Epstein-Barr Virus & Multiple Sclerosis
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health dropped a public health bombshell this week in the journal Science: multiple sclerosis (MS) is likely caused by infection with Epstein-Barr virus, also known as EBV. MS is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. The disease involves an immune response that attacks the Read more…
Can the vaccines help prevent Long Covid?
Long COVID Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: 🎱 Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
I’m vaccinated, and I’ve recovered from Omicron. Can I finally let my guard down?
Biology/Immunity
Guest Author Jessica Williams-Nguyen, PhD
🙋 Asking for a friend… No wait, actually, I’m asking for me. After almost two years of precautions and a total of 10 vaccine shots, this Nerdy Girl’s family of four came down with COVID over the winter holidays, most likely the omicron variant. Now that we’re all fully recovered (thank you, vaccines!), it’s time Read more…
It’s just a sore throat. It’s not COVID, right?
Clinical Symptoms
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Sadly, it definitely could be COVID-19. The Omicron variant is more likely to cause sore throat and less likely to cause a loss of taste and smell. Don’t blow off that scratchy sore throat. It could be a symptom of COVID-19. The symptoms of COVID-19 have shifted a little bit as new variants take Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
How long can I wear an N95, KN95, or KF94?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: About 5 times for general use (not in a healthcare setting), maybe a few times more. TL;DR: Last week, the CDC said that cloth masks are not as good as other masks. Even though the package may say they can only be used one time, you can safely use them for longer. So what Read more…
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines don’t work?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health dropped a public health bombshell this week in the journal Science: multiple sclerosis (MS) is likely caused by infection with Epstein-Barr virus, also known as EBV. MS is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. The disease involves an immune response that attacks the Read more…
Can the vaccines help prevent Long Covid?
Long COVID VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: 🎱 Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
I’m vaccinated, and I’ve recovered from Omicron. Can I finally let my guard down?
Biology/Immunity
Guest Author Jessica Williams-Nguyen, PhD
🙋 Asking for a friend… No wait, actually, I’m asking for me. After almost two years of precautions and a total of 10 vaccine shots, this Nerdy Girl’s family of four came down with COVID over the winter holidays, most likely the omicron variant. Now that we’re all fully recovered (thank you, vaccines!), it’s time Read more…
It’s just a sore throat. It’s not COVID, right?
Clinical Symptoms
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Sadly, it definitely could be COVID-19. The Omicron variant is more likely to cause sore throat and less likely to cause a loss of taste and smell. Don’t blow off that scratchy sore throat. It could be a symptom of COVID-19. The symptoms of COVID-19 have shifted a little bit as new variants take Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
How long can I wear an N95, KN95, or KF94?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: About 5 times for general use (not in a healthcare setting), maybe a few times more. TL;DR: Last week, the CDC said that cloth masks are not as good as other masks. Even though the package may say they can only be used one time, you can safely use them for longer. So what Read more…
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines don’t work?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
A: 🎱 Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
I’m vaccinated, and I’ve recovered from Omicron. Can I finally let my guard down?
Biology/ImmunityGuest Author Jessica Williams-Nguyen, PhD
🙋 Asking for a friend… No wait, actually, I’m asking for me. After almost two years of precautions and a total of 10 vaccine shots, this Nerdy Girl’s family of four came down with COVID over the winter holidays, most likely the omicron variant. Now that we’re all fully recovered (thank you, vaccines!), it’s time Read more…
It’s just a sore throat. It’s not COVID, right?
Clinical Symptoms
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Sadly, it definitely could be COVID-19. The Omicron variant is more likely to cause sore throat and less likely to cause a loss of taste and smell. Don’t blow off that scratchy sore throat. It could be a symptom of COVID-19. The symptoms of COVID-19 have shifted a little bit as new variants take Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
How long can I wear an N95, KN95, or KF94?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: About 5 times for general use (not in a healthcare setting), maybe a few times more. TL;DR: Last week, the CDC said that cloth masks are not as good as other masks. Even though the package may say they can only be used one time, you can safely use them for longer. So what Read more…
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines don’t work?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
🙋 Asking for a friend… No wait, actually, I’m asking for me. After almost two years of precautions and a total of 10 vaccine shots, this Nerdy Girl’s family of four came down with COVID over the winter holidays, most likely the omicron variant. Now that we’re all fully recovered (thank you, vaccines!), it’s time Read more…
It’s just a sore throat. It’s not COVID, right?
