What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?!
COVID Variants Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
What do the new CDC mask guidelines really mean?
Masks
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: The take-home message is that mitigation works. What we have learned from four influenza pandemics, HIV, and SARS pandemics in the last 100 years is that taking steps to protect ourselves and others works. The CDC guidelines released earlier suggest that vaccinated people in virus hotspots across the country should wear masks indoors. This Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
What should I do about the large discrepancies in vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant being reported across studies?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
NEW CDC MASK GUIDANCE
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In recognition of the rising threat posed by the Delta variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today revised their guidance regarding mask use for vaccinated people. ➡️ Highlights of the new recommendations: 💥 Vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings if they are in an area of substantial Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
Keeping Kids Safe Who Are More Vulnerable to COVID-19
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. Dear Pandemic/Those Nerdy Girls gets many questions from parents concerned about how to keep their kids healthy and safe from COVID. Although this is an understandable consideration for ALL parents, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the extra considerations faced by families whose kids may be more vulnerable to Read more…
What can I do to stop health misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do monoclonal antibody treatments help for COVID-19 infection, and where do I get them?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Short answer: Yes. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. For the long answer, keep reading! Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are similar to Read more…
A: KEEP CALM AND VAX ON. Just when we thought our summer might be more relaxing than last year, SARS-CoV-2 is humbling us again. But despite the emotionally amped up headlines (which are, after all, designed to make you click), we’re here to reassure you that in countries with access to vaccinations, the trajectory is Read more…
How can I cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
What do the new CDC mask guidelines really mean?
Masks
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: The take-home message is that mitigation works. What we have learned from four influenza pandemics, HIV, and SARS pandemics in the last 100 years is that taking steps to protect ourselves and others works. The CDC guidelines released earlier suggest that vaccinated people in virus hotspots across the country should wear masks indoors. This Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
What should I do about the large discrepancies in vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant being reported across studies?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
NEW CDC MASK GUIDANCE
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In recognition of the rising threat posed by the Delta variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today revised their guidance regarding mask use for vaccinated people. ➡️ Highlights of the new recommendations: 💥 Vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings if they are in an area of substantial Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
Keeping Kids Safe Who Are More Vulnerable to COVID-19
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. Dear Pandemic/Those Nerdy Girls gets many questions from parents concerned about how to keep their kids healthy and safe from COVID. Although this is an understandable consideration for ALL parents, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the extra considerations faced by families whose kids may be more vulnerable to Read more…
What can I do to stop health misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do monoclonal antibody treatments help for COVID-19 infection, and where do I get them?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Short answer: Yes. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. For the long answer, keep reading! Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are similar to Read more…
A: Bring awareness to how you feel, draw on your current strategies, and work towards acceptance of uncertainty. Things seem to be in a state of change and you may feel like you are on a rollercoaster. New guidelines, unknowns about return to work and school, and changing expectations about how our lives will be Read more…
What do the new CDC mask guidelines really mean?
MasksVerdena Jennings, DO
A: The take-home message is that mitigation works. What we have learned from four influenza pandemics, HIV, and SARS pandemics in the last 100 years is that taking steps to protect ourselves and others works. The CDC guidelines released earlier suggest that vaccinated people in virus hotspots across the country should wear masks indoors. This Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
What should I do about the large discrepancies in vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant being reported across studies?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
NEW CDC MASK GUIDANCE
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In recognition of the rising threat posed by the Delta variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today revised their guidance regarding mask use for vaccinated people. ➡️ Highlights of the new recommendations: 💥 Vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings if they are in an area of substantial Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
Keeping Kids Safe Who Are More Vulnerable to COVID-19
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. Dear Pandemic/Those Nerdy Girls gets many questions from parents concerned about how to keep their kids healthy and safe from COVID. Although this is an understandable consideration for ALL parents, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the extra considerations faced by families whose kids may be more vulnerable to Read more…
What can I do to stop health misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do monoclonal antibody treatments help for COVID-19 infection, and where do I get them?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Short answer: Yes. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. For the long answer, keep reading! Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are similar to Read more…
A: The take-home message is that mitigation works. What we have learned from four influenza pandemics, HIV, and SARS pandemics in the last 100 years is that taking steps to protect ourselves and others works. The CDC guidelines released earlier suggest that vaccinated people in virus hotspots across the country should wear masks indoors. This Read more…
What is the difference between absolute risk and relative risk and why on Earth should I care?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracySarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
What should I do about the large discrepancies in vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant being reported across studies?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
NEW CDC MASK GUIDANCE
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In recognition of the rising threat posed by the Delta variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today revised their guidance regarding mask use for vaccinated people. ➡️ Highlights of the new recommendations: 💥 Vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings if they are in an area of substantial Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
Keeping Kids Safe Who Are More Vulnerable to COVID-19
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. Dear Pandemic/Those Nerdy Girls gets many questions from parents concerned about how to keep their kids healthy and safe from COVID. Although this is an understandable consideration for ALL parents, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the extra considerations faced by families whose kids may be more vulnerable to Read more…
What can I do to stop health misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do monoclonal antibody treatments help for COVID-19 infection, and where do I get them?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Short answer: Yes. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. For the long answer, keep reading! Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are similar to Read more…
A: It turns out, how we describe risks REALLY matters and helps us better understand our healthcare choices. Read below for a review of how risk is calculated and communicated (and can be used for trickery!). The TLDR version: Absolute risk reduction is the number you actually want to know most of the time. Buckle Read more…
What should I do about the large discrepancies in vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant being reported across studies?
