May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
Why do some people not get COVID when everyone around them has it?
Biology/Immunity Infection and Spread
Guest Author Jessica Williams-Nguyen, PhD
TLDR; Many things impact infection risk, including vaccination status, prior exposures, genetics, and the specific details of one’s contact with infected people. Even when conditions seem ideal for transmission, it’s not a done deal. This is why, if COVID comes to your home, it’s worth trying to limit spread. And sometimes, you just get lucky. Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
What is Paxlovid Mouth?
Treatments
Megan Madsen, DO
While effective and generally safe, Paxlovid does have the potential for some side effects. One temporary, but particularly distasteful side effect reported is “Paxlovid mouth.” Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir + Ritonavir) has become a household name since its March 2022 Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approval as an at-home option to treat COVID-19. It consists of a 5 Read more…
Shingles and the Shingles Vaccine: Get the Facts
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that often develops in a stripe that wraps around one side of the body or face. Besides the rash, symptoms include fever, headache, and chills. But mainly, you hear about the rash because it HURTS! If you’re over 50, the shingles vaccine Shingrix can help you avoid this super Read more…
Is there a baby formula shortage in the U.S.?
Families/Kids
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Answer: Yes. Across the U.S. there are multiple reports of shortages. In some cases up to 40% of the most popular formulas are not currently available on store shelves for the week of April 24. The hardest hit states have been: Connecticut, Delaware, Montana, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Parents have reported empty Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 05-07-22
General Health Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD – TNG CEO & Founding Member Chana Davis, PhD, Fueled by Science: TNG Contributing Writer Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:02) ➡️ The impact of pandemic Read more…
Should I get boosted now or wait?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
If you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster, get it NOW. Getting boosted now provides additional protection in the present and you will still be eligible for future boosters. Moderna has announced plans for a fall booster that includes coverage for previous strains of COVID-19 as well as Omicron strains. The goal of an updated Read more…
Should I be worried about hepatitis in children?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of hepatitis in children, but there is no reason to panic. Cases seem to be on the rise among children, but scientists are still watching the data closely and do not yet know the cause. 🤒 What is hepatitis anyways? Hepatitis is a broad term Read more…
Help! It’s Day 10 and my rapid antigen test is still positive. Am I contagious?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: For most people, the risk of spreading to COVID to others is likely minimal after Day 10 – but not so low that you can throw caution to the wind. While rapid antigen tests can be useful as proxies for contagiousness, their value is unclear after Day 10. Infectious disease experts generally support exiting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Friday, 5/6 @ 1 pm EDT!
Uncategorized
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. This month’s live Q&A topics include: * the impact of pandemic life on immune health * the value of one way masking * tracking COVID in the era of home testing * using rapid antigen tests to exit isolation Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, Read more…
Can you catch COVID-19 from a fart?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Unlikely. It’s been a while since we’ve had novel fart and poop content on Dear Pandemic, so let’s address this classic question about the risk of catching COVID-19 from a fart. In April 2020, when the pandemic was fresh and many of us were hoarding toilet paper, there were several articles flying around Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
Nearly 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year. And over half of all people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. This is not just about some of us. It is about all of us. Our mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. Mental Read more…
Why do some people not get COVID when everyone around them has it?
Biology/Immunity Infection and SpreadGuest Author Jessica Williams-Nguyen, PhD
TLDR; Many things impact infection risk, including vaccination status, prior exposures, genetics, and the specific details of one’s contact with infected people. Even when conditions seem ideal for transmission, it’s not a done deal. This is why, if COVID comes to your home, it’s worth trying to limit spread. And sometimes, you just get lucky. Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
What is Paxlovid Mouth?
Treatments
Megan Madsen, DO
While effective and generally safe, Paxlovid does have the potential for some side effects. One temporary, but particularly distasteful side effect reported is “Paxlovid mouth.” Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir + Ritonavir) has become a household name since its March 2022 Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approval as an at-home option to treat COVID-19. It consists of a 5 Read more…
Shingles and the Shingles Vaccine: Get the Facts
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that often develops in a stripe that wraps around one side of the body or face. Besides the rash, symptoms include fever, headache, and chills. But mainly, you hear about the rash because it HURTS! If you’re over 50, the shingles vaccine Shingrix can help you avoid this super Read more…
Is there a baby formula shortage in the U.S.?