Clinical SymptomsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Sadly, it definitely could be COVID-19. The Omicron variant is more likely to cause sore throat and less likely to cause a loss of taste and smell. Don’t blow off that scratchy sore throat. It could be a symptom of COVID-19. The symptoms of COVID-19 have shifted a little bit as new variants take Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
How long can I wear an N95, KN95, or KF94?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: About 5 times for general use (not in a healthcare setting), maybe a few times more. TL;DR: Last week, the CDC said that cloth masks are not as good as other masks. Even though the package may say they can only be used one time, you can safely use them for longer. So what Read more…
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines don’t work?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
TL;DR: Sadly, it definitely could be COVID-19. The Omicron variant is more likely to cause sore throat and less likely to cause a loss of taste and smell. Don’t blow off that scratchy sore throat. It could be a symptom of COVID-19. The symptoms of COVID-19 have shifted a little bit as new variants take Read more…
Does a positive COVID test mean that I’m contagious?
Infection and Spread Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
How long can I wear an N95, KN95, or KF94?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: About 5 times for general use (not in a healthcare setting), maybe a few times more. TL;DR: Last week, the CDC said that cloth masks are not as good as other masks. Even though the package may say they can only be used one time, you can safely use them for longer. So what Read more…
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines don’t work?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
If you get a positive antigen rapid test, it’s best to assume that you are contagious. A positive PCR test doesn’t tell you whether you’re contagious, because PCR can be positive for weeks after the infectious period. Neither PCR nor rapid tests directly measure contagiousness, but they both shed light on what’s going on inside Read more…
Covid.tests.gov Website Up and Ready for Your Order!
Families/Kids Testing and Contact TracingAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
How long can I wear an N95, KN95, or KF94?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: About 5 times for general use (not in a healthcare setting), maybe a few times more. TL;DR: Last week, the CDC said that cloth masks are not as good as other masks. Even though the package may say they can only be used one time, you can safely use them for longer. So what Read more…
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines don’t work?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
Yes, it’s true! The covidtests.gov website is now open and ready for your order! Each household in the US can request 4 free rapid antigen COVID-19 self-tests. The request form is super quick and easy. Nerdy Girl Alison submitted her test request in way less time than it took to make this post. Tests will Read more…
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
How long can I wear an N95, KN95, or KF94?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: About 5 times for general use (not in a healthcare setting), maybe a few times more. TL;DR: Last week, the CDC said that cloth masks are not as good as other masks. Even though the package may say they can only be used one time, you can safely use them for longer. So what Read more…
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines don’t work?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT ‘up-to-date’ on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not ‘up-to-date’ this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
Antigen tests: explained.
Testing and Contact TracingMalia Jones, PhD MPH
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
How long can I wear an N95, KN95, or KF94?
Masks
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: About 5 times for general use (not in a healthcare setting), maybe a few times more. TL;DR: Last week, the CDC said that cloth masks are not as good as other masks. Even though the package may say they can only be used one time, you can safely use them for longer. So what Read more…
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines don’t work?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
An antigen test (aka Ag test, rapid test) looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 itself in a sample taken from your nose (or sometimes throat). They are an excellent tool for figuring out if you are infected–especially if there’s a good chance you are. This post will describe what an antigen Read more…
How long can I wear an N95, KN95, or KF94?
MasksAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: About 5 times for general use (not in a healthcare setting), maybe a few times more. TL;DR: Last week, the CDC said that cloth masks are not as good as other masks. Even though the package may say they can only be used one time, you can safely use them for longer. So what Read more…
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and Metrics
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines don’t work?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
A: About 5 times for general use (not in a healthcare setting), maybe a few times more. TL;DR: Last week, the CDC said that cloth masks are not as good as other masks. Even though the package may say they can only be used one time, you can safely use them for longer. So what Read more…
POLITE POTTY TALK
Data and MetricsLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines don’t work?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
Hopeful news from 💩 data Omicron stinks big time. But there’s hope on the horizon, popping up in the most unexpected of places – our collective poop. Tracking 💩 – aka “wastewater surveillance” – is a proven way to predict the overall burden of infection in a community. Happily, 💩 trends are ⬇️ nationwide. It Read more…
What does it really mean when we talk about “mild” COVID-19 infections?
Clinical Symptoms TreatmentsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines don’t work?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
It sure doesn’t feel all that mild… We hear you! Many people who have had a “mild” COVID-19 infection might disagree with that descriptor! There is a lot of talk about mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections, but what does that actually mean? These distinctions have a specific medical meaning and do matter, because they Read more…
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines don’t work?
COVID Variants VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
