If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
💥Breaking News – FDA Amends Pfizer EUA💥!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
The FDA has amended the Pfizer emergency use authorization to: ❇️ Expand the use of booster doses to kids aged 12-15 years ❇️ Shorten the recommended time between second and booster dose to 5 months (instead of 6) in those aged 12 years and older ❇️ Allow kids 5-11 who have certain immunocompromising conditions to Read more…
What can I do for a school nurse today?
Families/Kids Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Escalating COVID-19 cases and changing guidelines fall directly on the shoulders of school nurses. School nurses maintain the preventative and daily health of millions of children and are key in navigating COVID-19 risk mitigation. Here’s a few ideas to help out these unbelievable professionals. Layer on the patience, kindness, and grace. This is the “Monday-est” Read more…
UPDATE on detecting Omicron with Rapid Antigen Tests:
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over the last few weeks, rapid tests have detected many COVID cases, but often not as early as we’d like them to. With a bit of biohacking, and careful interpretation of test results, rapid tests can still be a valuable tool, despite their imperfections. THE GOOD NEWS Most rapid tests (aka lateral flow assays) can Read more…
Happy, happy New Year to our Dear Pandemic community!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Our path through this pandemic may not be linear, but we’re staying right here with you to help absorb all the twists and turns. They say we often overestimate what we can get done in a day, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a year. As we strain to see through this current Omicron Read more…
It is almost 2022……BUT I have COVID-19 and I feel guilty.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
💥 Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Year💥
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
➡️ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ➡️ They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ➡️ A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
Case numbers are jumping QUICK! What should I be doing?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Share your gifts without sharing COVID. Helpful gestures come in many shapes. One HUGE help: Cancel non-essential plans with other people. Unfortunately, this includes New Year’s Eve plans. The perfect storm of a new variant and holiday get-togethers is hitting communities and health care settings with FORCE! Testing is in short supply. Health care is Read more…
The CDC’s Updated Guidance on Isolation
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The one certainty in this pandemic is CHANGE….. And in science, changing evidence means that we learn more about what we are studying. And that means that we update based on new knowledge. This is sort of, kind of, what happened this week. See Dr. Lindsey’s earlier post on this…..and the WHY….https://tinyurl.com/d9tyjs5s Before diving in, Read more…
Is the new CDC isolation policy good or bad?
Health Policy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: There are no easy answers, only tough tradeoffs. Read below to learn how to stay calm and think on. 💥Think Like a Health Policy Nerd: A New Occasional Series💥 Pandemic policy chatter is a bit like an epidemic curve. A controversial health policy decision lands. It’s met with loud cheers by some and louder Read more…
What should I do if I can’t get a COVID-19 test and I am symptomatic?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Stay calm and isolate. Let someone know you are not feeling well if you are alone. Continue to monitor for worsening symptoms. Call for help if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if you are unable to care for yourself at home. COVID-19 testing is difficult to find at the moment in many places. If you Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
💥Breaking News – FDA Amends Pfizer EUA💥!!
Families/Kids VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
The FDA has amended the Pfizer emergency use authorization to: ❇️ Expand the use of booster doses to kids aged 12-15 years ❇️ Shorten the recommended time between second and booster dose to 5 months (instead of 6) in those aged 12 years and older ❇️ Allow kids 5-11 who have certain immunocompromising conditions to Read more…
What can I do for a school nurse today?
Families/Kids Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Escalating COVID-19 cases and changing guidelines fall directly on the shoulders of school nurses. School nurses maintain the preventative and daily health of millions of children and are key in navigating COVID-19 risk mitigation. Here’s a few ideas to help out these unbelievable professionals. Layer on the patience, kindness, and grace. This is the “Monday-est” Read more…
UPDATE on detecting Omicron with Rapid Antigen Tests:
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over the last few weeks, rapid tests have detected many COVID cases, but often not as early as we’d like them to. With a bit of biohacking, and careful interpretation of test results, rapid tests can still be a valuable tool, despite their imperfections. THE GOOD NEWS Most rapid tests (aka lateral flow assays) can Read more…
Happy, happy New Year to our Dear Pandemic community!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Our path through this pandemic may not be linear, but we’re staying right here with you to help absorb all the twists and turns. They say we often overestimate what we can get done in a day, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a year. As we strain to see through this current Omicron Read more…
It is almost 2022……BUT I have COVID-19 and I feel guilty.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
💥 Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Year💥
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
➡️ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ➡️ They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ➡️ A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
Case numbers are jumping QUICK! What should I be doing?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Share your gifts without sharing COVID. Helpful gestures come in many shapes. One HUGE help: Cancel non-essential plans with other people. Unfortunately, this includes New Year’s Eve plans. The perfect storm of a new variant and holiday get-togethers is hitting communities and health care settings with FORCE! Testing is in short supply. Health care is Read more…
The CDC’s Updated Guidance on Isolation
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The one certainty in this pandemic is CHANGE….. And in science, changing evidence means that we learn more about what we are studying. And that means that we update based on new knowledge. This is sort of, kind of, what happened this week. See Dr. Lindsey’s earlier post on this…..and the WHY….https://tinyurl.com/d9tyjs5s Before diving in, Read more…
Is the new CDC isolation policy good or bad?