Families/Kids
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Answer: Yes. Across the U.S. there are multiple reports of shortages. In some cases up to 40% of the most popular formulas are not currently available on store shelves for the week of April 24. The hardest hit states have been: Connecticut, Delaware, Montana, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Parents have reported empty Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 05-07-22
General Health Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD – TNG CEO & Founding Member Chana Davis, PhD, Fueled by Science: TNG Contributing Writer Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:02) ➡️ The impact of pandemic Read more…
Should I get boosted now or wait?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
If you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster, get it NOW. Getting boosted now provides additional protection in the present and you will still be eligible for future boosters. Moderna has announced plans for a fall booster that includes coverage for previous strains of COVID-19 as well as Omicron strains. The goal of an updated Read more…
Should I be worried about hepatitis in children?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of hepatitis in children, but there is no reason to panic. Cases seem to be on the rise among children, but scientists are still watching the data closely and do not yet know the cause. 🤒 What is hepatitis anyways? Hepatitis is a broad term Read more…
Help! It’s Day 10 and my rapid antigen test is still positive. Am I contagious?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: For most people, the risk of spreading to COVID to others is likely minimal after Day 10 – but not so low that you can throw caution to the wind. While rapid antigen tests can be useful as proxies for contagiousness, their value is unclear after Day 10. Infectious disease experts generally support exiting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Friday, 5/6 @ 1 pm EDT!
Uncategorized
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. This month’s live Q&A topics include: * the impact of pandemic life on immune health * the value of one way masking * tracking COVID in the era of home testing * using rapid antigen tests to exit isolation Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, Read more…
Can you catch COVID-19 from a fart?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Unlikely. It’s been a while since we’ve had novel fart and poop content on Dear Pandemic, so let’s address this classic question about the risk of catching COVID-19 from a fart. In April 2020, when the pandemic was fresh and many of us were hoarding toilet paper, there were several articles flying around Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
TLDR; Many things impact infection risk, including vaccination status, prior exposures, genetics, and the specific details of one’s contact with infected people. Even when conditions seem ideal for transmission, it’s not a done deal. This is why, if COVID comes to your home, it’s worth trying to limit spread. And sometimes, you just get lucky. Read more…
What is sensitivity and specificity, and why should I care?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracySarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
What is Paxlovid Mouth?
Treatments
Megan Madsen, DO
While effective and generally safe, Paxlovid does have the potential for some side effects. One temporary, but particularly distasteful side effect reported is “Paxlovid mouth.” Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir + Ritonavir) has become a household name since its March 2022 Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approval as an at-home option to treat COVID-19. It consists of a 5 Read more…
Shingles and the Shingles Vaccine: Get the Facts
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that often develops in a stripe that wraps around one side of the body or face. Besides the rash, symptoms include fever, headache, and chills. But mainly, you hear about the rash because it HURTS! If you’re over 50, the shingles vaccine Shingrix can help you avoid this super Read more…
Is there a baby formula shortage in the U.S.?
Families/Kids
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Answer: Yes. Across the U.S. there are multiple reports of shortages. In some cases up to 40% of the most popular formulas are not currently available on store shelves for the week of April 24. The hardest hit states have been: Connecticut, Delaware, Montana, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Parents have reported empty Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 05-07-22
General Health Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD – TNG CEO & Founding Member Chana Davis, PhD, Fueled by Science: TNG Contributing Writer Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:02) ➡️ The impact of pandemic Read more…
Should I get boosted now or wait?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
If you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster, get it NOW. Getting boosted now provides additional protection in the present and you will still be eligible for future boosters. Moderna has announced plans for a fall booster that includes coverage for previous strains of COVID-19 as well as Omicron strains. The goal of an updated Read more…
Should I be worried about hepatitis in children?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of hepatitis in children, but there is no reason to panic. Cases seem to be on the rise among children, but scientists are still watching the data closely and do not yet know the cause. 🤒 What is hepatitis anyways? Hepatitis is a broad term Read more…
Help! It’s Day 10 and my rapid antigen test is still positive. Am I contagious?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: For most people, the risk of spreading to COVID to others is likely minimal after Day 10 – but not so low that you can throw caution to the wind. While rapid antigen tests can be useful as proxies for contagiousness, their value is unclear after Day 10. Infectious disease experts generally support exiting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Friday, 5/6 @ 1 pm EDT!
