Will I ever be able to feel safe leaving the house again? Help
Mental Health Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I haven’t gone out in 2 years, 🆘 help 🆘! Will I ever be able to feel safe leaving the house again? Help! ✅ While we can’t tell you that leaving your house will be 100% safe at any given time (COVID-19 times or not), there are things you can do to increase your tolerance Read more…
Our Journey Out of This Pandemic
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Our journey out of this pandemic has been longer, more confusing, and messier than a lot of us expected. If you’re feeling emotionally exhausted and burnt-out, you’re not alone. Now is the time to face those feelings head-on and give yourself the gift of a purpose-focused break. Ideally in the sunshine. After a nap. Here’s Read more…
How do I talk to kids about vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Vaccination is very important for health in kids and adults alike! Sadly, vaccination rates in children tanked during the pandemic and it is time we get caught back up. Talking to kiddos about vaccination can help them feel safe and ready for their vaccines. Below are a few tips to help you have this Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Anecdotal Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
What’s this news about a COVID-19 breath test?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s true that new device was recently approved…but it’s not designed for home use. This week the FDA gave emergency use authorization (EUA) to a new COVID-19 testing device that detects chemical compounds associated with the coronavirus in exhaled breath. The test had good sensitivity and specificity, accurately detecting 91.2% of positive samples 99.3% Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
With so many people using home tests (which mostly go unreported), how can we rely on COVID-19 data to understand community levels of transmission?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Does COVID-19 infection increase my risk of diabetes?
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: A new study published in The Lancet suggests that people who had a COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of developing diabetes within a year. Research is piling up to show that COVID-19 infections can result in long term health consequences. Last month, a study was published in the medical journal The Lancet asking Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Megan Madsen
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s time to meet another one of Those Nerdy Girls. This time we are delighted to introduce Dr. Megan Madsen, D.O. 👩⚕️ What’s a D.O.? We’re so glad you asked. It stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. Dr. Madsen says: “Our education mirrors M.D. programs for medical curriculum, and we also get extra training in musculoskeletal Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Ad Hominem Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
2nd boosters: what do we know?
Vaccines
A: With BA.2 on the rise, getting your next booster shot if you’re eligible (50+ or immunocompromised, in the U.S.) can keep your protection high with little downside. What we know right now is that a second booster shot poses few risks, but the benefits vary from person to person. And we don’t yet have Read more…
Dr. Jennifer Dowd Wins PAA Award!
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
👑 Nerdy Girl News! 👑 On Friday, Dear Pandemic’s own Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jennifer Dowd won a fancy award from the largest scientific association of demographers, the Population Association of America. She received the 2022 Clifford C. Clogg Award for Mid-Career Achievement. During the award ceremony, her work here at Dear Pandemic was highlighted as one Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
I haven’t gone out in 2 years, 🆘 help 🆘! Will I ever be able to feel safe leaving the house again? Help! ✅ While we can’t tell you that leaving your house will be 100% safe at any given time (COVID-19 times or not), there are things you can do to increase your tolerance Read more…
Our Journey Out of This Pandemic
Mental HealthChristine Whelan, PhD
Our journey out of this pandemic has been longer, more confusing, and messier than a lot of us expected. If you’re feeling emotionally exhausted and burnt-out, you’re not alone. Now is the time to face those feelings head-on and give yourself the gift of a purpose-focused break. Ideally in the sunshine. After a nap. Here’s Read more…
How do I talk to kids about vaccines?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Vaccination is very important for health in kids and adults alike! Sadly, vaccination rates in children tanked during the pandemic and it is time we get caught back up. Talking to kiddos about vaccination can help them feel safe and ready for their vaccines. Below are a few tips to help you have this Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Anecdotal Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
What’s this news about a COVID-19 breath test?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s true that new device was recently approved…but it’s not designed for home use. This week the FDA gave emergency use authorization (EUA) to a new COVID-19 testing device that detects chemical compounds associated with the coronavirus in exhaled breath. The test had good sensitivity and specificity, accurately detecting 91.2% of positive samples 99.3% Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
With so many people using home tests (which mostly go unreported), how can we rely on COVID-19 data to understand community levels of transmission?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Does COVID-19 infection increase my risk of diabetes?
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: A new study published in The Lancet suggests that people who had a COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of developing diabetes within a year. Research is piling up to show that COVID-19 infections can result in long term health consequences. Last month, a study was published in the medical journal The Lancet asking Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Megan Madsen
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s time to meet another one of Those Nerdy Girls. This time we are delighted to introduce Dr. Megan Madsen, D.O. 👩⚕️ What’s a D.O.? We’re so glad you asked. It stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. Dr. Madsen says: “Our education mirrors M.D. programs for medical curriculum, and we also get extra training in musculoskeletal Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Ad Hominem Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
2nd boosters: what do we know?
