Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner 🔸Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science You can find the Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Magnesium is trending on social media. Will taking magnesium help with my mental health? Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is Read more…
When will an updated COVID-19 booster be available? Should I wait to get it?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
❓What if I’ve had a recent COVID-19 infection? When should I get my updated COVID vaccine? Hi, I’m Nerdy Girl Chana (Fueled by Science), and I wanted to talk to you about timing your COVID shot 💉this fall because we’ve gotten a lot of questions about this. One of the common questions is “What if Read more…
Narcan (naloxone) is now on your local pharmacy shelves as an over-the-counter medicine!
General HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Have you heard? Narcan (naloxone), the nasal spray that saves people from dying of opioid overdose, is now on your local pharmacy shelves as an over-the-counter medicine! Yep, you read that right! Recently, the manufacturer of Narcan began shipping out the two-dose, 4-milligram nasal spray to pharmacies such as Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite Aid. What Read more…
Sept 16 is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
Can I get the COVID vaccine at the same time as another vaccine?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Sure can! The COVID vaccine can be given with other vaccines. Don’t delay and catch up on those vaccines! On Monday, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent COVID vaccine to target the XBB.1.5 variant. On Tuesday, the CDC recommended if for everyone aged 6 months and over if it Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines are now FDA and CDC approved and available soon in the US!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Everyone older than 6 months is eligible for the updated COVID19 vaccine. The new vaccine targets the most common circulating variants and should be available later this week. –On Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent COVID vaccines updated to target the XBB.1.5 variant. This means that The FDA Read more…
Can rapid antigen tests detect asymptomatic COVID-19 cases?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) can detect some asymptomatic (symptom-free) COVID-19 cases, but they are far from perfect, and should be interpreted with caution. TL:DR; A positive RAT is almost always right, but a negative result isn’t a guarantee that you are COVID-free. Best practice after a COVID exposure is to wait 5 days before testing, Read more…
💥 Some Good News! BA.2.86 is looking less scary than we thought.
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
As we covered last week, the new BA.2.86 variant raised eyebrows because of its high number of mutations, which made it look as different from current variants as Omicron was from Delta. Since then, we’ve gotten new data from several different laboratories testing the behavior of BA.2.86. All reached similar conclusions which were reassuring: ➡️ Read more…
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988 or chat here in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención del Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
Dr. Chana Davis, PhD answers your question “Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?” This latest Nerdy Girl live was hosted on 8/24/2023 by: 🔸Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner 🔸Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science You can find the Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Magnesium is trending on social media. Will taking magnesium help with my mental health? Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is Read more…
When will an updated COVID-19 booster be available? Should I wait to get it?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
Have you heard? Narcan (naloxone), the nasal spray that saves people from dying of opioid overdose, is now on your local pharmacy shelves as an over-the-counter medicine! Yep, you read that right! Recently, the manufacturer of Narcan began shipping out the two-dose, 4-milligram nasal spray to pharmacies such as Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite Aid. What Read more…
Sept 16 is National Working Parents Day.
Families/Kids General HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
Can I get the COVID vaccine at the same time as another vaccine?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Sure can! The COVID vaccine can be given with other vaccines. Don’t delay and catch up on those vaccines! On Monday, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent COVID vaccine to target the XBB.1.5 variant. On Tuesday, the CDC recommended if for everyone aged 6 months and over if it Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines are now FDA and CDC approved and available soon in the US!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Everyone older than 6 months is eligible for the updated COVID19 vaccine. The new vaccine targets the most common circulating variants and should be available later this week. –On Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent COVID vaccines updated to target the XBB.1.5 variant. This means that The FDA Read more…
Can rapid antigen tests detect asymptomatic COVID-19 cases?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) can detect some asymptomatic (symptom-free) COVID-19 cases, but they are far from perfect, and should be interpreted with caution. TL:DR; A positive RAT is almost always right, but a negative result isn’t a guarantee that you are COVID-free. Best practice after a COVID exposure is to wait 5 days before testing, Read more…
💥 Some Good News! BA.2.86 is looking less scary than we thought.
