Were COVID-19 vaccines developed too fast to be safe?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. There are several reasons why COVID-19 vaccines were able to be developed safely AND quickly! Here’s how: *SARS-CoV-2 was new, but research on coronaviruses was not. Scientists have studied this family of viruses for a long time. They already knew that spike protein plays a key role in how coronaviruses enter our cells. Read more…
Why do I cough when I have a respiratory infection?
Health & Wellness
Verdena Jennings, DO
Q: Why do I cough when I have a respiratory infection? Is there a benefit or should I suppress it? A: A cough is one way the body protects the airway so we can breathe and exchange carbon dioxide (bad air) for oxygen (good air). Whether moving mucus which can block the airway or caused Read more…
UPDATE ON mRNA VACCINES AND MYOCARDITIS:
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today (June 23rd) to review evidence of rare reports of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) following mRNA vaccination. 💥 KEY TAKEAWAYS: Scientists determined there IS likely an association between mRNA vaccines and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) in adolescents and young adults—meaning the observed rates Read more…
Do I have the right to know if the health care workers taking care of me got the COVID-19 vaccine?”
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: You absolutely can ask your clinician (or any other professional you are interacting with) if they got the COVID-19 vaccine. But they don’t have to answer you. You do not have the right to know their vaccine status. But if you would be uncomfortable with a “no” or a no-answer, you should feel empowered Read more…
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
If the Delta variant is more transmissible, are normal precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) less effective?
COVID Variants Staying Safe Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions, including getting BOTH doses of your vaccination. TL;DR: The new variants are transmitted the same way as all the other variants of SARS-CoV-2, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Read more…
What is pandemic fatigue and what can I do about it?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
BIG Thank You to All School Nurses!
Families/Kids Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Sending a BIG thank you to all the school nurses for everything they have done to keep students safe through an unpredictable school year. School nurses are a vital link between education and health for students. As health providers with expertise in school-age children, they are responsible for preventative measures and daily health management of Read more…
If I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can I get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if a booster shot is needed?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
Health & Wellness Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
Has normal body temperature changed from 98.6F?
Health & Wellness
Verdena Jennings, DO
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
A: No. There are several reasons why COVID-19 vaccines were able to be developed safely AND quickly! Here’s how: *SARS-CoV-2 was new, but research on coronaviruses was not. Scientists have studied this family of viruses for a long time. They already knew that spike protein plays a key role in how coronaviruses enter our cells. Read more…
Why do I cough when I have a respiratory infection?
Health & WellnessVerdena Jennings, DO
Q: Why do I cough when I have a respiratory infection? Is there a benefit or should I suppress it? A: A cough is one way the body protects the airway so we can breathe and exchange carbon dioxide (bad air) for oxygen (good air). Whether moving mucus which can block the airway or caused Read more…
UPDATE ON mRNA VACCINES AND MYOCARDITIS:
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today (June 23rd) to review evidence of rare reports of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) following mRNA vaccination. 💥 KEY TAKEAWAYS: Scientists determined there IS likely an association between mRNA vaccines and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) in adolescents and young adults—meaning the observed rates Read more…
Do I have the right to know if the health care workers taking care of me got the COVID-19 vaccine?”
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: You absolutely can ask your clinician (or any other professional you are interacting with) if they got the COVID-19 vaccine. But they don’t have to answer you. You do not have the right to know their vaccine status. But if you would be uncomfortable with a “no” or a no-answer, you should feel empowered Read more…
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
If the Delta variant is more transmissible, are normal precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) less effective?
COVID Variants Staying Safe Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions, including getting BOTH doses of your vaccination. TL;DR: The new variants are transmitted the same way as all the other variants of SARS-CoV-2, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Read more…
What is pandemic fatigue and what can I do about it?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
BIG Thank You to All School Nurses!
Families/Kids Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Sending a BIG thank you to all the school nurses for everything they have done to keep students safe through an unpredictable school year. School nurses are a vital link between education and health for students. As health providers with expertise in school-age children, they are responsible for preventative measures and daily health management of Read more…
If I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can I get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if a booster shot is needed?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
Health & Wellness Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
Has normal body temperature changed from 98.6F?
Health & Wellness
Verdena Jennings, DO
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
Q: Why do I cough when I have a respiratory infection? Is there a benefit or should I suppress it? A: A cough is one way the body protects the airway so we can breathe and exchange carbon dioxide (bad air) for oxygen (good air). Whether moving mucus which can block the airway or caused Read more…
UPDATE ON mRNA VACCINES AND MYOCARDITIS:
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The U.S. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today (June 23rd) to review evidence of rare reports of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) following mRNA vaccination. 💥 KEY TAKEAWAYS: Scientists determined there IS likely an association between mRNA vaccines and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) in adolescents and young adults—meaning the observed rates Read more…
Do I have the right to know if the health care workers taking care of me got the COVID-19 vaccine?”
