NEW NERDY MERCH for Black Friday! (and a discount!!)
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
We’ve added some NEW NERDY MERCH just in time for BLACK FRIDAY!! And as a thank you to our amazing community, we’re offering 10% off all purchases through Tuesday. Fill your cart with gifts for all the Nerds in your life, and use DISCOUNT CODE: 349RDJ01D5SS Your purchases help financially support the science communication mission Read more…
Does turkey make me sleepy?
General Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
TL;DR: Not really. We get it. Thanksgiving is exhausting. And it’s tempting to curl up in a blanket after the big feast to take a snooze and/or avoid doing dishes. However, the widespread myth that the turkey-induced trance comes from the amino acid tryptophan doesn’t pass the pumpkin-spiced sniff test. Here are some relevant facts: Read more…
My uncle is knee-deep in COVID conspiracy theories. Any tips for respectfully engaging him?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember that as humans we need to feel heard before we can truly listen. Ah, conspiracy theories. We’ve all been exposed to them – wildly inaccurate hot-takes about COVID, Read more…
Tips for a safer Thanksgiving
Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
RSV, Influenza and COVID are hitting our hospitals (especially kids hospitals) hard. As we face another Thanksgiving with surging viruses, how can we enjoy precious moments with family and friends while lowering the risk of getting or spreading illness? Think in terms of harm reduction: a little bit better is a little bit better. Small Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 11-21-22
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Those Nerdy Girls offer advice on staying well during a “triple threat” holiday season and insights into science denial – why it happens and how to navigate tricky conversations. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: * Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Co-Founder of Critica, Author of Denying to the Grave & Contributing Writer at TNG * Read more…
Is there an easy way to figure out if I am eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, there is a handy on-line tool that can tell you whether you are eligible for a booster based on your age, doses you’ve already received, and whether you are immunocompromised. TL: DR: Visit https://bit.ly/3Ebthkt, answer a few questions, and find out if you are eligible for the new bivalent COVID-19 booster (which targets Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Q&A on Mon, 11/21: Triple Threat Thanksgiving & Science Denial
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Chana Davis, PhD
Monday, 11/21/22, at 1:30 pm EST/10:30 am PST Join Those Nerdy Girls for timely advice on staying well during a “triple threat” holiday season and practical insights into science denial – why it happens and how to navigate tricky conversations. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Co-Founder of Critica, Author of Read more…
Does Evusheld protect against the new COVID-19 subvariants?
COVID Variants
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The new Omicron subvariants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are likely to be resistant to the monoclonal antibodies in Evusheld. It is especially important that people get the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine to protect against infection. Evusheld is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies called tixagevimab and cilgavimab. It is used to PREVENT (not treat!) Read more…
Why are people now sharing their pronouns?
General Health Social and Racial Justice
A: Pronouns are the words we use to refer to ourselves or someone else when not using a name. Gender pronouns specifically refer to people and possession i.e. she/her/hers, they/them/theirs, ze/zir/zirs, etc. The correct use of names and gender pronouns is a compassionate act that can make an important difference in someone’s life. The 2015 Read more…
Should I get the flu vaccine while I’m pregnant?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: YES! The flu vaccine protects against the higher risk of severe flu disease during pregnancy AND protects the newborn from flu during the first few months of life. TL;DR: Flu season looks especially bad this year. Influenza (“the flu”) vaccination is strongly recommended in pregnancy. Because the virus is seasonal, vaccination is recommended as Read more…
We can still do our part.
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
You may have noticed the headlines in the past month or two. Kids, especially the littlest ones, have been increasingly at risk as we have seen more children admitted to the hospital for respiratory illnesses since August 2022. For babies in the 0-6 month group, it is estimated that 1 in 500 has been admitted Read more…
Is this bad RSV and flu season due to an “immunity debt?”
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes and No. But the term itself is proving confusing and unhelpful. TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. We don’t need to get infected to protect us from…. getting infected. The fewer pathogen exposures over a lifetime, the better. (Just ask previous generations who suffered through measles, cholera, polio, smallpox, etc). For Read more…
How do I know if we have RSV, the flu, or COVID-19?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: process of elimination. First, rule out COVID-19 with a home test (with nose+throat swab technique! See link below). If that’s negative, assess your symptoms. If your first symptoms are drippy nose/sneezing, it’s more likely RSV. If your symptoms start out with a sudden high fever and body aches, it’s more likely Read more…
We’ve added some NEW NERDY MERCH just in time for BLACK FRIDAY!! And as a thank you to our amazing community, we’re offering 10% off all purchases through Tuesday. Fill your cart with gifts for all the Nerds in your life, and use DISCOUNT CODE: 349RDJ01D5SS Your purchases help financially support the science communication mission Read more…
Does turkey make me sleepy?