Health Policy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: There are no easy answers, only tough tradeoffs. Read below to learn how to stay calm and think on. 💥Think Like a Health Policy Nerd: A New Occasional Series💥 Pandemic policy chatter is a bit like an epidemic curve. A controversial health policy decision lands. It’s met with loud cheers by some and louder Read more…
What should I do if I can’t get a COVID-19 test and I am symptomatic?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Stay calm and isolate. Let someone know you are not feeling well if you are alone. Continue to monitor for worsening symptoms. Call for help if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if you are unable to care for yourself at home. COVID-19 testing is difficult to find at the moment in many places. If you Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
The FDA has amended the Pfizer emergency use authorization to: ❇️ Expand the use of booster doses to kids aged 12-15 years ❇️ Shorten the recommended time between second and booster dose to 5 months (instead of 6) in those aged 12 years and older ❇️ Allow kids 5-11 who have certain immunocompromising conditions to Read more…
What can I do for a school nurse today?
Families/Kids Women in STEMAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Escalating COVID-19 cases and changing guidelines fall directly on the shoulders of school nurses. School nurses maintain the preventative and daily health of millions of children and are key in navigating COVID-19 risk mitigation. Here’s a few ideas to help out these unbelievable professionals. Layer on the patience, kindness, and grace. This is the “Monday-est” Read more…
UPDATE on detecting Omicron with Rapid Antigen Tests:
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over the last few weeks, rapid tests have detected many COVID cases, but often not as early as we’d like them to. With a bit of biohacking, and careful interpretation of test results, rapid tests can still be a valuable tool, despite their imperfections. THE GOOD NEWS Most rapid tests (aka lateral flow assays) can Read more…
Happy, happy New Year to our Dear Pandemic community!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Our path through this pandemic may not be linear, but we’re staying right here with you to help absorb all the twists and turns. They say we often overestimate what we can get done in a day, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a year. As we strain to see through this current Omicron Read more…
It is almost 2022……BUT I have COVID-19 and I feel guilty.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
💥 Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Year💥
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
➡️ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ➡️ They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ➡️ A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
Case numbers are jumping QUICK! What should I be doing?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Share your gifts without sharing COVID. Helpful gestures come in many shapes. One HUGE help: Cancel non-essential plans with other people. Unfortunately, this includes New Year’s Eve plans. The perfect storm of a new variant and holiday get-togethers is hitting communities and health care settings with FORCE! Testing is in short supply. Health care is Read more…
The CDC’s Updated Guidance on Isolation
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The one certainty in this pandemic is CHANGE….. And in science, changing evidence means that we learn more about what we are studying. And that means that we update based on new knowledge. This is sort of, kind of, what happened this week. See Dr. Lindsey’s earlier post on this…..and the WHY….https://tinyurl.com/d9tyjs5s Before diving in, Read more…
Is the new CDC isolation policy good or bad?