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: You absolutely can ask your clinician (or any other professional you are interacting with) if they got the COVID-19 vaccine. But they don’t have to answer you. You do not have the right to know their vaccine status. But if you would be uncomfortable with a “no” or a no-answer, you should feel empowered Read more…
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
If the Delta variant is more transmissible, are normal precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) less effective?
COVID Variants Staying Safe Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions, including getting BOTH doses of your vaccination. TL;DR: The new variants are transmitted the same way as all the other variants of SARS-CoV-2, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Read more…
What is pandemic fatigue and what can I do about it?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
BIG Thank You to All School Nurses!
Families/Kids Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Sending a BIG thank you to all the school nurses for everything they have done to keep students safe through an unpredictable school year. School nurses are a vital link between education and health for students. As health providers with expertise in school-age children, they are responsible for preventative measures and daily health management of Read more…
If I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can I get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if a booster shot is needed?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
Health & Wellness Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
Has normal body temperature changed from 98.6F?
Health & Wellness
Verdena Jennings, DO
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
The U.S. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today (June 23rd) to review evidence of rare reports of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) following mRNA vaccination. 💥 KEY TAKEAWAYS: Scientists determined there IS likely an association between mRNA vaccines and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) in adolescents and young adults—meaning the observed rates Read more…
Do I have the right to know if the health care workers taking care of me got the COVID-19 vaccine?”
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: You absolutely can ask your clinician (or any other professional you are interacting with) if they got the COVID-19 vaccine. But they don’t have to answer you. You do not have the right to know their vaccine status. But if you would be uncomfortable with a “no” or a no-answer, you should feel empowered Read more…
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
If the Delta variant is more transmissible, are normal precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) less effective?
COVID Variants Staying Safe Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions, including getting BOTH doses of your vaccination. TL;DR: The new variants are transmitted the same way as all the other variants of SARS-CoV-2, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Read more…
What is pandemic fatigue and what can I do about it?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
BIG Thank You to All School Nurses!
Families/Kids Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Sending a BIG thank you to all the school nurses for everything they have done to keep students safe through an unpredictable school year. School nurses are a vital link between education and health for students. As health providers with expertise in school-age children, they are responsible for preventative measures and daily health management of Read more…
If I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can I get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if a booster shot is needed?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
Health & Wellness Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
Has normal body temperature changed from 98.6F?
Health & Wellness
Verdena Jennings, DO
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
A: You absolutely can ask your clinician (or any other professional you are interacting with) if they got the COVID-19 vaccine. But they don’t have to answer you. You do not have the right to know their vaccine status. But if you would be uncomfortable with a “no” or a no-answer, you should feel empowered Read more…
What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
If the Delta variant is more transmissible, are normal precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) less effective?
COVID Variants Staying Safe Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions, including getting BOTH doses of your vaccination. TL;DR: The new variants are transmitted the same way as all the other variants of SARS-CoV-2, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Read more…
What is pandemic fatigue and what can I do about it?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
BIG Thank You to All School Nurses!
Families/Kids Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Sending a BIG thank you to all the school nurses for everything they have done to keep students safe through an unpredictable school year. School nurses are a vital link between education and health for students. As health providers with expertise in school-age children, they are responsible for preventative measures and daily health management of Read more…
If I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can I get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if a booster shot is needed?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
Health & Wellness Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
Has normal body temperature changed from 98.6F?
Health & Wellness
Verdena Jennings, DO
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
Q: It seems like COVID-19 can have some short and long-term effects on the brain. What is the likelihood that psychiatric issues will arise in COVID-19 survivors?” THE QUICK ANSWER: We do not yet know if SARS COV-2 can get to the brain (cross the blood brain barrier), but we have some evidence that more Read more…
If the Delta variant is more transmissible, are normal precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) less effective?
COVID Variants Staying Safe VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions, including getting BOTH doses of your vaccination. TL;DR: The new variants are transmitted the same way as all the other variants of SARS-CoV-2, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Read more…
What is pandemic fatigue and what can I do about it?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
BIG Thank You to All School Nurses!
