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…
Maybe you have heard about long COVID…but who gets it and where can I find more information on it?
Long COVID
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Female sex and asthma are associated with the development of long COVID. We are still learning more about other factors like age. Data on long COVID is not systematically collected but there are efforts to do so in the future. For now, the national COVID data set as well as the patient led Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Did getting exposed to fewer germs for the last 2 years weaken our immune systems?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system. Many families with young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of two years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation Read more…
Kids’ vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up.
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask 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…
Maybe you have heard about long COVID…but who gets it and where can I find more information on it?
Long COVID
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Female sex and asthma are associated with the development of long COVID. We are still learning more about other factors like age. Data on long COVID is not systematically collected but there are efforts to do so in the future. For now, the national COVID data set as well as the patient led Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Did getting exposed to fewer germs for the last 2 years weaken our immune systems?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system. Many families with young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of two years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation Read more…
Kids’ vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up.
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask 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…
Maybe you have heard about long COVID…but who gets it and where can I find more information on it?
Long COVID
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Female sex and asthma are associated with the development of long COVID. We are still learning more about other factors like age. Data on long COVID is not systematically collected but there are efforts to do so in the future. For now, the national COVID data set as well as the patient led Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Did getting exposed to fewer germs for the last 2 years weaken our immune systems?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system. Many families with young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of two years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation Read more…
Kids’ vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up.
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask 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…
Maybe you have heard about long COVID…but who gets it and where can I find more information on it?
Long COVID
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Female sex and asthma are associated with the development of long COVID. We are still learning more about other factors like age. Data on long COVID is not systematically collected but there are efforts to do so in the future. For now, the national COVID data set as well as the patient led Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Did getting exposed to fewer germs for the last 2 years weaken our immune systems?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system. Many families with young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of two years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation Read more…
Kids’ vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up.
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask 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…
Maybe you have heard about long COVID…but who gets it and where can I find more information on it?
Long COVID
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Female sex and asthma are associated with the development of long COVID. We are still learning more about other factors like age. Data on long COVID is not systematically collected but there are efforts to do so in the future. For now, the national COVID data set as well as the patient led Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Did getting exposed to fewer germs for the last 2 years weaken our immune systems?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system. Many families with young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of two years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation Read more…
Kids’ vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up.
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask 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…
Maybe you have heard about long COVID…but who gets it and where can I find more information on it?
Long COVID
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Female sex and asthma are associated with the development of long COVID. We are still learning more about other factors like age. Data on long COVID is not systematically collected but there are efforts to do so in the future. For now, the national COVID data set as well as the patient led Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Did getting exposed to fewer germs for the last 2 years weaken our immune systems?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system. Many families with young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of two years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation Read more…
Kids’ vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up.
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask 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…
Maybe you have heard about long COVID…but who gets it and where can I find more information on it?
Long COVID
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Female sex and asthma are associated with the development of long COVID. We are still learning more about other factors like age. Data on long COVID is not systematically collected but there are efforts to do so in the future. For now, the national COVID data set as well as the patient led Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Did getting exposed to fewer germs for the last 2 years weaken our immune systems?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system. Many families with young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of two years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation Read more…
Kids’ vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up.
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask 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…
Maybe you have heard about long COVID…but who gets it and where can I find more information on it?
Long COVID
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Female sex and asthma are associated with the development of long COVID. We are still learning more about other factors like age. Data on long COVID is not systematically collected but there are efforts to do so in the future. For now, the national COVID data set as well as the patient led Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Did getting exposed to fewer germs for the last 2 years weaken our immune systems?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system. Many families with young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of two years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation Read more…
Kids’ vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up.
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask 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…
Maybe you have heard about long COVID…but who gets it and where can I find more information on it?
Long COVID
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Female sex and asthma are associated with the development of long COVID. We are still learning more about other factors like age. Data on long COVID is not systematically collected but there are efforts to do so in the future. For now, the national COVID data set as well as the patient led Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Did getting exposed to fewer germs for the last 2 years weaken our immune systems?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system. Many families with young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of two years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation Read more…
Kids’ vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up.
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask 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…
Maybe you have heard about long COVID…but who gets it and where can I find more information on it?
Long COVIDAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
TL; DR: Female sex and asthma are associated with the development of long COVID. We are still learning more about other factors like age. Data on long COVID is not systematically collected but there are efforts to do so in the future. For now, the national COVID data set as well as the patient led Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Did getting exposed to fewer germs for the last 2 years weaken our immune systems?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system. Many families with young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of two years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation Read more…
Kids’ vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up.
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask Read more…
TL; DR: Female sex and asthma are associated with the development of long COVID. We are still learning more about other factors like age. Data on long COVID is not systematically collected but there are efforts to do so in the future. For now, the national COVID data set as well as the patient led Read more…
If I worked with my boss on Saturday, we wore masks, he tested positive on Monday, and I’m boosted, what do I do?
Infection and SpreadAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Did getting exposed to fewer germs for the last 2 years weaken our immune systems?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system. Many families with young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of two years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation Read more…
Kids’ vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up.
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask Read more…
A: If you had close contact with your boss and it was < 48 hours before they tested positive (or developed symptoms), but you are boosted, guidance is to wear a mask for 10 days and watch for symptoms. We get asked this type of “Am I exposed and, if so, what do I do?” Read more…
Did getting exposed to fewer germs for the last 2 years weaken our immune systems?
Biology/Immunity Families/KidsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system. Many families with young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of two years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation Read more…
Kids’ vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up.
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask Read more…
A: Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system. Many families with young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of two years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation Read more…
Kids’ vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up.
Families/Kids VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask Read more…
TL;DR: Many kids missed vaccines during the pandemic and we need to get kids caught up now! Vaccines are incredibly important to prevent serious childhood illness and save lives. Vaccination rates decreased during the height of the pandemic and have not yet caught up. The CDC just released a report looking at kindergarteners in the Read more…
Does my mask protect me if no one else is wearing one?
MasksAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask Read more…
A: Yes. A well-fitting, high- quality mask worn correctly decreases your risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. Masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them. When that’s not the case, your mask Read more…