Uncategorized
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. This month’s live Q&A topics include: * the impact of pandemic life on immune health * the value of one way masking * tracking COVID in the era of home testing * using rapid antigen tests to exit isolation Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, Read more…
Can you catch COVID-19 from a fart?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Unlikely. It’s been a while since we’ve had novel fart and poop content on Dear Pandemic, so let’s address this classic question about the risk of catching COVID-19 from a fart. In April 2020, when the pandemic was fresh and many of us were hoarding toilet paper, there were several articles flying around Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
A: Good question! Sensitivity and specificity are characteristics of a medical test that help us determine how useful that test is and how to interpret the result. BUT, they aren’t the be all and end all. We also want to know the positive and negative predictive value. Strap in for the ride and let’s talk Read more…
What is Paxlovid Mouth?
TreatmentsMegan Madsen, DO
While effective and generally safe, Paxlovid does have the potential for some side effects. One temporary, but particularly distasteful side effect reported is “Paxlovid mouth.” Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir + Ritonavir) has become a household name since its March 2022 Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approval as an at-home option to treat COVID-19. It consists of a 5 Read more…
Shingles and the Shingles Vaccine: Get the Facts
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that often develops in a stripe that wraps around one side of the body or face. Besides the rash, symptoms include fever, headache, and chills. But mainly, you hear about the rash because it HURTS! If you’re over 50, the shingles vaccine Shingrix can help you avoid this super Read more…
Is there a baby formula shortage in the U.S.?
Families/Kids
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Answer: Yes. Across the U.S. there are multiple reports of shortages. In some cases up to 40% of the most popular formulas are not currently available on store shelves for the week of April 24. The hardest hit states have been: Connecticut, Delaware, Montana, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Parents have reported empty Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 05-07-22
General Health Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD – TNG CEO & Founding Member Chana Davis, PhD, Fueled by Science: TNG Contributing Writer Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:02) ➡️ The impact of pandemic Read more…
Should I get boosted now or wait?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
If you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster, get it NOW. Getting boosted now provides additional protection in the present and you will still be eligible for future boosters. Moderna has announced plans for a fall booster that includes coverage for previous strains of COVID-19 as well as Omicron strains. The goal of an updated Read more…
Should I be worried about hepatitis in children?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of hepatitis in children, but there is no reason to panic. Cases seem to be on the rise among children, but scientists are still watching the data closely and do not yet know the cause. 🤒 What is hepatitis anyways? Hepatitis is a broad term Read more…
Help! It’s Day 10 and my rapid antigen test is still positive. Am I contagious?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: For most people, the risk of spreading to COVID to others is likely minimal after Day 10 – but not so low that you can throw caution to the wind. While rapid antigen tests can be useful as proxies for contagiousness, their value is unclear after Day 10. Infectious disease experts generally support exiting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Friday, 5/6 @ 1 pm EDT!
Uncategorized
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. This month’s live Q&A topics include: * the impact of pandemic life on immune health * the value of one way masking * tracking COVID in the era of home testing * using rapid antigen tests to exit isolation Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, Read more…
Can you catch COVID-19 from a fart?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Unlikely. It’s been a while since we’ve had novel fart and poop content on Dear Pandemic, so let’s address this classic question about the risk of catching COVID-19 from a fart. In April 2020, when the pandemic was fresh and many of us were hoarding toilet paper, there were several articles flying around Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
While effective and generally safe, Paxlovid does have the potential for some side effects. One temporary, but particularly distasteful side effect reported is “Paxlovid mouth.” Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir + Ritonavir) has become a household name since its March 2022 Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approval as an at-home option to treat COVID-19. It consists of a 5 Read more…
Shingles and the Shingles Vaccine: Get the Facts
Infectious Diseases VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that often develops in a stripe that wraps around one side of the body or face. Besides the rash, symptoms include fever, headache, and chills. But mainly, you hear about the rash because it HURTS! If you’re over 50, the shingles vaccine Shingrix can help you avoid this super Read more…
Is there a baby formula shortage in the U.S.?