Vaccines
A: With BA.2 on the rise, getting your next booster shot if you’re eligible (50+ or immunocompromised, in the U.S.) can keep your protection high with little downside. What we know right now is that a second booster shot poses few risks, but the benefits vary from person to person. And we don’t yet have Read more…
Dr. Jennifer Dowd Wins PAA Award!
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
👑 Nerdy Girl News! 👑 On Friday, Dear Pandemic’s own Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jennifer Dowd won a fancy award from the largest scientific association of demographers, the Population Association of America. She received the 2022 Clifford C. Clogg Award for Mid-Career Achievement. During the award ceremony, her work here at Dear Pandemic was highlighted as one Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
Our journey out of this pandemic has been longer, more confusing, and messier than a lot of us expected. If you’re feeling emotionally exhausted and burnt-out, you’re not alone. Now is the time to face those feelings head-on and give yourself the gift of a purpose-focused break. Ideally in the sunshine. After a nap. Here’s Read more…
How do I talk to kids about vaccines?
Families/Kids VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Vaccination is very important for health in kids and adults alike! Sadly, vaccination rates in children tanked during the pandemic and it is time we get caught back up. Talking to kiddos about vaccination can help them feel safe and ready for their vaccines. Below are a few tips to help you have this Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Anecdotal Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
What’s this news about a COVID-19 breath test?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s true that new device was recently approved…but it’s not designed for home use. This week the FDA gave emergency use authorization (EUA) to a new COVID-19 testing device that detects chemical compounds associated with the coronavirus in exhaled breath. The test had good sensitivity and specificity, accurately detecting 91.2% of positive samples 99.3% Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
With so many people using home tests (which mostly go unreported), how can we rely on COVID-19 data to understand community levels of transmission?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Does COVID-19 infection increase my risk of diabetes?
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: A new study published in The Lancet suggests that people who had a COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of developing diabetes within a year. Research is piling up to show that COVID-19 infections can result in long term health consequences. Last month, a study was published in the medical journal The Lancet asking Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Megan Madsen
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s time to meet another one of Those Nerdy Girls. This time we are delighted to introduce Dr. Megan Madsen, D.O. 👩⚕️ What’s a D.O.? We’re so glad you asked. It stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. Dr. Madsen says: “Our education mirrors M.D. programs for medical curriculum, and we also get extra training in musculoskeletal Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Ad Hominem Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
2nd boosters: what do we know?
Vaccines
A: With BA.2 on the rise, getting your next booster shot if you’re eligible (50+ or immunocompromised, in the U.S.) can keep your protection high with little downside. What we know right now is that a second booster shot poses few risks, but the benefits vary from person to person. And we don’t yet have Read more…
Dr. Jennifer Dowd Wins PAA Award!
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
👑 Nerdy Girl News! 👑 On Friday, Dear Pandemic’s own Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jennifer Dowd won a fancy award from the largest scientific association of demographers, the Population Association of America. She received the 2022 Clifford C. Clogg Award for Mid-Career Achievement. During the award ceremony, her work here at Dear Pandemic was highlighted as one Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
A: Vaccination is very important for health in kids and adults alike! Sadly, vaccination rates in children tanked during the pandemic and it is time we get caught back up. Talking to kiddos about vaccination can help them feel safe and ready for their vaccines. Below are a few tips to help you have this Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Anecdotal Fallacy
Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
What’s this news about a COVID-19 breath test?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s true that new device was recently approved…but it’s not designed for home use. This week the FDA gave emergency use authorization (EUA) to a new COVID-19 testing device that detects chemical compounds associated with the coronavirus in exhaled breath. The test had good sensitivity and specificity, accurately detecting 91.2% of positive samples 99.3% Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
With so many people using home tests (which mostly go unreported), how can we rely on COVID-19 data to understand community levels of transmission?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Does COVID-19 infection increase my risk of diabetes?
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: A new study published in The Lancet suggests that people who had a COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of developing diabetes within a year. Research is piling up to show that COVID-19 infections can result in long term health consequences. Last month, a study was published in the medical journal The Lancet asking Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Megan Madsen
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s time to meet another one of Those Nerdy Girls. This time we are delighted to introduce Dr. Megan Madsen, D.O. 👩⚕️ What’s a D.O.? We’re so glad you asked. It stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. Dr. Madsen says: “Our education mirrors M.D. programs for medical curriculum, and we also get extra training in musculoskeletal Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Ad Hominem Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
2nd boosters: what do we know?
