US FDA Approves Extra Booster For Adults 50+ and the Immunocompromised
Health Policy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
NEWS: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized a “2nd booster” of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines for adults over age 50. Key points: A 4th dose is authorized for anyone 50 and over who received a booster of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine more than 4 months ago. An additional booster (a 5th dose) is Read more…
If an unvaccinated person gets blood from a vaccinated person, will the vaccine transfer?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: If an unvaccinated person gets blood from a vaccinated person, will the vaccine transfer? A: No. If an unvaccinated person gets a blood transfusion from a vaccinated donor, the unvaccinated person does not become vaccinated. That’s true for COVID-19 vaccines and all other vaccines, too. Not even if the blood donation happens right after Read more…
What do you know about that COVID-19 treatment Molnupiravir?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill that can be used in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who are at high risk of serious illness. It should be taken within 5 days of the first symptom and only when other antiviral treatments are not available. How does molnupiravir work? Get ready for Read more…
Moderna will submit for approval of its kids’ vaccine
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, we continue our little adventure in finding out just who *are* #ThoseNerdyGirls. We’re talking with Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb. Dr. Piltch-Loeb is a risk communications expert. When she’s not contributing to research efforts here at #DearPandemic, Dr. Piltch-Loeb is working on research projects as a research associate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc 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 the 5th post in 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…
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
Many of us are wondering….Should I really take off my mask?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
While we would LOVE to just tell you that it is absolutely safe or not, remember that there are no absolutes. Whether or not you should wear a mask is a decision about making you “safer” rather than absolutely safe. There are multiple ways to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 (#SMARTS) including keeping activities outdoors Read more…
Postcards from England – March 18, 2022
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Postcards from England…. here we go again?! Like many things in this pandemic, this feeling of déjà vu all over again is getting OLD. As an 🇺🇸American living in the 🇬🇧U.K., I’ve seen the pattern of cases here foreshadowing surges in the U.S. a few weeks later at least five different times now. That means Read more…
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
NEWS: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized a “2nd booster” of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines for adults over age 50. Key points: A 4th dose is authorized for anyone 50 and over who received a booster of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine more than 4 months ago. An additional booster (a 5th dose) is Read more…
If an unvaccinated person gets blood from a vaccinated person, will the vaccine transfer?
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: If an unvaccinated person gets blood from a vaccinated person, will the vaccine transfer? A: No. If an unvaccinated person gets a blood transfusion from a vaccinated donor, the unvaccinated person does not become vaccinated. That’s true for COVID-19 vaccines and all other vaccines, too. Not even if the blood donation happens right after Read more…
What do you know about that COVID-19 treatment Molnupiravir?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill that can be used in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who are at high risk of serious illness. It should be taken within 5 days of the first symptom and only when other antiviral treatments are not available. How does molnupiravir work? Get ready for Read more…
Moderna will submit for approval of its kids’ vaccine
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, we continue our little adventure in finding out just who *are* #ThoseNerdyGirls. We’re talking with Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb. Dr. Piltch-Loeb is a risk communications expert. When she’s not contributing to research efforts here at #DearPandemic, Dr. Piltch-Loeb is working on research projects as a research associate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc 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 the 5th post in 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…
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
Many of us are wondering….Should I really take off my mask?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
While we would LOVE to just tell you that it is absolutely safe or not, remember that there are no absolutes. Whether or not you should wear a mask is a decision about making you “safer” rather than absolutely safe. There are multiple ways to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 (#SMARTS) including keeping activities outdoors Read more…
Postcards from England – March 18, 2022
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Postcards from England…. here we go again?! Like many things in this pandemic, this feeling of déjà vu all over again is getting OLD. As an 🇺🇸American living in the 🇬🇧U.K., I’ve seen the pattern of cases here foreshadowing surges in the U.S. a few weeks later at least five different times now. That means Read more…
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
Q: If an unvaccinated person gets blood from a vaccinated person, will the vaccine transfer? A: No. If an unvaccinated person gets a blood transfusion from a vaccinated donor, the unvaccinated person does not become vaccinated. That’s true for COVID-19 vaccines and all other vaccines, too. Not even if the blood donation happens right after Read more…
What do you know about that COVID-19 treatment Molnupiravir?
TreatmentsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill that can be used in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who are at high risk of serious illness. It should be taken within 5 days of the first symptom and only when other antiviral treatments are not available. How does molnupiravir work? Get ready for Read more…
Moderna will submit for approval of its kids’ vaccine
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, we continue our little adventure in finding out just who *are* #ThoseNerdyGirls. We’re talking with Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb. Dr. Piltch-Loeb is a risk communications expert. When she’s not contributing to research efforts here at #DearPandemic, Dr. Piltch-Loeb is working on research projects as a research associate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc 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 the 5th post in 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…
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
Many of us are wondering….Should I really take off my mask?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
While we would LOVE to just tell you that it is absolutely safe or not, remember that there are no absolutes. Whether or not you should wear a mask is a decision about making you “safer” rather than absolutely safe. There are multiple ways to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 (#SMARTS) including keeping activities outdoors Read more…
Postcards from England – March 18, 2022
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Postcards from England…. here we go again?! Like many things in this pandemic, this feeling of déjà vu all over again is getting OLD. As an 🇺🇸American living in the 🇬🇧U.K., I’ve seen the pattern of cases here foreshadowing surges in the U.S. a few weeks later at least five different times now. That means Read more…
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill that can be used in the treatment of adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who are at high risk of serious illness. It should be taken within 5 days of the first symptom and only when other antiviral treatments are not available. How does molnupiravir work? Get ready for Read more…
Moderna will submit for approval of its kids’ vaccine
Families/Kids VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, we continue our little adventure in finding out just who *are* #ThoseNerdyGirls. We’re talking with Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb. Dr. Piltch-Loeb is a risk communications expert. When she’s not contributing to research efforts here at #DearPandemic, Dr. Piltch-Loeb is working on research projects as a research associate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc 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 the 5th post in 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…
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
Many of us are wondering….Should I really take off my mask?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
While we would LOVE to just tell you that it is absolutely safe or not, remember that there are no absolutes. Whether or not you should wear a mask is a decision about making you “safer” rather than absolutely safe. There are multiple ways to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 (#SMARTS) including keeping activities outdoors Read more…
Postcards from England – March 18, 2022
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Postcards from England…. here we go again?! Like many things in this pandemic, this feeling of déjà vu all over again is getting OLD. As an 🇺🇸American living in the 🇬🇧U.K., I’ve seen the pattern of cases here foreshadowing surges in the U.S. a few weeks later at least five different times now. That means Read more…
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
TL;DR: Moderna’s kids vaccine hit high marks for safety and antibody response, but efficacy against mild illness was not as high as earlier trials (likely due to Omicron). Moderna announced yesterday (via press release) that they will submit for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their vaccine for kids aged 6 months to < 6 years. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb
Women in STEMMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, we continue our little adventure in finding out just who *are* #ThoseNerdyGirls. We’re talking with Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb. Dr. Piltch-Loeb is a risk communications expert. When she’s not contributing to research efforts here at #DearPandemic, Dr. Piltch-Loeb is working on research projects as a research associate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc 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 the 5th post in 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…
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
Many of us are wondering….Should I really take off my mask?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
While we would LOVE to just tell you that it is absolutely safe or not, remember that there are no absolutes. Whether or not you should wear a mask is a decision about making you “safer” rather than absolutely safe. There are multiple ways to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 (#SMARTS) including keeping activities outdoors Read more…
Postcards from England – March 18, 2022
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Postcards from England…. here we go again?! Like many things in this pandemic, this feeling of déjà vu all over again is getting OLD. As an 🇺🇸American living in the 🇬🇧U.K., I’ve seen the pattern of cases here foreshadowing surges in the U.S. a few weeks later at least five different times now. That means Read more…
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
Today, we continue our little adventure in finding out just who *are* #ThoseNerdyGirls. We’re talking with Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb. Dr. Piltch-Loeb is a risk communications expert. When she’s not contributing to research efforts here at #DearPandemic, Dr. Piltch-Loeb is working on research projects as a research associate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The Post Hoc 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 the 5th post in 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…
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
General Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
Many of us are wondering….Should I really take off my mask?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
While we would LOVE to just tell you that it is absolutely safe or not, remember that there are no absolutes. Whether or not you should wear a mask is a decision about making you “safer” rather than absolutely safe. There are multiple ways to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 (#SMARTS) including keeping activities outdoors Read more…
Postcards from England – March 18, 2022
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Postcards from England…. here we go again?! Like many things in this pandemic, this feeling of déjà vu all over again is getting OLD. As an 🇺🇸American living in the 🇬🇧U.K., I’ve seen the pattern of cases here foreshadowing surges in the U.S. a few weeks later at least five different times now. That means Read more…
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can 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 the 5th post in 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…
Is blood in short supply? What can I do?
General HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing Travel
Chana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
Many of us are wondering….Should I really take off my mask?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
While we would LOVE to just tell you that it is absolutely safe or not, remember that there are no absolutes. Whether or not you should wear a mask is a decision about making you “safer” rather than absolutely safe. There are multiple ways to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 (#SMARTS) including keeping activities outdoors Read more…
Postcards from England – March 18, 2022
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Postcards from England…. here we go again?! Like many things in this pandemic, this feeling of déjà vu all over again is getting OLD. As an 🇺🇸American living in the 🇬🇧U.K., I’ve seen the pattern of cases here foreshadowing surges in the U.S. a few weeks later at least five different times now. That means Read more…
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
🩸 Yes, the Red Cross declared a national blood crisis in January 2022 during the peak omicron surge. The Red Cross started the first civilian blood donation program in the 1940s and provides almost half of all blood products in the U.S. So when they state there is a crisis, we can be pretty confident Read more…
Will a positive COVID test thwart your spring break plans?
Testing and Contact Tracing TravelChana Davis, PhD
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
Many of us are wondering….Should I really take off my mask?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
While we would LOVE to just tell you that it is absolutely safe or not, remember that there are no absolutes. Whether or not you should wear a mask is a decision about making you “safer” rather than absolutely safe. There are multiple ways to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 (#SMARTS) including keeping activities outdoors Read more…
Postcards from England – March 18, 2022
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Postcards from England…. here we go again?! Like many things in this pandemic, this feeling of déjà vu all over again is getting OLD. As an 🇺🇸American living in the 🇬🇧U.K., I’ve seen the pattern of cases here foreshadowing surges in the U.S. a few weeks later at least five different times now. That means Read more…
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
A: If it’s been fewer than 5 days since your COVID-19 infection began, you’re out of luck. Please stay home! During the Day 5-10 window, your odds of being cleared for travel are roughly 50-50 for rapid antigen tests. After two weeks, most of us can breathe easily on test day. 👉🏽Note: For molecular tests like Read more…
Many of us are wondering….Should I really take off my mask?
MasksAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
While we would LOVE to just tell you that it is absolutely safe or not, remember that there are no absolutes. Whether or not you should wear a mask is a decision about making you “safer” rather than absolutely safe. There are multiple ways to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 (#SMARTS) including keeping activities outdoors Read more…
Postcards from England – March 18, 2022
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Postcards from England…. here we go again?! Like many things in this pandemic, this feeling of déjà vu all over again is getting OLD. As an 🇺🇸American living in the 🇬🇧U.K., I’ve seen the pattern of cases here foreshadowing surges in the U.S. a few weeks later at least five different times now. That means Read more…
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
While we would LOVE to just tell you that it is absolutely safe or not, remember that there are no absolutes. Whether or not you should wear a mask is a decision about making you “safer” rather than absolutely safe. There are multiple ways to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 (#SMARTS) including keeping activities outdoors Read more…
Postcards from England – March 18, 2022
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Postcards from England…. here we go again?! Like many things in this pandemic, this feeling of déjà vu all over again is getting OLD. As an 🇺🇸American living in the 🇬🇧U.K., I’ve seen the pattern of cases here foreshadowing surges in the U.S. a few weeks later at least five different times now. That means Read more…
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEM
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
Postcards from England…. here we go again?! Like many things in this pandemic, this feeling of déjà vu all over again is getting OLD. As an 🇺🇸American living in the 🇬🇧U.K., I’ve seen the pattern of cases here foreshadowing surges in the U.S. a few weeks later at least five different times now. That means Read more…
How can we equip the next generation of Nerdy Girls to stop the spread of misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Women in STEMAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
A: Start building their scientific literacy skills now! Below we share three super neat resources that can help kids (across a range of ages) learn about the scientific method, get introduced to careers in various scientific fields, and gain the skills needed to become savvy consumers (and sharers) of scientific information! *Zoey and Sassafras*- a Read more…
Meet those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Chana Davis
Women in STEMMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
Today we get to chat with Dr. Chana Davis in Vancouver, BC, who has a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the @University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Genetics from @Stanford University. Dr. Davis says she was always drawn to genetics, and after completing her undergraduate degree, a Ph.D. seemed like the natural Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Equivalence 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can 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 the fourth post in 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…
Should I get a booster shot if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
Yes! Even if you have already been infected, getting the recommended booster vaccine is a good idea. There is some evidence that hybrid immunity, or immunity obtained from getting vaccinated and having a COVID-19 infection, can provide good protection against COVID-19. So why should I get a booster if I had COVID? Hybrid immunity can Read more…