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
As we covered last week, the new BA.2.86 variant raised eyebrows because of its high number of mutations, which made it look as different from current variants as Omicron was from Delta. Since then, we’ve gotten new data from several different laboratories testing the behavior of BA.2.86. All reached similar conclusions which were reassuring: ➡️ Read more…
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988 or chat here in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención del Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
Dr. Chana Davis, PhD answers your question “Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?” This latest Nerdy Girl live was hosted on 8/24/2023 by: 🔸Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner 🔸Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science You can find the Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Magnesium is trending on social media. Will taking magnesium help with my mental health? Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is Read more…
When will an updated COVID-19 booster be available? Should I wait to get it?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
Are you juggling work and family responsibilities? Do you get overwhelmed with trying to do it all and do it well? First, let us honor and validate our struggles and suffering while recognizing that our systems are not set up to support us in “doing it all” well. While we grow as a society and Read more…
Can I get the COVID vaccine at the same time as another vaccine?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Sure can! The COVID vaccine can be given with other vaccines. Don’t delay and catch up on those vaccines! On Monday, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent COVID vaccine to target the XBB.1.5 variant. On Tuesday, the CDC recommended if for everyone aged 6 months and over if it Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines are now FDA and CDC approved and available soon in the US!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Everyone older than 6 months is eligible for the updated COVID19 vaccine. The new vaccine targets the most common circulating variants and should be available later this week. –On Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent COVID vaccines updated to target the XBB.1.5 variant. This means that The FDA Read more…
Can rapid antigen tests detect asymptomatic COVID-19 cases?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) can detect some asymptomatic (symptom-free) COVID-19 cases, but they are far from perfect, and should be interpreted with caution. TL:DR; A positive RAT is almost always right, but a negative result isn’t a guarantee that you are COVID-free. Best practice after a COVID exposure is to wait 5 days before testing, Read more…
💥 Some Good News! BA.2.86 is looking less scary than we thought.
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
As we covered last week, the new BA.2.86 variant raised eyebrows because of its high number of mutations, which made it look as different from current variants as Omicron was from Delta. Since then, we’ve gotten new data from several different laboratories testing the behavior of BA.2.86. All reached similar conclusions which were reassuring: ➡️ Read more…
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988 or chat here in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención del Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
Dr. Chana Davis, PhD answers your question “Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?” This latest Nerdy Girl live was hosted on 8/24/2023 by: 🔸Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner 🔸Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science You can find the Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Magnesium is trending on social media. Will taking magnesium help with my mental health? Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is Read more…
When will an updated COVID-19 booster be available? Should I wait to get it?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
A: Sure can! The COVID vaccine can be given with other vaccines. Don’t delay and catch up on those vaccines! On Monday, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent COVID vaccine to target the XBB.1.5 variant. On Tuesday, the CDC recommended if for everyone aged 6 months and over if it Read more…
Updated COVID vaccines are now FDA and CDC approved and available soon in the US!
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Everyone older than 6 months is eligible for the updated COVID19 vaccine. The new vaccine targets the most common circulating variants and should be available later this week. –On Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent COVID vaccines updated to target the XBB.1.5 variant. This means that The FDA Read more…
Can rapid antigen tests detect asymptomatic COVID-19 cases?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) can detect some asymptomatic (symptom-free) COVID-19 cases, but they are far from perfect, and should be interpreted with caution. TL:DR; A positive RAT is almost always right, but a negative result isn’t a guarantee that you are COVID-free. Best practice after a COVID exposure is to wait 5 days before testing, Read more…
💥 Some Good News! BA.2.86 is looking less scary than we thought.