Vaccines
A: With BA.2 on the rise, getting your next booster shot if you’re eligible (50+ or immunocompromised, in the U.S.) can keep your protection high with little downside. What we know right now is that a second booster shot poses few risks, but the benefits vary from person to person. And we don’t yet have Read more…
Dr. Jennifer Dowd Wins PAA Award!
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
👑 Nerdy Girl News! 👑 On Friday, Dear Pandemic’s own Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jennifer Dowd won a fancy award from the largest scientific association of demographers, the Population Association of America. She received the 2022 Clifford C. Clogg Award for Mid-Career Achievement. During the award ceremony, her work here at Dear Pandemic was highlighted as one Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
What’s this news about a COVID-19 breath test?
Testing and Contact TracingJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s true that new device was recently approved…but it’s not designed for home use. This week the FDA gave emergency use authorization (EUA) to a new COVID-19 testing device that detects chemical compounds associated with the coronavirus in exhaled breath. The test had good sensitivity and specificity, accurately detecting 91.2% of positive samples 99.3% Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
With so many people using home tests (which mostly go unreported), how can we rely on COVID-19 data to understand community levels of transmission?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Does COVID-19 infection increase my risk of diabetes?
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: A new study published in The Lancet suggests that people who had a COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of developing diabetes within a year. Research is piling up to show that COVID-19 infections can result in long term health consequences. Last month, a study was published in the medical journal The Lancet asking Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Megan Madsen
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s time to meet another one of Those Nerdy Girls. This time we are delighted to introduce Dr. Megan Madsen, D.O. 👩⚕️ What’s a D.O.? We’re so glad you asked. It stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. Dr. Madsen says: “Our education mirrors M.D. programs for medical curriculum, and we also get extra training in musculoskeletal Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Ad Hominem Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
2nd boosters: what do we know?
Vaccines
A: With BA.2 on the rise, getting your next booster shot if you’re eligible (50+ or immunocompromised, in the U.S.) can keep your protection high with little downside. What we know right now is that a second booster shot poses few risks, but the benefits vary from person to person. And we don’t yet have Read more…
Dr. Jennifer Dowd Wins PAA Award!
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
👑 Nerdy Girl News! 👑 On Friday, Dear Pandemic’s own Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jennifer Dowd won a fancy award from the largest scientific association of demographers, the Population Association of America. She received the 2022 Clifford C. Clogg Award for Mid-Career Achievement. During the award ceremony, her work here at Dear Pandemic was highlighted as one Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
A: It’s true that new device was recently approved…but it’s not designed for home use. This week the FDA gave emergency use authorization (EUA) to a new COVID-19 testing device that detects chemical compounds associated with the coronavirus in exhaled breath. The test had good sensitivity and specificity, accurately detecting 91.2% of positive samples 99.3% Read more…
Is it OK to use Flonase, allergy sprays, saline mist, or neti pots before I take a COVID-19 rapid test or will it change my results?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
With so many people using home tests (which mostly go unreported), how can we rely on COVID-19 data to understand community levels of transmission?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Does COVID-19 infection increase my risk of diabetes?
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: A new study published in The Lancet suggests that people who had a COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of developing diabetes within a year. Research is piling up to show that COVID-19 infections can result in long term health consequences. Last month, a study was published in the medical journal The Lancet asking Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Megan Madsen
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s time to meet another one of Those Nerdy Girls. This time we are delighted to introduce Dr. Megan Madsen, D.O. 👩⚕️ What’s a D.O.? We’re so glad you asked. It stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. Dr. Madsen says: “Our education mirrors M.D. programs for medical curriculum, and we also get extra training in musculoskeletal Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Ad Hominem Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
2nd boosters: what do we know?
Vaccines
A: With BA.2 on the rise, getting your next booster shot if you’re eligible (50+ or immunocompromised, in the U.S.) can keep your protection high with little downside. What we know right now is that a second booster shot poses few risks, but the benefits vary from person to person. And we don’t yet have Read more…
Dr. Jennifer Dowd Wins PAA Award!