Families/Kids
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Answer: Yes. Across the U.S. there are multiple reports of shortages. In some cases up to 40% of the most popular formulas are not currently available on store shelves for the week of April 24. The hardest hit states have been: Connecticut, Delaware, Montana, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Parents have reported empty Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 05-07-22
General Health Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD – TNG CEO & Founding Member Chana Davis, PhD, Fueled by Science: TNG Contributing Writer Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:02) ➡️ The impact of pandemic Read more…
Should I get boosted now or wait?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
If you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster, get it NOW. Getting boosted now provides additional protection in the present and you will still be eligible for future boosters. Moderna has announced plans for a fall booster that includes coverage for previous strains of COVID-19 as well as Omicron strains. The goal of an updated Read more…
Should I be worried about hepatitis in children?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of hepatitis in children, but there is no reason to panic. Cases seem to be on the rise among children, but scientists are still watching the data closely and do not yet know the cause. 🤒 What is hepatitis anyways? Hepatitis is a broad term Read more…
Help! It’s Day 10 and my rapid antigen test is still positive. Am I contagious?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: For most people, the risk of spreading to COVID to others is likely minimal after Day 10 – but not so low that you can throw caution to the wind. While rapid antigen tests can be useful as proxies for contagiousness, their value is unclear after Day 10. Infectious disease experts generally support exiting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Friday, 5/6 @ 1 pm EDT!
Uncategorized
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. This month’s live Q&A topics include: * the impact of pandemic life on immune health * the value of one way masking * tracking COVID in the era of home testing * using rapid antigen tests to exit isolation Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, Read more…
Can you catch COVID-19 from a fart?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Unlikely. It’s been a while since we’ve had novel fart and poop content on Dear Pandemic, so let’s address this classic question about the risk of catching COVID-19 from a fart. In April 2020, when the pandemic was fresh and many of us were hoarding toilet paper, there were several articles flying around Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that often develops in a stripe that wraps around one side of the body or face. Besides the rash, symptoms include fever, headache, and chills. But mainly, you hear about the rash because it HURTS! If you’re over 50, the shingles vaccine Shingrix can help you avoid this super Read more…
Is there a baby formula shortage in the U.S.?
Families/KidsAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Answer: Yes. Across the U.S. there are multiple reports of shortages. In some cases up to 40% of the most popular formulas are not currently available on store shelves for the week of April 24. The hardest hit states have been: Connecticut, Delaware, Montana, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Parents have reported empty Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 05-07-22
General Health Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD – TNG CEO & Founding Member Chana Davis, PhD, Fueled by Science: TNG Contributing Writer Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:02) ➡️ The impact of pandemic Read more…
Should I get boosted now or wait?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
If you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster, get it NOW. Getting boosted now provides additional protection in the present and you will still be eligible for future boosters. Moderna has announced plans for a fall booster that includes coverage for previous strains of COVID-19 as well as Omicron strains. The goal of an updated Read more…
Should I be worried about hepatitis in children?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of hepatitis in children, but there is no reason to panic. Cases seem to be on the rise among children, but scientists are still watching the data closely and do not yet know the cause. 🤒 What is hepatitis anyways? Hepatitis is a broad term Read more…
Help! It’s Day 10 and my rapid antigen test is still positive. Am I contagious?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: For most people, the risk of spreading to COVID to others is likely minimal after Day 10 – but not so low that you can throw caution to the wind. While rapid antigen tests can be useful as proxies for contagiousness, their value is unclear after Day 10. Infectious disease experts generally support exiting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Friday, 5/6 @ 1 pm EDT!
Uncategorized
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. This month’s live Q&A topics include: * the impact of pandemic life on immune health * the value of one way masking * tracking COVID in the era of home testing * using rapid antigen tests to exit isolation Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, Read more…
Can you catch COVID-19 from a fart?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Unlikely. It’s been a while since we’ve had novel fart and poop content on Dear Pandemic, so let’s address this classic question about the risk of catching COVID-19 from a fart. In April 2020, when the pandemic was fresh and many of us were hoarding toilet paper, there were several articles flying around Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
Answer: Yes. Across the U.S. there are multiple reports of shortages. In some cases up to 40% of the most popular formulas are not currently available on store shelves for the week of April 24. The hardest hit states have been: Connecticut, Delaware, Montana, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Parents have reported empty Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 05-07-22
General Health Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing VideosChana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD – TNG CEO & Founding Member Chana Davis, PhD, Fueled by Science: TNG Contributing Writer Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:02) ➡️ The impact of pandemic Read more…
Should I get boosted now or wait?