Health Policy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: There are no easy answers, only tough tradeoffs. Read below to learn how to stay calm and think on. 💥Think Like a Health Policy Nerd: A New Occasional Series💥 Pandemic policy chatter is a bit like an epidemic curve. A controversial health policy decision lands. It’s met with loud cheers by some and louder Read more…
What should I do if I can’t get a COVID-19 test and I am symptomatic?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Stay calm and isolate. Let someone know you are not feeling well if you are alone. Continue to monitor for worsening symptoms. Call for help if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if you are unable to care for yourself at home. COVID-19 testing is difficult to find at the moment in many places. If you Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
Escalating COVID-19 cases and changing guidelines fall directly on the shoulders of school nurses. School nurses maintain the preventative and daily health of millions of children and are key in navigating COVID-19 risk mitigation. Here’s a few ideas to help out these unbelievable professionals. Layer on the patience, kindness, and grace. This is the “Monday-est” Read more…
UPDATE on detecting Omicron with Rapid Antigen Tests:
COVID Variants Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
Over the last few weeks, rapid tests have detected many COVID cases, but often not as early as we’d like them to. With a bit of biohacking, and careful interpretation of test results, rapid tests can still be a valuable tool, despite their imperfections. THE GOOD NEWS Most rapid tests (aka lateral flow assays) can Read more…
Happy, happy New Year to our Dear Pandemic community!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Our path through this pandemic may not be linear, but we’re staying right here with you to help absorb all the twists and turns. They say we often overestimate what we can get done in a day, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a year. As we strain to see through this current Omicron Read more…
It is almost 2022……BUT I have COVID-19 and I feel guilty.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
💥 Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Year💥
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
➡️ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ➡️ They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ➡️ A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
Case numbers are jumping QUICK! What should I be doing?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Share your gifts without sharing COVID. Helpful gestures come in many shapes. One HUGE help: Cancel non-essential plans with other people. Unfortunately, this includes New Year’s Eve plans. The perfect storm of a new variant and holiday get-togethers is hitting communities and health care settings with FORCE! Testing is in short supply. Health care is Read more…
The CDC’s Updated Guidance on Isolation
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The one certainty in this pandemic is CHANGE….. And in science, changing evidence means that we learn more about what we are studying. And that means that we update based on new knowledge. This is sort of, kind of, what happened this week. See Dr. Lindsey’s earlier post on this…..and the WHY….https://tinyurl.com/d9tyjs5s Before diving in, Read more…
Is the new CDC isolation policy good or bad?
Health Policy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: There are no easy answers, only tough tradeoffs. Read below to learn how to stay calm and think on. 💥Think Like a Health Policy Nerd: A New Occasional Series💥 Pandemic policy chatter is a bit like an epidemic curve. A controversial health policy decision lands. It’s met with loud cheers by some and louder Read more…
What should I do if I can’t get a COVID-19 test and I am symptomatic?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Stay calm and isolate. Let someone know you are not feeling well if you are alone. Continue to monitor for worsening symptoms. Call for help if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if you are unable to care for yourself at home. COVID-19 testing is difficult to find at the moment in many places. If you Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
Over the last few weeks, rapid tests have detected many COVID cases, but often not as early as we’d like them to. With a bit of biohacking, and careful interpretation of test results, rapid tests can still be a valuable tool, despite their imperfections. THE GOOD NEWS Most rapid tests (aka lateral flow assays) can Read more…
Happy, happy New Year to our Dear Pandemic community!
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Our path through this pandemic may not be linear, but we’re staying right here with you to help absorb all the twists and turns. They say we often overestimate what we can get done in a day, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a year. As we strain to see through this current Omicron Read more…
It is almost 2022……BUT I have COVID-19 and I feel guilty.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
💥 Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Year💥
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
➡️ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ➡️ They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ➡️ A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
Case numbers are jumping QUICK! What should I be doing?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Share your gifts without sharing COVID. Helpful gestures come in many shapes. One HUGE help: Cancel non-essential plans with other people. Unfortunately, this includes New Year’s Eve plans. The perfect storm of a new variant and holiday get-togethers is hitting communities and health care settings with FORCE! Testing is in short supply. Health care is Read more…
The CDC’s Updated Guidance on Isolation
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The one certainty in this pandemic is CHANGE….. And in science, changing evidence means that we learn more about what we are studying. And that means that we update based on new knowledge. This is sort of, kind of, what happened this week. See Dr. Lindsey’s earlier post on this…..and the WHY….https://tinyurl.com/d9tyjs5s Before diving in, Read more…
Is the new CDC isolation policy good or bad?
Health Policy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: There are no easy answers, only tough tradeoffs. Read below to learn how to stay calm and think on. 💥Think Like a Health Policy Nerd: A New Occasional Series💥 Pandemic policy chatter is a bit like an epidemic curve. A controversial health policy decision lands. It’s met with loud cheers by some and louder Read more…
What should I do if I can’t get a COVID-19 test and I am symptomatic?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Stay calm and isolate. Let someone know you are not feeling well if you are alone. Continue to monitor for worsening symptoms. Call for help if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if you are unable to care for yourself at home. COVID-19 testing is difficult to find at the moment in many places. If you Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
Our path through this pandemic may not be linear, but we’re staying right here with you to help absorb all the twists and turns. They say we often overestimate what we can get done in a day, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a year. As we strain to see through this current Omicron Read more…
It is almost 2022……BUT I have COVID-19 and I feel guilty.