General Health Uncertainty and MisinformationLauren Hale, PhD MA
TL;DR: Not really. We get it. Thanksgiving is exhausting. And it’s tempting to curl up in a blanket after the big feast to take a snooze and/or avoid doing dishes. However, the widespread myth that the turkey-induced trance comes from the amino acid tryptophan doesn’t pass the pumpkin-spiced sniff test. Here are some relevant facts: Read more…
My uncle is knee-deep in COVID conspiracy theories. Any tips for respectfully engaging him?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember that as humans we need to feel heard before we can truly listen. Ah, conspiracy theories. We’ve all been exposed to them – wildly inaccurate hot-takes about COVID, Read more…
Tips for a safer Thanksgiving
Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
RSV, Influenza and COVID are hitting our hospitals (especially kids hospitals) hard. As we face another Thanksgiving with surging viruses, how can we enjoy precious moments with family and friends while lowering the risk of getting or spreading illness? Think in terms of harm reduction: a little bit better is a little bit better. Small Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 11-21-22
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Those Nerdy Girls offer advice on staying well during a “triple threat” holiday season and insights into science denial – why it happens and how to navigate tricky conversations. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: * Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Co-Founder of Critica, Author of Denying to the Grave & Contributing Writer at TNG * Read more…
Is there an easy way to figure out if I am eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, there is a handy on-line tool that can tell you whether you are eligible for a booster based on your age, doses you’ve already received, and whether you are immunocompromised. TL: DR: Visit https://bit.ly/3Ebthkt, answer a few questions, and find out if you are eligible for the new bivalent COVID-19 booster (which targets Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Q&A on Mon, 11/21: Triple Threat Thanksgiving & Science Denial
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Chana Davis, PhD
Monday, 11/21/22, at 1:30 pm EST/10:30 am PST Join Those Nerdy Girls for timely advice on staying well during a “triple threat” holiday season and practical insights into science denial – why it happens and how to navigate tricky conversations. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Co-Founder of Critica, Author of Read more…
Does Evusheld protect against the new COVID-19 subvariants?
COVID Variants
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The new Omicron subvariants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are likely to be resistant to the monoclonal antibodies in Evusheld. It is especially important that people get the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine to protect against infection. Evusheld is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies called tixagevimab and cilgavimab. It is used to PREVENT (not treat!) Read more…
Why are people now sharing their pronouns?
General Health Social and Racial Justice
A: Pronouns are the words we use to refer to ourselves or someone else when not using a name. Gender pronouns specifically refer to people and possession i.e. she/her/hers, they/them/theirs, ze/zir/zirs, etc. The correct use of names and gender pronouns is a compassionate act that can make an important difference in someone’s life. The 2015 Read more…
Should I get the flu vaccine while I’m pregnant?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: YES! The flu vaccine protects against the higher risk of severe flu disease during pregnancy AND protects the newborn from flu during the first few months of life. TL;DR: Flu season looks especially bad this year. Influenza (“the flu”) vaccination is strongly recommended in pregnancy. Because the virus is seasonal, vaccination is recommended as Read more…
We can still do our part.
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
You may have noticed the headlines in the past month or two. Kids, especially the littlest ones, have been increasingly at risk as we have seen more children admitted to the hospital for respiratory illnesses since August 2022. For babies in the 0-6 month group, it is estimated that 1 in 500 has been admitted Read more…
Is this bad RSV and flu season due to an “immunity debt?”