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
👑 Nerdy Girl News! 👑 On Friday, Dear Pandemic’s own Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jennifer Dowd won a fancy award from the largest scientific association of demographers, the Population Association of America. She received the 2022 Clifford C. Clogg Award for Mid-Career Achievement. During the award ceremony, her work here at Dear Pandemic was highlighted as one Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
The answer: There is no evidence that using a nose spray will alter your test results. TL; DR: The SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (aka COVID-19 rapid tests) become positive if they find a lot of the protein that that comes from SARS CoV-2. It is not likely that allergy sprays would change the amount Read more…
Can I sing safely with my choir? I want to sing my heart out.
Infection and Spread Socializing Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
With so many people using home tests (which mostly go unreported), how can we rely on COVID-19 data to understand community levels of transmission?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Does COVID-19 infection increase my risk of diabetes?
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: A new study published in The Lancet suggests that people who had a COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of developing diabetes within a year. Research is piling up to show that COVID-19 infections can result in long term health consequences. Last month, a study was published in the medical journal The Lancet asking Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Megan Madsen
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s time to meet another one of Those Nerdy Girls. This time we are delighted to introduce Dr. Megan Madsen, D.O. 👩⚕️ What’s a D.O.? We’re so glad you asked. It stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. Dr. Madsen says: “Our education mirrors M.D. programs for medical curriculum, and we also get extra training in musculoskeletal Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Ad Hominem Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
2nd boosters: what do we know?
Vaccines
A: With BA.2 on the rise, getting your next booster shot if you’re eligible (50+ or immunocompromised, in the U.S.) can keep your protection high with little downside. What we know right now is that a second booster shot poses few risks, but the benefits vary from person to person. And we don’t yet have Read more…
Dr. Jennifer Dowd Wins PAA Award!
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
👑 Nerdy Girl News! 👑 On Friday, Dear Pandemic’s own Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jennifer Dowd won a fancy award from the largest scientific association of demographers, the Population Association of America. She received the 2022 Clifford C. Clogg Award for Mid-Career Achievement. During the award ceremony, her work here at Dear Pandemic was highlighted as one Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
A: While no activity is risk free, you can certainly sing safer! TL; DR: COVID-19 is spread by tiny droplets floating around in the air. Talking makes more of these and singing makes even more. Because of this, singing is a higher risk activity for spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 transmission decreasing in many places in Read more…
With so many people using home tests (which mostly go unreported), how can we rely on COVID-19 data to understand community levels of transmission?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact TracingAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Does COVID-19 infection increase my risk of diabetes?
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: A new study published in The Lancet suggests that people who had a COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of developing diabetes within a year. Research is piling up to show that COVID-19 infections can result in long term health consequences. Last month, a study was published in the medical journal The Lancet asking Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Megan Madsen
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s time to meet another one of Those Nerdy Girls. This time we are delighted to introduce Dr. Megan Madsen, D.O. 👩⚕️ What’s a D.O.? We’re so glad you asked. It stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. Dr. Madsen says: “Our education mirrors M.D. programs for medical curriculum, and we also get extra training in musculoskeletal Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Ad Hominem Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
2nd boosters: what do we know?
Vaccines
A: With BA.2 on the rise, getting your next booster shot if you’re eligible (50+ or immunocompromised, in the U.S.) can keep your protection high with little downside. What we know right now is that a second booster shot poses few risks, but the benefits vary from person to person. And we don’t yet have Read more…
Dr. Jennifer Dowd Wins PAA Award!
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
👑 Nerdy Girl News! 👑 On Friday, Dear Pandemic’s own Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jennifer Dowd won a fancy award from the largest scientific association of demographers, the Population Association of America. She received the 2022 Clifford C. Clogg Award for Mid-Career Achievement. During the award ceremony, her work here at Dear Pandemic was highlighted as one Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
A: With more people using home rapid tests interpreting local COVID-19 data does become murkier, but a useful addition is wastewater surveillance! TL; DR Keeping an eye on local wastewater surveillance can help round out understanding of community transmission as it doesn’t rely on testing or reporting of test results. ✳️Home testing is great because Read more…
Does COVID-19 infection increase my risk of diabetes?
UncategorizedSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: A new study published in The Lancet suggests that people who had a COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of developing diabetes within a year. Research is piling up to show that COVID-19 infections can result in long term health consequences. Last month, a study was published in the medical journal The Lancet asking Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Megan Madsen
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s time to meet another one of Those Nerdy Girls. This time we are delighted to introduce Dr. Megan Madsen, D.O. 👩⚕️ What’s a D.O.? We’re so glad you asked. It stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. Dr. Madsen says: “Our education mirrors M.D. programs for medical curriculum, and we also get extra training in musculoskeletal Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Ad Hominem Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
2nd boosters: what do we know?