COVID Variants VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
NEW CDC MASK GUIDANCE
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In recognition of the rising threat posed by the Delta variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today revised their guidance regarding mask use for vaccinated people. ➡️ Highlights of the new recommendations: 💥 Vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings if they are in an area of substantial Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
Keeping Kids Safe Who Are More Vulnerable to COVID-19
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. Dear Pandemic/Those Nerdy Girls gets many questions from parents concerned about how to keep their kids healthy and safe from COVID. Although this is an understandable consideration for ALL parents, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the extra considerations faced by families whose kids may be more vulnerable to Read more…
What can I do to stop health misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do monoclonal antibody treatments help for COVID-19 infection, and where do I get them?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Short answer: Yes. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. For the long answer, keep reading! Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are similar to Read more…
A: Delta variant, waning immunity, imperfect measurement, or something else? There are a number of reasons why COVID-19 vaccine efficacy may differ across studies. These new reports are measuring the effectiveness of the vaccines in real world settings instead of in a clinical trial. Isolating individual variables in a real-world setting can be difficult. Instead, Read more…
NEW CDC MASK GUIDANCE
MasksJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In recognition of the rising threat posed by the Delta variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today revised their guidance regarding mask use for vaccinated people. ➡️ Highlights of the new recommendations: 💥 Vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings if they are in an area of substantial Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
Keeping Kids Safe Who Are More Vulnerable to COVID-19
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. Dear Pandemic/Those Nerdy Girls gets many questions from parents concerned about how to keep their kids healthy and safe from COVID. Although this is an understandable consideration for ALL parents, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the extra considerations faced by families whose kids may be more vulnerable to Read more…
What can I do to stop health misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do monoclonal antibody treatments help for COVID-19 infection, and where do I get them?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Short answer: Yes. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. For the long answer, keep reading! Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are similar to Read more…
In recognition of the rising threat posed by the Delta variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today revised their guidance regarding mask use for vaccinated people. ➡️ Highlights of the new recommendations: 💥 Vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings if they are in an area of substantial Read more…
If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta?
COVID Variants VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
Keeping Kids Safe Who Are More Vulnerable to COVID-19
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. Dear Pandemic/Those Nerdy Girls gets many questions from parents concerned about how to keep their kids healthy and safe from COVID. Although this is an understandable consideration for ALL parents, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the extra considerations faced by families whose kids may be more vulnerable to Read more…
What can I do to stop health misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do monoclonal antibody treatments help for COVID-19 infection, and where do I get them?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Short answer: Yes. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. For the long answer, keep reading! Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are similar to Read more…
A: Reply hazy, try again. 🎱 While some scientists are sharing their own personal decision to boost their J&J vaccine with an mRNA second dose, the US vaccine regulators have not endorsed this strategy. This can put clinicians and pharmacists in a tough spot if a patient requests it. Meanwhile, many countries including Canada and Read more…
Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
Keeping Kids Safe Who Are More Vulnerable to COVID-19
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Joanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. Dear Pandemic/Those Nerdy Girls gets many questions from parents concerned about how to keep their kids healthy and safe from COVID. Although this is an understandable consideration for ALL parents, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the extra considerations faced by families whose kids may be more vulnerable to Read more…
What can I do to stop health misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do monoclonal antibody treatments help for COVID-19 infection, and where do I get them?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Short answer: Yes. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. For the long answer, keep reading! Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are similar to Read more…
Q: I heard 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK are among the vaccinated. What’s going on, this sounds bad? A: This is a confusing statistic, for sure. This number is actually good news and reflects the really high vaccine coverage of the older population in the UK. 🙋♀ Wait, what now? Let me explain! Read more…
Keeping Kids Safe Who Are More Vulnerable to COVID-19
Families/Kids Staying SafeJoanna Dreifus, MPH
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. Dear Pandemic/Those Nerdy Girls gets many questions from parents concerned about how to keep their kids healthy and safe from COVID. Although this is an understandable consideration for ALL parents, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the extra considerations faced by families whose kids may be more vulnerable to Read more…
What can I do to stop health misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do monoclonal antibody treatments help for COVID-19 infection, and where do I get them?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Short answer: Yes. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. For the long answer, keep reading! Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are similar to Read more…
Nerdy Girl Joanna here. Dear Pandemic/Those Nerdy Girls gets many questions from parents concerned about how to keep their kids healthy and safe from COVID. Although this is an understandable consideration for ALL parents, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the extra considerations faced by families whose kids may be more vulnerable to Read more…
What can I do to stop health misinformation?
Uncertainty and MisinformationVerdena Jennings, DO
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do monoclonal antibody treatments help for COVID-19 infection, and where do I get them?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Short answer: Yes. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. For the long answer, keep reading! Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are similar to Read more…
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths
Data and Metrics VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do monoclonal antibody treatments help for COVID-19 infection, and where do I get them?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Short answer: Yes. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. For the long answer, keep reading! Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are similar to Read more…
A picture IS worth 1000 words. While the demographers among us had a hard time not seeing population pyramids here (please note this is days on the y axis, not age!), we think the image tells a pretty compelling story. Figure Source h/t to Nerdy Girl Dr. Alison Buttenheim for sharing this image on twitter! Read more…
Do monoclonal antibody treatments help for COVID-19 infection, and where do I get them?
TreatmentsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Short answer: Yes. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. For the long answer, keep reading! Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are similar to Read more…
A: Short answer: Yes. For people with COVID-19 infections who do not need to be hospitalized and who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness, monoclonal antibody therapies can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. For the long answer, keep reading! Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are similar to Read more…