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes and No. But the term itself is proving confusing and unhelpful. TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. We don’t need to get infected to protect us from…. getting infected. The fewer pathogen exposures over a lifetime, the better. (Just ask previous generations who suffered through measles, cholera, polio, smallpox, etc). For Read more…
How do I know if we have RSV, the flu, or COVID-19?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: process of elimination. First, rule out COVID-19 with a home test (with nose+throat swab technique! See link below). If that’s negative, assess your symptoms. If your first symptoms are drippy nose/sneezing, it’s more likely RSV. If your symptoms start out with a sudden high fever and body aches, it’s more likely Read more…
TL;DR: Not really. We get it. Thanksgiving is exhausting. And it’s tempting to curl up in a blanket after the big feast to take a snooze and/or avoid doing dishes. However, the widespread myth that the turkey-induced trance comes from the amino acid tryptophan doesn’t pass the pumpkin-spiced sniff test. Here are some relevant facts: Read more…
My uncle is knee-deep in COVID conspiracy theories. Any tips for respectfully engaging him?
Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember that as humans we need to feel heard before we can truly listen. Ah, conspiracy theories. We’ve all been exposed to them – wildly inaccurate hot-takes about COVID, Read more…
Tips for a safer Thanksgiving
Socializing Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
RSV, Influenza and COVID are hitting our hospitals (especially kids hospitals) hard. As we face another Thanksgiving with surging viruses, how can we enjoy precious moments with family and friends while lowering the risk of getting or spreading illness? Think in terms of harm reduction: a little bit better is a little bit better. Small Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 11-21-22
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Those Nerdy Girls offer advice on staying well during a “triple threat” holiday season and insights into science denial – why it happens and how to navigate tricky conversations. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: * Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Co-Founder of Critica, Author of Denying to the Grave & Contributing Writer at TNG * Read more…
Is there an easy way to figure out if I am eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, there is a handy on-line tool that can tell you whether you are eligible for a booster based on your age, doses you’ve already received, and whether you are immunocompromised. TL: DR: Visit https://bit.ly/3Ebthkt, answer a few questions, and find out if you are eligible for the new bivalent COVID-19 booster (which targets Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Q&A on Mon, 11/21: Triple Threat Thanksgiving & Science Denial
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Chana Davis, PhD
Monday, 11/21/22, at 1:30 pm EST/10:30 am PST Join Those Nerdy Girls for timely advice on staying well during a “triple threat” holiday season and practical insights into science denial – why it happens and how to navigate tricky conversations. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Co-Founder of Critica, Author of Read more…
Does Evusheld protect against the new COVID-19 subvariants?
COVID Variants
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The new Omicron subvariants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are likely to be resistant to the monoclonal antibodies in Evusheld. It is especially important that people get the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine to protect against infection. Evusheld is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies called tixagevimab and cilgavimab. It is used to PREVENT (not treat!) Read more…
Why are people now sharing their pronouns?
General Health Social and Racial Justice
A: Pronouns are the words we use to refer to ourselves or someone else when not using a name. Gender pronouns specifically refer to people and possession i.e. she/her/hers, they/them/theirs, ze/zir/zirs, etc. The correct use of names and gender pronouns is a compassionate act that can make an important difference in someone’s life. The 2015 Read more…
Should I get the flu vaccine while I’m pregnant?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: YES! The flu vaccine protects against the higher risk of severe flu disease during pregnancy AND protects the newborn from flu during the first few months of life. TL;DR: Flu season looks especially bad this year. Influenza (“the flu”) vaccination is strongly recommended in pregnancy. Because the virus is seasonal, vaccination is recommended as Read more…
We can still do our part.
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
You may have noticed the headlines in the past month or two. Kids, especially the littlest ones, have been increasingly at risk as we have seen more children admitted to the hospital for respiratory illnesses since August 2022. For babies in the 0-6 month group, it is estimated that 1 in 500 has been admitted Read more…
Is this bad RSV and flu season due to an “immunity debt?”