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
If you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster, get it NOW. Getting boosted now provides additional protection in the present and you will still be eligible for future boosters. Moderna has announced plans for a fall booster that includes coverage for previous strains of COVID-19 as well as Omicron strains. The goal of an updated Read more…
Should I be worried about hepatitis in children?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of hepatitis in children, but there is no reason to panic. Cases seem to be on the rise among children, but scientists are still watching the data closely and do not yet know the cause. 🤒 What is hepatitis anyways? Hepatitis is a broad term Read more…
Help! It’s Day 10 and my rapid antigen test is still positive. Am I contagious?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: For most people, the risk of spreading to COVID to others is likely minimal after Day 10 – but not so low that you can throw caution to the wind. While rapid antigen tests can be useful as proxies for contagiousness, their value is unclear after Day 10. Infectious disease experts generally support exiting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Friday, 5/6 @ 1 pm EDT!
Uncategorized
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. This month’s live Q&A topics include: * the impact of pandemic life on immune health * the value of one way masking * tracking COVID in the era of home testing * using rapid antigen tests to exit isolation Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, Read more…
Can you catch COVID-19 from a fart?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Unlikely. It’s been a while since we’ve had novel fart and poop content on Dear Pandemic, so let’s address this classic question about the risk of catching COVID-19 from a fart. In April 2020, when the pandemic was fresh and many of us were hoarding toilet paper, there were several articles flying around Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD – TNG CEO & Founding Member Chana Davis, PhD, Fueled by Science: TNG Contributing Writer Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and chit chat (0:00-1:02) ➡️ The impact of pandemic Read more…
Should I get boosted now or wait?
VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
If you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster, get it NOW. Getting boosted now provides additional protection in the present and you will still be eligible for future boosters. Moderna has announced plans for a fall booster that includes coverage for previous strains of COVID-19 as well as Omicron strains. The goal of an updated Read more…
Should I be worried about hepatitis in children?
Families/Kids Infectious Diseases
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of hepatitis in children, but there is no reason to panic. Cases seem to be on the rise among children, but scientists are still watching the data closely and do not yet know the cause. 🤒 What is hepatitis anyways? Hepatitis is a broad term Read more…
Help! It’s Day 10 and my rapid antigen test is still positive. Am I contagious?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: For most people, the risk of spreading to COVID to others is likely minimal after Day 10 – but not so low that you can throw caution to the wind. While rapid antigen tests can be useful as proxies for contagiousness, their value is unclear after Day 10. Infectious disease experts generally support exiting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Friday, 5/6 @ 1 pm EDT!
Uncategorized
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. This month’s live Q&A topics include: * the impact of pandemic life on immune health * the value of one way masking * tracking COVID in the era of home testing * using rapid antigen tests to exit isolation Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, Read more…
Can you catch COVID-19 from a fart?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Unlikely. It’s been a while since we’ve had novel fart and poop content on Dear Pandemic, so let’s address this classic question about the risk of catching COVID-19 from a fart. In April 2020, when the pandemic was fresh and many of us were hoarding toilet paper, there were several articles flying around Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
If you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster, get it NOW. Getting boosted now provides additional protection in the present and you will still be eligible for future boosters. Moderna has announced plans for a fall booster that includes coverage for previous strains of COVID-19 as well as Omicron strains. The goal of an updated Read more…
Should I be worried about hepatitis in children?
Families/Kids Infectious DiseasesAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of hepatitis in children, but there is no reason to panic. Cases seem to be on the rise among children, but scientists are still watching the data closely and do not yet know the cause. 🤒 What is hepatitis anyways? Hepatitis is a broad term Read more…
Help! It’s Day 10 and my rapid antigen test is still positive. Am I contagious?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: For most people, the risk of spreading to COVID to others is likely minimal after Day 10 – but not so low that you can throw caution to the wind. While rapid antigen tests can be useful as proxies for contagiousness, their value is unclear after Day 10. Infectious disease experts generally support exiting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Friday, 5/6 @ 1 pm EDT!