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
As we covered last week, the new BA.2.86 variant raised eyebrows because of its high number of mutations, which made it look as different from current variants as Omicron was from Delta. Since then, we’ve gotten new data from several different laboratories testing the behavior of BA.2.86. All reached similar conclusions which were reassuring: ➡️ Read more…
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988 or chat here in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención del Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
Dr. Chana Davis, PhD answers your question “Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?” This latest Nerdy Girl live was hosted on 8/24/2023 by: 🔸Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner 🔸Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science You can find the Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Magnesium is trending on social media. Will taking magnesium help with my mental health? Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is Read more…
When will an updated COVID-19 booster be available? Should I wait to get it?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
TL;DR: Everyone older than 6 months is eligible for the updated COVID19 vaccine. The new vaccine targets the most common circulating variants and should be available later this week. –On Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna and Pfizer’s monovalent COVID vaccines updated to target the XBB.1.5 variant. This means that The FDA Read more…
Can rapid antigen tests detect asymptomatic COVID-19 cases?
Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) can detect some asymptomatic (symptom-free) COVID-19 cases, but they are far from perfect, and should be interpreted with caution. TL:DR; A positive RAT is almost always right, but a negative result isn’t a guarantee that you are COVID-free. Best practice after a COVID exposure is to wait 5 days before testing, Read more…
💥 Some Good News! BA.2.86 is looking less scary than we thought.
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
As we covered last week, the new BA.2.86 variant raised eyebrows because of its high number of mutations, which made it look as different from current variants as Omicron was from Delta. Since then, we’ve gotten new data from several different laboratories testing the behavior of BA.2.86. All reached similar conclusions which were reassuring: ➡️ Read more…
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988 or chat here in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención del Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
Dr. Chana Davis, PhD answers your question “Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?” This latest Nerdy Girl live was hosted on 8/24/2023 by: 🔸Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner 🔸Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science You can find the Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Magnesium is trending on social media. Will taking magnesium help with my mental health? Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is Read more…
When will an updated COVID-19 booster be available? Should I wait to get it?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) can detect some asymptomatic (symptom-free) COVID-19 cases, but they are far from perfect, and should be interpreted with caution. TL:DR; A positive RAT is almost always right, but a negative result isn’t a guarantee that you are COVID-free. Best practice after a COVID exposure is to wait 5 days before testing, Read more…
💥 Some Good News! BA.2.86 is looking less scary than we thought.
COVID Variants VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
As we covered last week, the new BA.2.86 variant raised eyebrows because of its high number of mutations, which made it look as different from current variants as Omicron was from Delta. Since then, we’ve gotten new data from several different laboratories testing the behavior of BA.2.86. All reached similar conclusions which were reassuring: ➡️ Read more…
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Mental Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988 or chat here in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención del Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
Dr. Chana Davis, PhD answers your question “Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?” This latest Nerdy Girl live was hosted on 8/24/2023 by: 🔸Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner 🔸Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science You can find the Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Magnesium is trending on social media. Will taking magnesium help with my mental health? Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is Read more…
When will an updated COVID-19 booster be available? Should I wait to get it?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
As we covered last week, the new BA.2.86 variant raised eyebrows because of its high number of mutations, which made it look as different from current variants as Omicron was from Delta. Since then, we’ve gotten new data from several different laboratories testing the behavior of BA.2.86. All reached similar conclusions which were reassuring: ➡️ Read more…
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Mental HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988 or chat here in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención del Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
Dr. Chana Davis, PhD answers your question “Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?” This latest Nerdy Girl live was hosted on 8/24/2023 by: 🔸Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner 🔸Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science You can find the Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Magnesium is trending on social media. Will taking magnesium help with my mental health? Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is Read more…
When will an updated COVID-19 booster be available? Should I wait to get it?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
Content Warning: This post discusses the prevention of death by suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that there is help available. People can call, text 988 or chat here in the U.S. For TTY (teletypewriter) Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Línea de Prevención del Read more…
How can we help young people become more savvy consumers of online information?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and MisinformationGretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?