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes and No. But the term itself is proving confusing and unhelpful. TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. We don’t need to get infected to protect us from…. getting infected. The fewer pathogen exposures over a lifetime, the better. (Just ask previous generations who suffered through measles, cholera, polio, smallpox, etc). For Read more…
How do I know if we have RSV, the flu, or COVID-19?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: process of elimination. First, rule out COVID-19 with a home test (with nose+throat swab technique! See link below). If that’s negative, assess your symptoms. If your first symptoms are drippy nose/sneezing, it’s more likely RSV. If your symptoms start out with a sudden high fever and body aches, it’s more likely Read more…
A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember that as humans we need to feel heard before we can truly listen. Ah, conspiracy theories. We’ve all been exposed to them – wildly inaccurate hot-takes about COVID, Read more…
Tips for a safer Thanksgiving
Socializing Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
RSV, Influenza and COVID are hitting our hospitals (especially kids hospitals) hard. As we face another Thanksgiving with surging viruses, how can we enjoy precious moments with family and friends while lowering the risk of getting or spreading illness? Think in terms of harm reduction: a little bit better is a little bit better. Small Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 11-21-22
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Those Nerdy Girls offer advice on staying well during a “triple threat” holiday season and insights into science denial – why it happens and how to navigate tricky conversations. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: * Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Co-Founder of Critica, Author of Denying to the Grave & Contributing Writer at TNG * Read more…
Is there an easy way to figure out if I am eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, there is a handy on-line tool that can tell you whether you are eligible for a booster based on your age, doses you’ve already received, and whether you are immunocompromised. TL: DR: Visit https://bit.ly/3Ebthkt, answer a few questions, and find out if you are eligible for the new bivalent COVID-19 booster (which targets Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Q&A on Mon, 11/21: Triple Threat Thanksgiving & Science Denial
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Chana Davis, PhD
Monday, 11/21/22, at 1:30 pm EST/10:30 am PST Join Those Nerdy Girls for timely advice on staying well during a “triple threat” holiday season and practical insights into science denial – why it happens and how to navigate tricky conversations. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Co-Founder of Critica, Author of Read more…
Does Evusheld protect against the new COVID-19 subvariants?
COVID Variants
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The new Omicron subvariants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are likely to be resistant to the monoclonal antibodies in Evusheld. It is especially important that people get the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine to protect against infection. Evusheld is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies called tixagevimab and cilgavimab. It is used to PREVENT (not treat!) Read more…
Why are people now sharing their pronouns?
General Health Social and Racial Justice
A: Pronouns are the words we use to refer to ourselves or someone else when not using a name. Gender pronouns specifically refer to people and possession i.e. she/her/hers, they/them/theirs, ze/zir/zirs, etc. The correct use of names and gender pronouns is a compassionate act that can make an important difference in someone’s life. The 2015 Read more…
Should I get the flu vaccine while I’m pregnant?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: YES! The flu vaccine protects against the higher risk of severe flu disease during pregnancy AND protects the newborn from flu during the first few months of life. TL;DR: Flu season looks especially bad this year. Influenza (“the flu”) vaccination is strongly recommended in pregnancy. Because the virus is seasonal, vaccination is recommended as Read more…
We can still do our part.
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
You may have noticed the headlines in the past month or two. Kids, especially the littlest ones, have been increasingly at risk as we have seen more children admitted to the hospital for respiratory illnesses since August 2022. For babies in the 0-6 month group, it is estimated that 1 in 500 has been admitted Read more…
Is this bad RSV and flu season due to an “immunity debt?”
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes and No. But the term itself is proving confusing and unhelpful. TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. We don’t need to get infected to protect us from…. getting infected. The fewer pathogen exposures over a lifetime, the better. (Just ask previous generations who suffered through measles, cholera, polio, smallpox, etc). For Read more…
How do I know if we have RSV, the flu, or COVID-19?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: process of elimination. First, rule out COVID-19 with a home test (with nose+throat swab technique! See link below). If that’s negative, assess your symptoms. If your first symptoms are drippy nose/sneezing, it’s more likely RSV. If your symptoms start out with a sudden high fever and body aches, it’s more likely Read more…
RSV, Influenza and COVID are hitting our hospitals (especially kids hospitals) hard. As we face another Thanksgiving with surging viruses, how can we enjoy precious moments with family and friends while lowering the risk of getting or spreading illness? Think in terms of harm reduction: a little bit better is a little bit better. Small Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 11-21-22
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Infectious Diseases Socializing Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Those Nerdy Girls offer advice on staying well during a “triple threat” holiday season and insights into science denial – why it happens and how to navigate tricky conversations. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: * Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Co-Founder of Critica, Author of Denying to the Grave & Contributing Writer at TNG * Read more…
Is there an easy way to figure out if I am eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot?
VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, there is a handy on-line tool that can tell you whether you are eligible for a booster based on your age, doses you’ve already received, and whether you are immunocompromised. TL: DR: Visit https://bit.ly/3Ebthkt, answer a few questions, and find out if you are eligible for the new bivalent COVID-19 booster (which targets Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Q&A on Mon, 11/21: Triple Threat Thanksgiving & Science Denial
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Chana Davis, PhD
Monday, 11/21/22, at 1:30 pm EST/10:30 am PST Join Those Nerdy Girls for timely advice on staying well during a “triple threat” holiday season and practical insights into science denial – why it happens and how to navigate tricky conversations. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Co-Founder of Critica, Author of Read more…
Does Evusheld protect against the new COVID-19 subvariants?
COVID Variants
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The new Omicron subvariants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are likely to be resistant to the monoclonal antibodies in Evusheld. It is especially important that people get the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine to protect against infection. Evusheld is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies called tixagevimab and cilgavimab. It is used to PREVENT (not treat!) Read more…
Why are people now sharing their pronouns?
General Health Social and Racial Justice
A: Pronouns are the words we use to refer to ourselves or someone else when not using a name. Gender pronouns specifically refer to people and possession i.e. she/her/hers, they/them/theirs, ze/zir/zirs, etc. The correct use of names and gender pronouns is a compassionate act that can make an important difference in someone’s life. The 2015 Read more…
Should I get the flu vaccine while I’m pregnant?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: YES! The flu vaccine protects against the higher risk of severe flu disease during pregnancy AND protects the newborn from flu during the first few months of life. TL;DR: Flu season looks especially bad this year. Influenza (“the flu”) vaccination is strongly recommended in pregnancy. Because the virus is seasonal, vaccination is recommended as Read more…
We can still do our part.
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
You may have noticed the headlines in the past month or two. Kids, especially the littlest ones, have been increasingly at risk as we have seen more children admitted to the hospital for respiratory illnesses since August 2022. For babies in the 0-6 month group, it is estimated that 1 in 500 has been admitted Read more…
Is this bad RSV and flu season due to an “immunity debt?”
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes and No. But the term itself is proving confusing and unhelpful. TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. We don’t need to get infected to protect us from…. getting infected. The fewer pathogen exposures over a lifetime, the better. (Just ask previous generations who suffered through measles, cholera, polio, smallpox, etc). For Read more…
How do I know if we have RSV, the flu, or COVID-19?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: process of elimination. First, rule out COVID-19 with a home test (with nose+throat swab technique! See link below). If that’s negative, assess your symptoms. If your first symptoms are drippy nose/sneezing, it’s more likely RSV. If your symptoms start out with a sudden high fever and body aches, it’s more likely Read more…
A: Yes, there is a handy on-line tool that can tell you whether you are eligible for a booster based on your age, doses you’ve already received, and whether you are immunocompromised. TL: DR: Visit https://bit.ly/3Ebthkt, answer a few questions, and find out if you are eligible for the new bivalent COVID-19 booster (which targets Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Q&A on Mon, 11/21: Triple Threat Thanksgiving & Science Denial
Families/Kids Socializing Staying Safe Uncertainty and MisinformationChana Davis, PhD
Monday, 11/21/22, at 1:30 pm EST/10:30 am PST Join Those Nerdy Girls for timely advice on staying well during a “triple threat” holiday season and practical insights into science denial – why it happens and how to navigate tricky conversations. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Co-Founder of Critica, Author of Read more…
Does Evusheld protect against the new COVID-19 subvariants?
COVID Variants
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The new Omicron subvariants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are likely to be resistant to the monoclonal antibodies in Evusheld. It is especially important that people get the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine to protect against infection. Evusheld is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies called tixagevimab and cilgavimab. It is used to PREVENT (not treat!) Read more…
Why are people now sharing their pronouns?
General Health Social and Racial Justice
A: Pronouns are the words we use to refer to ourselves or someone else when not using a name. Gender pronouns specifically refer to people and possession i.e. she/her/hers, they/them/theirs, ze/zir/zirs, etc. The correct use of names and gender pronouns is a compassionate act that can make an important difference in someone’s life. The 2015 Read more…
Should I get the flu vaccine while I’m pregnant?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: YES! The flu vaccine protects against the higher risk of severe flu disease during pregnancy AND protects the newborn from flu during the first few months of life. TL;DR: Flu season looks especially bad this year. Influenza (“the flu”) vaccination is strongly recommended in pregnancy. Because the virus is seasonal, vaccination is recommended as Read more…
We can still do our part.