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
💥 Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Year💥
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
➡️ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ➡️ They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ➡️ A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
Case numbers are jumping QUICK! What should I be doing?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Share your gifts without sharing COVID. Helpful gestures come in many shapes. One HUGE help: Cancel non-essential plans with other people. Unfortunately, this includes New Year’s Eve plans. The perfect storm of a new variant and holiday get-togethers is hitting communities and health care settings with FORCE! Testing is in short supply. Health care is Read more…
The CDC’s Updated Guidance on Isolation
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The one certainty in this pandemic is CHANGE….. And in science, changing evidence means that we learn more about what we are studying. And that means that we update based on new knowledge. This is sort of, kind of, what happened this week. See Dr. Lindsey’s earlier post on this…..and the WHY….https://tinyurl.com/d9tyjs5s Before diving in, Read more…
Is the new CDC isolation policy good or bad?
Health Policy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: There are no easy answers, only tough tradeoffs. Read below to learn how to stay calm and think on. 💥Think Like a Health Policy Nerd: A New Occasional Series💥 Pandemic policy chatter is a bit like an epidemic curve. A controversial health policy decision lands. It’s met with loud cheers by some and louder Read more…
What should I do if I can’t get a COVID-19 test and I am symptomatic?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Stay calm and isolate. Let someone know you are not feeling well if you are alone. Continue to monitor for worsening symptoms. Call for help if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if you are unable to care for yourself at home. COVID-19 testing is difficult to find at the moment in many places. If you Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
Don’t feel guilty. Do …. DO YOUR PART. Listen. We Nerdy Girls look at the data, news, and updates ALL THE TIME. The Omicron variant is more transmissible than prior variants and a lot of people have it. Just in England, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 25 people had COVID-19 last week. Depending Read more…
💥 Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Year💥
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
➡️ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ➡️ They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ➡️ A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
Case numbers are jumping QUICK! What should I be doing?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Share your gifts without sharing COVID. Helpful gestures come in many shapes. One HUGE help: Cancel non-essential plans with other people. Unfortunately, this includes New Year’s Eve plans. The perfect storm of a new variant and holiday get-togethers is hitting communities and health care settings with FORCE! Testing is in short supply. Health care is Read more…
The CDC’s Updated Guidance on Isolation
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The one certainty in this pandemic is CHANGE….. And in science, changing evidence means that we learn more about what we are studying. And that means that we update based on new knowledge. This is sort of, kind of, what happened this week. See Dr. Lindsey’s earlier post on this…..and the WHY….https://tinyurl.com/d9tyjs5s Before diving in, Read more…
Is the new CDC isolation policy good or bad?
Health Policy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: There are no easy answers, only tough tradeoffs. Read below to learn how to stay calm and think on. 💥Think Like a Health Policy Nerd: A New Occasional Series💥 Pandemic policy chatter is a bit like an epidemic curve. A controversial health policy decision lands. It’s met with loud cheers by some and louder Read more…
What should I do if I can’t get a COVID-19 test and I am symptomatic?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Stay calm and isolate. Let someone know you are not feeling well if you are alone. Continue to monitor for worsening symptoms. Call for help if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if you are unable to care for yourself at home. COVID-19 testing is difficult to find at the moment in many places. If you Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
➡️ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ➡️ They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ➡️ A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
Case numbers are jumping QUICK! What should I be doing?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Share your gifts without sharing COVID. Helpful gestures come in many shapes. One HUGE help: Cancel non-essential plans with other people. Unfortunately, this includes New Year’s Eve plans. The perfect storm of a new variant and holiday get-togethers is hitting communities and health care settings with FORCE! Testing is in short supply. Health care is Read more…
The CDC’s Updated Guidance on Isolation
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The one certainty in this pandemic is CHANGE….. And in science, changing evidence means that we learn more about what we are studying. And that means that we update based on new knowledge. This is sort of, kind of, what happened this week. See Dr. Lindsey’s earlier post on this…..and the WHY….https://tinyurl.com/d9tyjs5s Before diving in, Read more…
Is the new CDC isolation policy good or bad?