Infectious Diseases Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
Dr. Chana Davis, PhD answers your question “Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?” This latest Nerdy Girl live was hosted on 8/24/2023 by: 🔸Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner 🔸Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science You can find the Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Magnesium is trending on social media. Will taking magnesium help with my mental health? Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is Read more…
When will an updated COVID-19 booster be available? Should I wait to get it?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
TL;DR The World Health Organization has identified mis/disinformation as a pressing public issue, for adults and children alike. There are steps both educators and parents can take to address this critical issue. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to examine what we can all do. Misinformation is generally defined as Read more…
Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?
Infectious Diseases TreatmentsChana Davis, PhD
Dr. Chana Davis, PhD answers your question “Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?” This latest Nerdy Girl live was hosted on 8/24/2023 by: 🔸Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner 🔸Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science You can find the Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Magnesium is trending on social media. Will taking magnesium help with my mental health? Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is Read more…
When will an updated COVID-19 booster be available? Should I wait to get it?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
Dr. Chana Davis, PhD answers your question “Does nitric oxide nasal spray (Enovid/VirX/FabiSpray) help prevent or treat COVID-19?” This latest Nerdy Girl live was hosted on 8/24/2023 by: 🔸Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner 🔸Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science You can find the Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
General HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Magnesium is trending on social media. Will taking magnesium help with my mental health? Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is Read more…
When will an updated COVID-19 booster be available? Should I wait to get it?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
Magnesium is trending on social media. Will taking magnesium help with my mental health? Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is Read more…
When will an updated COVID-19 booster be available? Should I wait to get it?
VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
A: Updated boosters should be available by mid to late September in the US. For most people it makes sense to wait, even if you are eligible for a booster now. 🚀 TL; DR; The updated booster is a better match to currently circulating variants. This means it will provide better protection against initial infection Read more…
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day
General HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls would like to take a moment to remember and honor those we’ve lost to overdose. (Note: Reposted from 08/31/22) Together, let’s help reduce the stigma of substance use disorder by recognizing it as the chronic disease it is. Any one of us can develop a chronic disease, regardless of our background, income Read more…
Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86?
COVID Variants Infectious DiseasesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
A: Once again, we’re in watchful waiting mode. We’ve got eyes on BA.2.86 because it is “highly mutated” compared to other variants currently circulating. But it’s currently at very low levels and could fizzle out—it’s too soon to tell. BA.2.86 is still an Omicron offspring, but it’s getting attention because it has more than 35 Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
General HealthAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Megan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesMegan Madsen, DO
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines Videos
Those Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
A: Getting a flu vaccination by the end of October is a great way to protect yourself. Although it is available as early as July, getting a vaccine in September or October helps protect you for the part of flu season that typically has the highest rates of infections. ❓🤔 When is flu season? Seasonal Read more…
Nerdy Girls Live 08/24/23
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Treatments Vaccines VideosThose Nerdy Girls answer your questions about COVID-19 and flu, including boosters, risk, new variant, and nasal sprays. Hosted by: – Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS: TNG Contributing Writer & Family Nurse Practitioner – Chana Davis, PhD: TNG Contributing Writer & Founder of Fueled by Science ➡️ Welcome and Intros (0:00-0:46) ➡️ Is COVID-19 the new Read more…
What’s the real-world evidence that COVID-19 vaccines for little kids work?
Families/Kids VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
TL;DR: Recent real-world data from the US show that COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 6 months to 5 years reduced their risk of visiting an ER with COVID-19 by half or more for at least 60 days after their last dose. Protection started to decline after 60 days, similar to what we have seen in Read more…
COVID is not gone.
Infectious DiseasesChana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls wanted to remind everyone that COVID is not gone. In fact, we are in the midst of another surge in many parts of the world right now, notably in the US and some hints of that happening in Canada as well and some parts of Europe. Since cases are on the rise, Read more…