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
You may have noticed the headlines in the past month or two. Kids, especially the littlest ones, have been increasingly at risk as we have seen more children admitted to the hospital for respiratory illnesses since August 2022. For babies in the 0-6 month group, it is estimated that 1 in 500 has been admitted Read more…
Is this bad RSV and flu season due to an “immunity debt?”
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes and No. But the term itself is proving confusing and unhelpful. TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. We don’t need to get infected to protect us from…. getting infected. The fewer pathogen exposures over a lifetime, the better. (Just ask previous generations who suffered through measles, cholera, polio, smallpox, etc). For Read more…
How do I know if we have RSV, the flu, or COVID-19?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: process of elimination. First, rule out COVID-19 with a home test (with nose+throat swab technique! See link below). If that’s negative, assess your symptoms. If your first symptoms are drippy nose/sneezing, it’s more likely RSV. If your symptoms start out with a sudden high fever and body aches, it’s more likely Read more…
Monday, 11/21/22, at 1:30 pm EST/10:30 am PST Join Those Nerdy Girls for timely advice on staying well during a “triple threat” holiday season and practical insights into science denial – why it happens and how to navigate tricky conversations. Hosted by Those Nerdy Girls with: Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH: Co-Founder of Critica, Author of Read more…
Does Evusheld protect against the new COVID-19 subvariants?
COVID VariantsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: The new Omicron subvariants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are likely to be resistant to the monoclonal antibodies in Evusheld. It is especially important that people get the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine to protect against infection. Evusheld is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies called tixagevimab and cilgavimab. It is used to PREVENT (not treat!) Read more…
Why are people now sharing their pronouns?
General Health Social and Racial Justice
A: Pronouns are the words we use to refer to ourselves or someone else when not using a name. Gender pronouns specifically refer to people and possession i.e. she/her/hers, they/them/theirs, ze/zir/zirs, etc. The correct use of names and gender pronouns is a compassionate act that can make an important difference in someone’s life. The 2015 Read more…
Should I get the flu vaccine while I’m pregnant?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Katherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: YES! The flu vaccine protects against the higher risk of severe flu disease during pregnancy AND protects the newborn from flu during the first few months of life. TL;DR: Flu season looks especially bad this year. Influenza (“the flu”) vaccination is strongly recommended in pregnancy. Because the virus is seasonal, vaccination is recommended as Read more…
We can still do our part.
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
You may have noticed the headlines in the past month or two. Kids, especially the littlest ones, have been increasingly at risk as we have seen more children admitted to the hospital for respiratory illnesses since August 2022. For babies in the 0-6 month group, it is estimated that 1 in 500 has been admitted Read more…
Is this bad RSV and flu season due to an “immunity debt?”
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes and No. But the term itself is proving confusing and unhelpful. TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. We don’t need to get infected to protect us from…. getting infected. The fewer pathogen exposures over a lifetime, the better. (Just ask previous generations who suffered through measles, cholera, polio, smallpox, etc). For Read more…
How do I know if we have RSV, the flu, or COVID-19?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: process of elimination. First, rule out COVID-19 with a home test (with nose+throat swab technique! See link below). If that’s negative, assess your symptoms. If your first symptoms are drippy nose/sneezing, it’s more likely RSV. If your symptoms start out with a sudden high fever and body aches, it’s more likely Read more…
A: The new Omicron subvariants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are likely to be resistant to the monoclonal antibodies in Evusheld. It is especially important that people get the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine to protect against infection. Evusheld is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies called tixagevimab and cilgavimab. It is used to PREVENT (not treat!) Read more…
Why are people now sharing their pronouns?
General Health Social and Racial Justice
A: Pronouns are the words we use to refer to ourselves or someone else when not using a name. Gender pronouns specifically refer to people and possession i.e. she/her/hers, they/them/theirs, ze/zir/zirs, etc. The correct use of names and gender pronouns is a compassionate act that can make an important difference in someone’s life. The 2015 Read more…
Should I get the flu vaccine while I’m pregnant?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health VaccinesKatherine Cartwright, DO, MPH
A: YES! The flu vaccine protects against the higher risk of severe flu disease during pregnancy AND protects the newborn from flu during the first few months of life. TL;DR: Flu season looks especially bad this year. Influenza (“the flu”) vaccination is strongly recommended in pregnancy. Because the virus is seasonal, vaccination is recommended as Read more…
We can still do our part.