Health Policy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: There are no easy answers, only tough tradeoffs. Read below to learn how to stay calm and think on. 💥Think Like a Health Policy Nerd: A New Occasional Series💥 Pandemic policy chatter is a bit like an epidemic curve. A controversial health policy decision lands. It’s met with loud cheers by some and louder Read more…
What should I do if I can’t get a COVID-19 test and I am symptomatic?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Stay calm and isolate. Let someone know you are not feeling well if you are alone. Continue to monitor for worsening symptoms. Call for help if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if you are unable to care for yourself at home. COVID-19 testing is difficult to find at the moment in many places. If you Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
Share your gifts without sharing COVID. Helpful gestures come in many shapes. One HUGE help: Cancel non-essential plans with other people. Unfortunately, this includes New Year’s Eve plans. The perfect storm of a new variant and holiday get-togethers is hitting communities and health care settings with FORCE! Testing is in short supply. Health care is Read more…
The CDC’s Updated Guidance on Isolation
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The one certainty in this pandemic is CHANGE….. And in science, changing evidence means that we learn more about what we are studying. And that means that we update based on new knowledge. This is sort of, kind of, what happened this week. See Dr. Lindsey’s earlier post on this…..and the WHY….https://tinyurl.com/d9tyjs5s Before diving in, Read more…
Is the new CDC isolation policy good or bad?
Health Policy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: There are no easy answers, only tough tradeoffs. Read below to learn how to stay calm and think on. 💥Think Like a Health Policy Nerd: A New Occasional Series💥 Pandemic policy chatter is a bit like an epidemic curve. A controversial health policy decision lands. It’s met with loud cheers by some and louder Read more…
What should I do if I can’t get a COVID-19 test and I am symptomatic?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Stay calm and isolate. Let someone know you are not feeling well if you are alone. Continue to monitor for worsening symptoms. Call for help if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if you are unable to care for yourself at home. COVID-19 testing is difficult to find at the moment in many places. If you Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
The one certainty in this pandemic is CHANGE….. And in science, changing evidence means that we learn more about what we are studying. And that means that we update based on new knowledge. This is sort of, kind of, what happened this week. See Dr. Lindsey’s earlier post on this…..and the WHY….https://tinyurl.com/d9tyjs5s Before diving in, Read more…
Is the new CDC isolation policy good or bad?
Health PolicyLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: There are no easy answers, only tough tradeoffs. Read below to learn how to stay calm and think on. 💥Think Like a Health Policy Nerd: A New Occasional Series💥 Pandemic policy chatter is a bit like an epidemic curve. A controversial health policy decision lands. It’s met with loud cheers by some and louder Read more…
What should I do if I can’t get a COVID-19 test and I am symptomatic?
Clinical Symptoms
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Stay calm and isolate. Let someone know you are not feeling well if you are alone. Continue to monitor for worsening symptoms. Call for help if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if you are unable to care for yourself at home. COVID-19 testing is difficult to find at the moment in many places. If you Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
A: There are no easy answers, only tough tradeoffs. Read below to learn how to stay calm and think on. 💥Think Like a Health Policy Nerd: A New Occasional Series💥 Pandemic policy chatter is a bit like an epidemic curve. A controversial health policy decision lands. It’s met with loud cheers by some and louder Read more…
What should I do if I can’t get a COVID-19 test and I am symptomatic?
Clinical SymptomsAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Stay calm and isolate. Let someone know you are not feeling well if you are alone. Continue to monitor for worsening symptoms. Call for help if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if you are unable to care for yourself at home. COVID-19 testing is difficult to find at the moment in many places. If you Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
Stay calm and isolate. Let someone know you are not feeling well if you are alone. Continue to monitor for worsening symptoms. Call for help if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if you are unable to care for yourself at home. COVID-19 testing is difficult to find at the moment in many places. If you Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
Dear Pandemic wishes you a safe and peaceful holiday season – and that means taking care of your mental health in addition to keeping your #SMARTS* for COVID-19 safety. With Love, Those Nerdy Girls *SMARTS are our nerdy way to remember: Space, Masks, Air, Restricting people, Limiting time with them, and getting your Shots! Remember Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you haven’t gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but haven’t yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
My family stares at screens all day! What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it?
Families/Kids SchoolLauren Hale, PhD MA
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
A.) TL; DR: Your eyes need a holiday! Increased time on screens is linked to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and your family. * GO OUTSIDE. Outdoor time exposes your eyes to a different type of light than screens. Bright natural light Read more…
