What options exist for birth control?
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
June 3, 2022
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
June 2, 2022
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
May 28, 2022
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
May 27, 2022
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
May 26, 2022
What you need to know now about monkeypox
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A multi-country outbreak of monkeypox is in progress and has affected over 100 people in Western Europe and other high-income countries so far. Identified cases stretch across 12 countries where monkeypox is not usually found, and more cases are likely to be identified before the outbreak is resolved. Affected nations include 8 in Europe, the Read more…
May 25, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
May 25, 2022
COVID Vaccine Series Part 1 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Confused about vaccines? This is the first post in the series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines: The COVID vaccines are undoubtedly among the most impressive medical feats in history. One model estimated they have saved millions of lives in the United States alone. As Read more…
May 24, 2022
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
May 23, 2022
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
May 20, 2022
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
June 2, 2022
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
May 28, 2022
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
May 27, 2022
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
May 26, 2022
What you need to know now about monkeypox
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A multi-country outbreak of monkeypox is in progress and has affected over 100 people in Western Europe and other high-income countries so far. Identified cases stretch across 12 countries where monkeypox is not usually found, and more cases are likely to be identified before the outbreak is resolved. Affected nations include 8 in Europe, the Read more…
May 25, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
May 25, 2022
COVID Vaccine Series Part 1 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Confused about vaccines? This is the first post in the series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines: The COVID vaccines are undoubtedly among the most impressive medical feats in history. One model estimated they have saved millions of lives in the United States alone. As Read more…
May 24, 2022
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
May 23, 2022
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
May 20, 2022
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
May 28, 2022
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
May 27, 2022
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
May 26, 2022
What you need to know now about monkeypox
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A multi-country outbreak of monkeypox is in progress and has affected over 100 people in Western Europe and other high-income countries so far. Identified cases stretch across 12 countries where monkeypox is not usually found, and more cases are likely to be identified before the outbreak is resolved. Affected nations include 8 in Europe, the Read more…
May 25, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
May 25, 2022
COVID Vaccine Series Part 1 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Confused about vaccines? This is the first post in the series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines: The COVID vaccines are undoubtedly among the most impressive medical feats in history. One model estimated they have saved millions of lives in the United States alone. As Read more…
May 24, 2022
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
May 23, 2022
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
May 20, 2022
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
May 28, 2022
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
May 27, 2022
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
May 26, 2022
What you need to know now about monkeypox
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A multi-country outbreak of monkeypox is in progress and has affected over 100 people in Western Europe and other high-income countries so far. Identified cases stretch across 12 countries where monkeypox is not usually found, and more cases are likely to be identified before the outbreak is resolved. Affected nations include 8 in Europe, the Read more…
May 25, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
May 25, 2022
COVID Vaccine Series Part 1 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Confused about vaccines? This is the first post in the series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines: The COVID vaccines are undoubtedly among the most impressive medical feats in history. One model estimated they have saved millions of lives in the United States alone. As Read more…
May 24, 2022
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
May 23, 2022
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
May 20, 2022
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Frequently Asked Questions about when to BOOST
Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
May 27, 2022
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
May 26, 2022
What you need to know now about monkeypox
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A multi-country outbreak of monkeypox is in progress and has affected over 100 people in Western Europe and other high-income countries so far. Identified cases stretch across 12 countries where monkeypox is not usually found, and more cases are likely to be identified before the outbreak is resolved. Affected nations include 8 in Europe, the Read more…
May 25, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
May 25, 2022
COVID Vaccine Series Part 1 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Confused about vaccines? This is the first post in the series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines: The COVID vaccines are undoubtedly among the most impressive medical feats in history. One model estimated they have saved millions of lives in the United States alone. As Read more…
May 24, 2022
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
May 23, 2022
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
