Our paper wins the 2022 Editor in Chief Award from the American Journal of Health Promotion!!
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
We are THRILLED to announce that our paper “Fight Like a Nerdy Girl: The Dear Pandemic Playbook for Combating Health Misinformation” won the 2022 Editor in Chief Award from the American Journal of Health Promotion!! 🤩🙌 “My Editor in Chief Award winning paper this year comes from that KWBW section and was written by self-proclaimed Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Chana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
What’s this I’ve been hearing about chemicals in period underwear? Are they safe?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Don’t panic. It’s unlikely that Thinx or other period underwear pose a risk to your health, but there are still some unknowns. A recent U.S. class action lawsuit against Thinx claimed its advertisement that Thinx are “organic, sustainable, and nontoxic” was misleading. This news has understandably made a lot of people who use these products Read more…
Why do Those Nerdy Girls use phrases like “people with cervices” and “people who lactate” in your reproductive health posts? Why not just say “women”?
Health Policy Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
February is American Heart Month – Let’s talk about cardiovascular disease!
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
TL;DR: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in US adults and prevalence is increasing. Buildup of plaque inside the arteries can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking. Since the 1960s, Read more…
Self-care Saturday!
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’– What is self-care and why is it Important? TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 or flu vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of viral illnesses including the flu, colds, RSV and COVID-19. You might find yourself feeling under the weather right Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
We are THRILLED to announce that our paper “Fight Like a Nerdy Girl: The Dear Pandemic Playbook for Combating Health Misinformation” won the 2022 Editor in Chief Award from the American Journal of Health Promotion!! 🤩🙌 “My Editor in Chief Award winning paper this year comes from that KWBW section and was written by self-proclaimed Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Families/Kids Infectious DiseasesChana Davis, PhD
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
What’s this I’ve been hearing about chemicals in period underwear? Are they safe?
Reproductive Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Don’t panic. It’s unlikely that Thinx or other period underwear pose a risk to your health, but there are still some unknowns. A recent U.S. class action lawsuit against Thinx claimed its advertisement that Thinx are “organic, sustainable, and nontoxic” was misleading. This news has understandably made a lot of people who use these products Read more…
Why do Those Nerdy Girls use phrases like “people with cervices” and “people who lactate” in your reproductive health posts? Why not just say “women”?
Health Policy Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
February is American Heart Month – Let’s talk about cardiovascular disease!
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
TL;DR: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in US adults and prevalence is increasing. Buildup of plaque inside the arteries can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking. Since the 1960s, Read more…
Self-care Saturday!
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’– What is self-care and why is it Important? TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 or flu vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of viral illnesses including the flu, colds, RSV and COVID-19. You might find yourself feeling under the weather right Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
A) To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 🦠Norovirus is Read more…
What’s this I’ve been hearing about chemicals in period underwear? Are they safe?
Reproductive HealthSara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Don’t panic. It’s unlikely that Thinx or other period underwear pose a risk to your health, but there are still some unknowns. A recent U.S. class action lawsuit against Thinx claimed its advertisement that Thinx are “organic, sustainable, and nontoxic” was misleading. This news has understandably made a lot of people who use these products Read more…
Why do Those Nerdy Girls use phrases like “people with cervices” and “people who lactate” in your reproductive health posts? Why not just say “women”?
Health Policy Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
February is American Heart Month – Let’s talk about cardiovascular disease!
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
TL;DR: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in US adults and prevalence is increasing. Buildup of plaque inside the arteries can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking. Since the 1960s, Read more…
Self-care Saturday!
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’– What is self-care and why is it Important? TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 or flu vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of viral illnesses including the flu, colds, RSV and COVID-19. You might find yourself feeling under the weather right Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
Don’t panic. It’s unlikely that Thinx or other period underwear pose a risk to your health, but there are still some unknowns. A recent U.S. class action lawsuit against Thinx claimed its advertisement that Thinx are “organic, sustainable, and nontoxic” was misleading. This news has understandably made a lot of people who use these products Read more…
Why do Those Nerdy Girls use phrases like “people with cervices” and “people who lactate” in your reproductive health posts? Why not just say “women”?
Health Policy Reproductive Health Social and Racial JusticeMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
February is American Heart Month – Let’s talk about cardiovascular disease!
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
TL;DR: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in US adults and prevalence is increasing. Buildup of plaque inside the arteries can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking. Since the 1960s, Read more…
Self-care Saturday!
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’– What is self-care and why is it Important? TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 or flu vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of viral illnesses including the flu, colds, RSV and COVID-19. You might find yourself feeling under the weather right Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
TL;DR: Our phrases include more people. When we exclude people by not naming them, they may lack access to critical information they need to make potentially life-saving decisions. We are science communicators. We take complicated scientific research and medical recommendations and try to make them easily digestible to our readers. As scientists, we must be Read more…
February is American Heart Month – Let’s talk about cardiovascular disease!
General HealthMegan Madsen, DO
TL;DR: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in US adults and prevalence is increasing. Buildup of plaque inside the arteries can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking. Since the 1960s, Read more…
Self-care Saturday!
General Health Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’– What is self-care and why is it Important? TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 or flu vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of viral illnesses including the flu, colds, RSV and COVID-19. You might find yourself feeling under the weather right Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
TL;DR: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in US adults and prevalence is increasing. Buildup of plaque inside the arteries can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking. Since the 1960s, Read more…
Self-care Saturday!
General Health Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
đź’– What is self-care and why is it Important? TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 or flu vaccine if I am sick?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of viral illnesses including the flu, colds, RSV and COVID-19. You might find yourself feeling under the weather right Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
đź’– What is self-care and why is it Important? TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It Read more…
Can I get the COVID-19 or flu vaccine if I am sick?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of viral illnesses including the flu, colds, RSV and COVID-19. You might find yourself feeling under the weather right Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
A: It depends! You should not get the vaccine while sick with COVID-19, but other mild illnesses are not necessarily a reason to delay vaccination. Lots of folks are getting sick right now with all kinds of viral illnesses including the flu, colds, RSV and COVID-19. You might find yourself feeling under the weather right Read more…
Are we over-counting Covid deaths?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
No. Sadly, we are most likely still UNDER-counting Covid-19 deaths. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, which recently resurfaced in a Washington Post editorial. We’ve all heard stories of COVID positive motorcycle accident victims being counted or the saying that people are dying *with* COVID-19 rather Read more…
UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster?
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
I got my updated/bivalent booster in September, and I’m worried my protection is waning. A: We don’t know yet, but the FDA may be giving guidance soon. **UPDATE 1/31/23.** The VRBAC meeting happened last week, but the only official vote was to make the primary series (1st two doses) the same formula as the updated Read more…
Is there evidence that the HPV vaccine prevents cancer?
Infectious Diseases Reproductive Health VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and Spread
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
Yes! New evidence released in 2020 showed a dramatically reduced risk of cervical cancer among people who took a quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Risk was *much* lower for those who took the vaccine before age 17. HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 for all genders. Yes, for girls and boys too! Don’t pass this one Read more…
Which animals are getting COVID-19? What are the implications for humans?
COVID Variants Infection and SpreadLauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
A. TL; DR. Many (but not all) non-human species are also getting COVID-19, although most go undiagnosed. The implication for humans is that these animals may serve as a reservoir for variants of the virus. Over the course of the pandemic, the Nerdy Girls have occasionally provided updates on various non-human species that have been Read more…