Uncategorized
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. This month’s live Q&A topics include: * the impact of pandemic life on immune health * the value of one way masking * tracking COVID in the era of home testing * using rapid antigen tests to exit isolation Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, Read more…
Can you catch COVID-19 from a fart?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Unlikely. It’s been a while since we’ve had novel fart and poop content on Dear Pandemic, so let’s address this classic question about the risk of catching COVID-19 from a fart. In April 2020, when the pandemic was fresh and many of us were hoarding toilet paper, there were several articles flying around Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
A: You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of hepatitis in children, but there is no reason to panic. Cases seem to be on the rise among children, but scientists are still watching the data closely and do not yet know the cause. 🤒 What is hepatitis anyways? Hepatitis is a broad term Read more…
Help! It’s Day 10 and my rapid antigen test is still positive. Am I contagious?
Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
A: For most people, the risk of spreading to COVID to others is likely minimal after Day 10 – but not so low that you can throw caution to the wind. While rapid antigen tests can be useful as proxies for contagiousness, their value is unclear after Day 10. Infectious disease experts generally support exiting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Friday, 5/6 @ 1 pm EDT!
Uncategorized
Chana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. This month’s live Q&A topics include: * the impact of pandemic life on immune health * the value of one way masking * tracking COVID in the era of home testing * using rapid antigen tests to exit isolation Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, Read more…
Can you catch COVID-19 from a fart?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Unlikely. It’s been a while since we’ve had novel fart and poop content on Dear Pandemic, so let’s address this classic question about the risk of catching COVID-19 from a fart. In April 2020, when the pandemic was fresh and many of us were hoarding toilet paper, there were several articles flying around Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
A: For most people, the risk of spreading to COVID to others is likely minimal after Day 10 – but not so low that you can throw caution to the wind. While rapid antigen tests can be useful as proxies for contagiousness, their value is unclear after Day 10. Infectious disease experts generally support exiting Read more…
Nerdy Girl Live Friday, 5/6 @ 1 pm EDT!
UncategorizedChana Davis, PhD
Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. This month’s live Q&A topics include: * the impact of pandemic life on immune health * the value of one way masking * tracking COVID in the era of home testing * using rapid antigen tests to exit isolation Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, Read more…
Can you catch COVID-19 from a fart?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Unlikely. It’s been a while since we’ve had novel fart and poop content on Dear Pandemic, so let’s address this classic question about the risk of catching COVID-19 from a fart. In April 2020, when the pandemic was fresh and many of us were hoarding toilet paper, there were several articles flying around Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls are back to tackle your latest COVID questions. This month’s live Q&A topics include: * the impact of pandemic life on immune health * the value of one way masking * tracking COVID in the era of home testing * using rapid antigen tests to exit isolation Featuring Nerdy Girls: Ashley Ritter, Read more…
Can you catch COVID-19 from a fart?
Staying Safe Uncertainty and MisinformationLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Unlikely. It’s been a while since we’ve had novel fart and poop content on Dear Pandemic, so let’s address this classic question about the risk of catching COVID-19 from a fart. In April 2020, when the pandemic was fresh and many of us were hoarding toilet paper, there were several articles flying around Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
A: TL;DR. Unlikely. It’s been a while since we’ve had novel fart and poop content on Dear Pandemic, so let’s address this classic question about the risk of catching COVID-19 from a fart. In April 2020, when the pandemic was fresh and many of us were hoarding toilet paper, there were several articles flying around Read more…
Can you get COVID-19 by sharing a drink?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
A: Yes. For sure. You can get COVID-19 by sharing a drinking glass–even if the glass contains an adult beverage. The virus that causes COVID-19 is present in saliva, and although it isn’t the most common transmission route, it can be transmitted orally. The concentration of alcohol in a drink is not high enough to Read more…
Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave. The CDC recently released an MMWR report estimating the percentage of Americans who have been previously infected with COVID-19. The estimates came from the CDC’s National Commercial Read more…
