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…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. 💥FLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, [archived link] then Read more…
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
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…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. 💥FLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, [archived link] then Read more…
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
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…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. 💥FLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, [archived link] then Read more…
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
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…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. 💥FLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, [archived link] then Read more…
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
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…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. 💥FLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, [archived link] then Read more…
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
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…
FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee?
Uncertainty and MisinformationJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. 💥FLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, [archived link] then Read more…
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
A: Nope. Nope. Nope. Phew…some weeks the COVID-19 myths are easier to slay than others. We’ll put these to rest very briefly. 💥FLURONA: While a person can be infected AT THE SAME TIME with both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, this is called a co-infection, not some new mutant virus that is the combination of both the Read more…
Welp, I have COVID. When can I stop worrying about giving it to other people?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
Did you already answer a question about…?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, [archived link] then Read more…
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
The short answer is: 10 days after you first felt sick or tested positive, assuming you’re feeling better by then. If you’re not better, consult your clinician about ending your isolation period. There have been lots of updates to these guidelines for the time periods around COVID-19 exposures and infections, and reading them can feel Read more…
Did you already answer a question about…?
UncategorizedAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, [archived link] then Read more…
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
A: Most likely YES! And you can search our past posts right here on our website! If you don’t find a past post answering your question, you can submit your question to us via our question box right here! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered ~ 2000 questions on our Facebook pages (Dear Read more…
Update: The updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines are now also recommended for K-12 schools.
Families/Kids School Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, [archived link] then Read more…
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
These guidelines are not recommended for children in childcare settings where children cannot mask (babies, infants under 2). See our previous post for full details on updated guidelines for the general public. The Key Points: ➡️ Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 should ISOLATE for 5 days, [archived link] then Read more…
What does it mean when hospitals are talking about “Crisis Standards of Care?”
TreatmentsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
A: As many places see a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitals and resources become strained. Crisis standards of care represent a big change from usual healthcare made necessary by a major disaster. Crisis standards help guide decisions that must be made in extreme scarcity of resources (including staff, stuff, and space). Crisis standards of Read more…
The kids’ vaccine appointment is tomorrow, but the school just told us they were exposed.
Families/Kids Testing and Contact TracingMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
Can you vaccinate a child who has recently been exposed to COVID-19 but isn’t showing any symptoms? A: Although there is no medical reason to wait, there may be practical reasons–it depends on your situation. It’s safe for your child to go ahead, but you should also follow guidance about isolating to protect others. If Read more…
If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
Can’t we just go back to normal now?! A: Not yet. Slowing the spread is still important. TL;DR: Delaying infections buys time for improved treatments, more vaccinations, and protects health care availability for all. We hear your frustrations. Tensions are high as Omicron screamed through our social networks and ruined a lot of holidays. We’ve Read more…
