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…
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…
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…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – “Who funds you?”
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Did you know you can get 8 more *FREE* COVID-19 rapid tests sent directly to your house?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It’s true! Even if your household already received free tests before! In the U.S. only though. Visit here and order yours today: https://www.covid.gov/tests. All you need to do is enter your name and a shipping address…THAT’S IT! You can also call here to order instead: 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
If I’ve already been infected with Omicron, am I protected against new variants?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The OG Omicron variant doesn’t seem to produce great cross-protection against other variants. BUT, if you were vaccinated + infected, the protection is MUCH higher. Omicron is spawning a lot of new “sub-variants,” no doubt thanks to the millions of chances it’s had to replicate and win the mutation lottery. Two sub-variants of Omicron Read more…
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…
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/KidsSarah 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…
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…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – “Who funds you?”
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Did you know you can get 8 more *FREE* COVID-19 rapid tests sent directly to your house?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It’s true! Even if your household already received free tests before! In the U.S. only though. Visit here and order yours today: https://www.covid.gov/tests. All you need to do is enter your name and a shipping address…THAT’S IT! You can also call here to order instead: 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
If I’ve already been infected with Omicron, am I protected against new variants?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The OG Omicron variant doesn’t seem to produce great cross-protection against other variants. BUT, if you were vaccinated + infected, the protection is MUCH higher. Omicron is spawning a lot of new “sub-variants,” no doubt thanks to the millions of chances it’s had to replicate and win the mutation lottery. Two sub-variants of Omicron Read more…
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…
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 SafeMalia 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…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – “Who funds you?”
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Did you know you can get 8 more *FREE* COVID-19 rapid tests sent directly to your house?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It’s true! Even if your household already received free tests before! In the U.S. only though. Visit here and order yours today: https://www.covid.gov/tests. All you need to do is enter your name and a shipping address…THAT’S IT! You can also call here to order instead: 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
If I’ve already been infected with Omicron, am I protected against new variants?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The OG Omicron variant doesn’t seem to produce great cross-protection against other variants. BUT, if you were vaccinated + infected, the protection is MUCH higher. Omicron is spawning a lot of new “sub-variants,” no doubt thanks to the millions of chances it’s had to replicate and win the mutation lottery. Two sub-variants of Omicron Read more…
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…
“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…
COVID Treatment Round Up!
TreatmentsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – “Who funds you?”
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Did you know you can get 8 more *FREE* COVID-19 rapid tests sent directly to your house?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It’s true! Even if your household already received free tests before! In the U.S. only though. Visit here and order yours today: https://www.covid.gov/tests. All you need to do is enter your name and a shipping address…THAT’S IT! You can also call here to order instead: 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
If I’ve already been infected with Omicron, am I protected against new variants?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The OG Omicron variant doesn’t seem to produce great cross-protection against other variants. BUT, if you were vaccinated + infected, the protection is MUCH higher. Omicron is spawning a lot of new “sub-variants,” no doubt thanks to the millions of chances it’s had to replicate and win the mutation lottery. Two sub-variants of Omicron Read more…
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…
As COVID-19 cases are on the rise in many parts of the world, now seems like a good time to review treatment options. Treatment options depend on how sick someone is. For this post, we are going to give the run down treatments for adults across the clinical spectrum of disease (from no symptoms at Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – “Who funds you?”
Data Literacy Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Did you know you can get 8 more *FREE* COVID-19 rapid tests sent directly to your house?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It’s true! Even if your household already received free tests before! In the U.S. only though. Visit here and order yours today: https://www.covid.gov/tests. All you need to do is enter your name and a shipping address…THAT’S IT! You can also call here to order instead: 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
If I’ve already been infected with Omicron, am I protected against new variants?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The OG Omicron variant doesn’t seem to produce great cross-protection against other variants. BUT, if you were vaccinated + infected, the protection is MUCH higher. Omicron is spawning a lot of new “sub-variants,” no doubt thanks to the millions of chances it’s had to replicate and win the mutation lottery. Two sub-variants of Omicron Read more…
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…
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Did you know you can get 8 more *FREE* COVID-19 rapid tests sent directly to your house?
Testing and Contact TracingAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It’s true! Even if your household already received free tests before! In the U.S. only though. Visit here and order yours today: https://www.covid.gov/tests. All you need to do is enter your name and a shipping address…THAT’S IT! You can also call here to order instead: 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
If I’ve already been infected with Omicron, am I protected against new variants?
Biology/Immunity
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The OG Omicron variant doesn’t seem to produce great cross-protection against other variants. BUT, if you were vaccinated + infected, the protection is MUCH higher. Omicron is spawning a lot of new “sub-variants,” no doubt thanks to the millions of chances it’s had to replicate and win the mutation lottery. Two sub-variants of Omicron Read more…
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…
A: It’s true! Even if your household already received free tests before! In the U.S. only though. Visit here and order yours today: https://www.covid.gov/tests. All you need to do is enter your name and a shipping address…THAT’S IT! You can also call here to order instead: 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
If I’ve already been infected with Omicron, am I protected against new variants?
Biology/ImmunityJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The OG Omicron variant doesn’t seem to produce great cross-protection against other variants. BUT, if you were vaccinated + infected, the protection is MUCH higher. Omicron is spawning a lot of new “sub-variants,” no doubt thanks to the millions of chances it’s had to replicate and win the mutation lottery. Two sub-variants of Omicron Read more…
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…
A: The OG Omicron variant doesn’t seem to produce great cross-protection against other variants. BUT, if you were vaccinated + infected, the protection is MUCH higher. Omicron is spawning a lot of new “sub-variants,” no doubt thanks to the millions of chances it’s had to replicate and win the mutation lottery. Two sub-variants of Omicron Read more…
May is Mental Health Awareness month.
Mental HealthAparna 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