May 20, 2022
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
The recent guidance from the CDC is straightforward: Anyone 5 or older should receive a booster 5 months after their last dose. People over the age of 50 and children 12 or older who are immunocompromised are eligible for a second booster 4 months after their last dose. Here are answers to a few more Read more…
What is depression anyways?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
May 26, 2022
What you need to know now about monkeypox
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A multi-country outbreak of monkeypox is in progress and has affected over 100 people in Western Europe and other high-income countries so far. Identified cases stretch across 12 countries where monkeypox is not usually found, and more cases are likely to be identified before the outbreak is resolved. Affected nations include 8 in Europe, the Read more…
May 25, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
May 25, 2022
COVID Vaccine Series Part 1 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Confused about vaccines? This is the first post in the series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines: The COVID vaccines are undoubtedly among the most impressive medical feats in history. One model estimated they have saved millions of lives in the United States alone. As Read more…
May 24, 2022
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
May 23, 2022
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
May 20, 2022
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
💧 Depression is a medical illness, influenced by genes 🧬 , 😞 stressors in our lives, and the 🏡 environment around us. It is influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors. There is no one cause for depression. Depression can affect any person, regardless of age or social status. Some people are more likely to Read more…
What you need to know now about monkeypox
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A multi-country outbreak of monkeypox is in progress and has affected over 100 people in Western Europe and other high-income countries so far. Identified cases stretch across 12 countries where monkeypox is not usually found, and more cases are likely to be identified before the outbreak is resolved. Affected nations include 8 in Europe, the Read more…
May 25, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
May 25, 2022
COVID Vaccine Series Part 1 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Confused about vaccines? This is the first post in the series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines: The COVID vaccines are undoubtedly among the most impressive medical feats in history. One model estimated they have saved millions of lives in the United States alone. As Read more…
May 24, 2022
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
May 23, 2022
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
May 20, 2022
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
A multi-country outbreak of monkeypox is in progress and has affected over 100 people in Western Europe and other high-income countries so far. Identified cases stretch across 12 countries where monkeypox is not usually found, and more cases are likely to be identified before the outbreak is resolved. Affected nations include 8 in Europe, the Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Maggie Hayes
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
May 25, 2022
COVID Vaccine Series Part 1 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Confused about vaccines? This is the first post in the series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines: The COVID vaccines are undoubtedly among the most impressive medical feats in history. One model estimated they have saved millions of lives in the United States alone. As Read more…
May 24, 2022
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
May 23, 2022
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
May 20, 2022
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
Today we get to introduce another one of Those Nerdy Girls, Maggie Hayes. Maggie is our Spanish language science communications intern, and she helps with operations, translation, and community engagement on our Spanish-language channel, Querida Pandemia. Maggie is a UW-Madison undergraduate majoring in Spanish and Sociology with a certificate in Chicana and Latina Studies. She Read more…
COVID Vaccine Series Part 1 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
Confused about vaccines? This is the first post in the series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines: The COVID vaccines are undoubtedly among the most impressive medical feats in history. One model estimated they have saved millions of lives in the United States alone. As Read more…
May 24, 2022
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
May 23, 2022
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
May 20, 2022
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
Confused about vaccines? This is the first post in the series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines: The COVID vaccines are undoubtedly among the most impressive medical feats in history. One model estimated they have saved millions of lives in the United States alone. As Read more…
Two Important Updates on COVID-19 Booster Doses
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
May 23, 2022
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
May 20, 2022
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a Read more…
What should I do if I can’t find any baby formula?
Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
May 20, 2022
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
TL;DR: Call your baby’s primary are clinician to get advice right away. In general, unless the baby is on a specialty formula, most ingredients are similar between formulas and switching brands is ok. Do not add extra water to stretch formulas or make your own at home. There are potential serious risks to the baby. Read more…
Is it safe to . . .?!
Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…
“How risky is being indoors with our 10-year-old granddaughter without masks? We have plans to have birthday tea together. Are we safe?” That question, from a woman named Debby in California, is just one of hundreds I’ve received from concerned people who are worried about COVID-19. I’m an epidemiologist and one of the women behind Read more…