Vaccines
A: With BA.2 on the rise, getting your next booster shot if you’re eligible (50+ or immunocompromised, in the U.S.) can keep your protection high with little downside. What we know right now is that a second booster shot poses few risks, but the benefits vary from person to person. And we don’t yet have Read more…
Dr. Jennifer Dowd Wins PAA Award!
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
👑 Nerdy Girl News! 👑 On Friday, Dear Pandemic’s own Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jennifer Dowd won a fancy award from the largest scientific association of demographers, the Population Association of America. She received the 2022 Clifford C. Clogg Award for Mid-Career Achievement. During the award ceremony, her work here at Dear Pandemic was highlighted as one Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
A: A new study published in The Lancet suggests that people who had a COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of developing diabetes within a year. Research is piling up to show that COVID-19 infections can result in long term health consequences. Last month, a study was published in the medical journal The Lancet asking Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Dr. Megan Madsen
Women in STEMMalia Jones, PhD MPH
It’s time to meet another one of Those Nerdy Girls. This time we are delighted to introduce Dr. Megan Madsen, D.O. 👩⚕️ What’s a D.O.? We’re so glad you asked. It stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. Dr. Madsen says: “Our education mirrors M.D. programs for medical curriculum, and we also get extra training in musculoskeletal Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Ad Hominem Fallacy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
2nd boosters: what do we know?
Vaccines
A: With BA.2 on the rise, getting your next booster shot if you’re eligible (50+ or immunocompromised, in the U.S.) can keep your protection high with little downside. What we know right now is that a second booster shot poses few risks, but the benefits vary from person to person. And we don’t yet have Read more…
Dr. Jennifer Dowd Wins PAA Award!
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
👑 Nerdy Girl News! 👑 On Friday, Dear Pandemic’s own Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jennifer Dowd won a fancy award from the largest scientific association of demographers, the Population Association of America. She received the 2022 Clifford C. Clogg Award for Mid-Career Achievement. During the award ceremony, her work here at Dear Pandemic was highlighted as one Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
It’s time to meet another one of Those Nerdy Girls. This time we are delighted to introduce Dr. Megan Madsen, D.O. 👩⚕️ What’s a D.O.? We’re so glad you asked. It stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. Dr. Madsen says: “Our education mirrors M.D. programs for medical curriculum, and we also get extra training in musculoskeletal Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Ad Hominem Fallacy
Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
2nd boosters: what do we know?
Vaccines
A: With BA.2 on the rise, getting your next booster shot if you’re eligible (50+ or immunocompromised, in the U.S.) can keep your protection high with little downside. What we know right now is that a second booster shot poses few risks, but the benefits vary from person to person. And we don’t yet have Read more…
Dr. Jennifer Dowd Wins PAA Award!
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
👑 Nerdy Girl News! 👑 On Friday, Dear Pandemic’s own Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jennifer Dowd won a fancy award from the largest scientific association of demographers, the Population Association of America. She received the 2022 Clifford C. Clogg Award for Mid-Career Achievement. During the award ceremony, her work here at Dear Pandemic was highlighted as one Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is post is part of an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
2nd boosters: what do we know?
Vaccines
A: With BA.2 on the rise, getting your next booster shot if you’re eligible (50+ or immunocompromised, in the U.S.) can keep your protection high with little downside. What we know right now is that a second booster shot poses few risks, but the benefits vary from person to person. And we don’t yet have Read more…
Dr. Jennifer Dowd Wins PAA Award!
Women in STEMMalia Jones, PhD MPH
👑 Nerdy Girl News! 👑 On Friday, Dear Pandemic’s own Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jennifer Dowd won a fancy award from the largest scientific association of demographers, the Population Association of America. She received the 2022 Clifford C. Clogg Award for Mid-Career Achievement. During the award ceremony, her work here at Dear Pandemic was highlighted as one Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
👑 Nerdy Girl News! 👑 On Friday, Dear Pandemic’s own Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jennifer Dowd won a fancy award from the largest scientific association of demographers, the Population Association of America. She received the 2022 Clifford C. Clogg Award for Mid-Career Achievement. During the award ceremony, her work here at Dear Pandemic was highlighted as one Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 04-08-22
COVID Variants Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
Live Q&As with Those Nerdy Girls are back! Dear Pandemic co-founder Dr. Malia Jones is handing over the Live Q&A torch to Dr. Chana Davis Fueled By Science. Malia and Chana will talk about 4th shots / second boosters, the new Omicron strain, vaccines for kids, and rapid tests for Omicron. ➡️ 0:00-1:24 Welcome and introductions Read more…