Families/Kids Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Sending a BIG thank you to all the school nurses for everything they have done to keep students safe through an unpredictable school year. School nurses are a vital link between education and health for students. As health providers with expertise in school-age children, they are responsible for preventative measures and daily health management of Read more…
If I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can I get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if a booster shot is needed?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
Health & Wellness Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
Has normal body temperature changed from 98.6F?
Health & Wellness
Verdena Jennings, DO
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
A: Luckily, no. Virus mutations still don’t defy the laws of physics. But we need to be more vigilant about existing precautions, including getting BOTH doses of your vaccination. TL;DR: The new variants are transmitted the same way as all the other variants of SARS-CoV-2, so you can reduce risk by using your #SMARTS: ↔️ Read more…
What is pandemic fatigue and what can I do about it?
Infection and Spread Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
BIG Thank You to All School Nurses!
Families/Kids Women in STEM
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Sending a BIG thank you to all the school nurses for everything they have done to keep students safe through an unpredictable school year. School nurses are a vital link between education and health for students. As health providers with expertise in school-age children, they are responsible for preventative measures and daily health management of Read more…
If I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can I get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if a booster shot is needed?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
Health & Wellness Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
Has normal body temperature changed from 98.6F?
Health & Wellness
Verdena Jennings, DO
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
A: Pandemic fatigue can be defined as being in a fight or flight state for an extended period of time. This can cause a stress like reaction, which eventually leads to behavioral fatigue. In other words, initially many of us were fearful of the new virus and abided by restrictions such as limiting gatherings, avoiding Read more…
BIG Thank You to All School Nurses!
Families/Kids Women in STEMAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Sending a BIG thank you to all the school nurses for everything they have done to keep students safe through an unpredictable school year. School nurses are a vital link between education and health for students. As health providers with expertise in school-age children, they are responsible for preventative measures and daily health management of Read more…
If I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can I get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if a booster shot is needed?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
Health & Wellness Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
Has normal body temperature changed from 98.6F?
Health & Wellness
Verdena Jennings, DO
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
Sending a BIG thank you to all the school nurses for everything they have done to keep students safe through an unpredictable school year. School nurses are a vital link between education and health for students. As health providers with expertise in school-age children, they are responsible for preventative measures and daily health management of Read more…
If I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can I get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if a booster shot is needed?
VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
Health & Wellness Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
Has normal body temperature changed from 98.6F?
Health & Wellness
Verdena Jennings, DO
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
A: Most likely. In fact, this “mix and match” strategy can lead to a more robust immune response overall, because different vaccines often cause the body to generate an immune response targeted against SARS-CoV-2 in slightly different ways! TL; DR Vaccines work by showing our immune system a W.A.N.T.E.D. poster of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so Read more…
Do COVID-19 vaccines lower sperm counts?
Health & Wellness VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
Has normal body temperature changed from 98.6F?
Health & Wellness
Verdena Jennings, DO
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
A: Nope! You can knock that worry off your list. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not lower sperm counts. A recent study looked at sperm counts before and after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The long and the short of it, there was no significant change in sperm count or any Read more…
Can COVID-19 vaccines alter or weaken my existing immune response against other viruses?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesVijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread Travel
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
Has normal body temperature changed from 98.6F?
Health & Wellness
Verdena Jennings, DO
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
A. No. COVID-19 vaccines do not affect existing immune cells or antibodies that you have made against other viruses. Nor will it prevent you from making an immune response to another virus when you encounter it. 👉 TL;DR: Our immune system is designed for IMMENSE flexibility to be able to respond to thousands of pathogens Read more…
What’s the link between COVID-19 and air pollution?
Infection and Spread TravelLauren Hale, PhD MA
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
Has normal body temperature changed from 98.6F?
Health & Wellness
Verdena Jennings, DO
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
A. TL;DR. The relationship between COVID-19 and air pollution likely goes in both directions. First, air pollution is linked with higher COVID-19 mortality risk. Second, the lockdowns associated with the pandemic initially resulted in a large reduction in air pollution in some regions, with more modest and temporary reductions in other regions. The Nerdy Girls Read more…
Has normal body temperature changed from 98.6F?
Health & WellnessVerdena Jennings, DO
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
Q: I thought a normal temperature was 98.6° F (37° C). Has that changed? If it has, what is a fever? A: Yes. The change is proposed by many in the medical community. New research reveals that the average adult body temperature has dropped 1 degree Fahrenheit since the standard temperature was established in the Read more…
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reliable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are now available in the United States. For 30 to 50 bucks, you get an answer in 25-45 minutes in the comfort of your home, much like the free rapid antigen tests used in the UK. Can you trust the results? It depends. Dr. Chana Davis from Fueled by Science gives us Read more…