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
You may have noticed the headlines in the past month or two. Kids, especially the littlest ones, have been increasingly at risk as we have seen more children admitted to the hospital for respiratory illnesses since August 2022. For babies in the 0-6 month group, it is estimated that 1 in 500 has been admitted Read more…
Is this bad RSV and flu season due to an “immunity debt?”
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes and No. But the term itself is proving confusing and unhelpful. TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. We don’t need to get infected to protect us from…. getting infected. The fewer pathogen exposures over a lifetime, the better. (Just ask previous generations who suffered through measles, cholera, polio, smallpox, etc). For Read more…
How do I know if we have RSV, the flu, or COVID-19?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: process of elimination. First, rule out COVID-19 with a home test (with nose+throat swab technique! See link below). If that’s negative, assess your symptoms. If your first symptoms are drippy nose/sneezing, it’s more likely RSV. If your symptoms start out with a sudden high fever and body aches, it’s more likely Read more…
A: YES! The flu vaccine protects against the higher risk of severe flu disease during pregnancy AND protects the newborn from flu during the first few months of life. TL;DR: Flu season looks especially bad this year. Influenza (“the flu”) vaccination is strongly recommended in pregnancy. Because the virus is seasonal, vaccination is recommended as Read more…
We can still do our part.
Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
You may have noticed the headlines in the past month or two. Kids, especially the littlest ones, have been increasingly at risk as we have seen more children admitted to the hospital for respiratory illnesses since August 2022. For babies in the 0-6 month group, it is estimated that 1 in 500 has been admitted Read more…
Is this bad RSV and flu season due to an “immunity debt?”
Infectious Diseases
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes and No. But the term itself is proving confusing and unhelpful. TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. We don’t need to get infected to protect us from…. getting infected. The fewer pathogen exposures over a lifetime, the better. (Just ask previous generations who suffered through measles, cholera, polio, smallpox, etc). For Read more…
How do I know if we have RSV, the flu, or COVID-19?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: process of elimination. First, rule out COVID-19 with a home test (with nose+throat swab technique! See link below). If that’s negative, assess your symptoms. If your first symptoms are drippy nose/sneezing, it’s more likely RSV. If your symptoms start out with a sudden high fever and body aches, it’s more likely Read more…
You may have noticed the headlines in the past month or two. Kids, especially the littlest ones, have been increasingly at risk as we have seen more children admitted to the hospital for respiratory illnesses since August 2022. For babies in the 0-6 month group, it is estimated that 1 in 500 has been admitted Read more…
Is this bad RSV and flu season due to an “immunity debt?”
Infectious DiseasesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes and No. But the term itself is proving confusing and unhelpful. TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. We don’t need to get infected to protect us from…. getting infected. The fewer pathogen exposures over a lifetime, the better. (Just ask previous generations who suffered through measles, cholera, polio, smallpox, etc). For Read more…
How do I know if we have RSV, the flu, or COVID-19?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: process of elimination. First, rule out COVID-19 with a home test (with nose+throat swab technique! See link below). If that’s negative, assess your symptoms. If your first symptoms are drippy nose/sneezing, it’s more likely RSV. If your symptoms start out with a sudden high fever and body aches, it’s more likely Read more…
A: Yes and No. But the term itself is proving confusing and unhelpful. TL;DR: There is no “immunity debt” for individuals. We don’t need to get infected to protect us from…. getting infected. The fewer pathogen exposures over a lifetime, the better. (Just ask previous generations who suffered through measles, cholera, polio, smallpox, etc). For Read more…
How do I know if we have RSV, the flu, or COVID-19?
Families/Kids Infectious DiseasesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: process of elimination. First, rule out COVID-19 with a home test (with nose+throat swab technique! See link below). If that’s negative, assess your symptoms. If your first symptoms are drippy nose/sneezing, it’s more likely RSV. If your symptoms start out with a sudden high fever and body aches, it’s more likely Read more…
The short answer is: process of elimination. First, rule out COVID-19 with a home test (with nose+throat swab technique! See link below). If that’s negative, assess your symptoms. If your first symptoms are drippy nose/sneezing, it’s more likely RSV. If your symptoms start out with a sudden high fever and body aches, it’s more likely Read more…
