Is immunity from natural COVID infection “better” than vaccine immunity?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. Getting vaccinated is by far the safest way to develop immunity to SARS-CoV-2. If you’ve already been infected, getting vaccinated still provides you with the best protection-in fact likely *better* than either previous infection or the vaccine alone. A recent study from Israel created waves with findings that people with previous COVID-19 infection Read more…
New evidence shows mask wearing reduces COVID-19 infections in the community.
Masks
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A recent study examining strategies to increase mask wearing and the effect of mask wearing on the number of COVID-19 infections is a work of art. Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating this study for two reasons: Excellent scientific rigor and real life implications. The take home message from this great real-world study: Masks work in Read more…
Subscribe to the Nerdy Newsletter!
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
We value your support! Those Nerdy Girls are now sending our twice-weekly newsletter from Substack. It provides our usual curated, credible, and timely interpretation of science in an approachable style delivered straight to your inbox. Read the current “Hot Topic” or catch up on some “In Case You Missed It” content. Although our newsletter will Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) 🦠 SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. ⛏️ The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
California Classroom Outbreak Explained
COVID Variants Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
“Endemic” Explainer
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“We’re moving from pandemic to endemic.” We’re hearing this phrase tossed around more and more. In certain anti-science twitter circles, the hashtag #endemic is used as shorthand for the opinion that COVID-19 is overhyped, we’ve all been duped by the media into a hysteria over the pandemic; the vaccine is unnecessary; and everything should return Read more…
Tips for (Properly!) Washing a Cloth Mask
Masks
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
With many of us having trouble accessing or affording medical-grade masks, cloth masking remains a bedrock layer of protection for pandemic living. Dr. Cassandra Pierre, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, cautions that “a dirty or ‘soiled’ mask can reduce the efficacy of the mask itself. It can also become an irritant to Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
Does hand sanitizer really kill bacteria and viruses?
Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Yes. Hand sanitizers that contain 60-95% alcohol or 0.13% benzalkonium chlorides are effective in killing bacteria and destroying viruses when used properly. Washing hands with soap and water remains the best way to rid your hands of disease-causing germs. And there are a few germs that hand sanitizer will not kill. However, when there Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Pandemic Dating
Socializing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
A: No. Getting vaccinated is by far the safest way to develop immunity to SARS-CoV-2. If you’ve already been infected, getting vaccinated still provides you with the best protection-in fact likely *better* than either previous infection or the vaccine alone. A recent study from Israel created waves with findings that people with previous COVID-19 infection Read more…
New evidence shows mask wearing reduces COVID-19 infections in the community.
MasksAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A recent study examining strategies to increase mask wearing and the effect of mask wearing on the number of COVID-19 infections is a work of art. Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating this study for two reasons: Excellent scientific rigor and real life implications. The take home message from this great real-world study: Masks work in Read more…
Subscribe to the Nerdy Newsletter!
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Production Team
We value your support! Those Nerdy Girls are now sending our twice-weekly newsletter from Substack. It provides our usual curated, credible, and timely interpretation of science in an approachable style delivered straight to your inbox. Read the current “Hot Topic” or catch up on some “In Case You Missed It” content. Although our newsletter will Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) 🦠 SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. ⛏️ The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
California Classroom Outbreak Explained
COVID Variants Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
“Endemic” Explainer
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“We’re moving from pandemic to endemic.” We’re hearing this phrase tossed around more and more. In certain anti-science twitter circles, the hashtag #endemic is used as shorthand for the opinion that COVID-19 is overhyped, we’ve all been duped by the media into a hysteria over the pandemic; the vaccine is unnecessary; and everything should return Read more…
Tips for (Properly!) Washing a Cloth Mask
Masks
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
With many of us having trouble accessing or affording medical-grade masks, cloth masking remains a bedrock layer of protection for pandemic living. Dr. Cassandra Pierre, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, cautions that “a dirty or ‘soiled’ mask can reduce the efficacy of the mask itself. It can also become an irritant to Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
Does hand sanitizer really kill bacteria and viruses?
Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Yes. Hand sanitizers that contain 60-95% alcohol or 0.13% benzalkonium chlorides are effective in killing bacteria and destroying viruses when used properly. Washing hands with soap and water remains the best way to rid your hands of disease-causing germs. And there are a few germs that hand sanitizer will not kill. However, when there Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Pandemic Dating
Socializing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
A recent study examining strategies to increase mask wearing and the effect of mask wearing on the number of COVID-19 infections is a work of art. Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating this study for two reasons: Excellent scientific rigor and real life implications. The take home message from this great real-world study: Masks work in Read more…
Subscribe to the Nerdy Newsletter!
UncategorizedGretchen Peterson, Production Team
We value your support! Those Nerdy Girls are now sending our twice-weekly newsletter from Substack. It provides our usual curated, credible, and timely interpretation of science in an approachable style delivered straight to your inbox. Read the current “Hot Topic” or catch up on some “In Case You Missed It” content. Although our newsletter will Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity Vaccines
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) 🦠 SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. ⛏️ The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
California Classroom Outbreak Explained
COVID Variants Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
“Endemic” Explainer
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“We’re moving from pandemic to endemic.” We’re hearing this phrase tossed around more and more. In certain anti-science twitter circles, the hashtag #endemic is used as shorthand for the opinion that COVID-19 is overhyped, we’ve all been duped by the media into a hysteria over the pandemic; the vaccine is unnecessary; and everything should return Read more…
Tips for (Properly!) Washing a Cloth Mask
Masks
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
With many of us having trouble accessing or affording medical-grade masks, cloth masking remains a bedrock layer of protection for pandemic living. Dr. Cassandra Pierre, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, cautions that “a dirty or ‘soiled’ mask can reduce the efficacy of the mask itself. It can also become an irritant to Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
Does hand sanitizer really kill bacteria and viruses?
Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Yes. Hand sanitizers that contain 60-95% alcohol or 0.13% benzalkonium chlorides are effective in killing bacteria and destroying viruses when used properly. Washing hands with soap and water remains the best way to rid your hands of disease-causing germs. And there are a few germs that hand sanitizer will not kill. However, when there Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Pandemic Dating
Socializing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
We value your support! Those Nerdy Girls are now sending our twice-weekly newsletter from Substack. It provides our usual curated, credible, and timely interpretation of science in an approachable style delivered straight to your inbox. Read the current “Hot Topic” or catch up on some “In Case You Missed It” content. Although our newsletter will Read more…
How does a COVID-19 vaccine work in the body?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) 🦠 SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. ⛏️ The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
California Classroom Outbreak Explained
COVID Variants Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
“Endemic” Explainer
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“We’re moving from pandemic to endemic.” We’re hearing this phrase tossed around more and more. In certain anti-science twitter circles, the hashtag #endemic is used as shorthand for the opinion that COVID-19 is overhyped, we’ve all been duped by the media into a hysteria over the pandemic; the vaccine is unnecessary; and everything should return Read more…
Tips for (Properly!) Washing a Cloth Mask
Masks
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
With many of us having trouble accessing or affording medical-grade masks, cloth masking remains a bedrock layer of protection for pandemic living. Dr. Cassandra Pierre, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, cautions that “a dirty or ‘soiled’ mask can reduce the efficacy of the mask itself. It can also become an irritant to Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
Does hand sanitizer really kill bacteria and viruses?
Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Yes. Hand sanitizers that contain 60-95% alcohol or 0.13% benzalkonium chlorides are effective in killing bacteria and destroying viruses when used properly. Washing hands with soap and water remains the best way to rid your hands of disease-causing germs. And there are a few germs that hand sanitizer will not kill. However, when there Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Pandemic Dating
Socializing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
A: Vaccines show your body how to fight a virus without actually making you sick from the virus. Here is how this works (inspired by this fun explainer) 🦠 SARS-CoV-2 (aka the virus that causes COVID-19) is a round little thing with spikes coming out of it. ⛏️ The spikes help the virus stick to Read more…
California Classroom Outbreak Explained
COVID Variants Infection and Spread SchoolJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
“Endemic” Explainer
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“We’re moving from pandemic to endemic.” We’re hearing this phrase tossed around more and more. In certain anti-science twitter circles, the hashtag #endemic is used as shorthand for the opinion that COVID-19 is overhyped, we’ve all been duped by the media into a hysteria over the pandemic; the vaccine is unnecessary; and everything should return Read more…
Tips for (Properly!) Washing a Cloth Mask
Masks
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
With many of us having trouble accessing or affording medical-grade masks, cloth masking remains a bedrock layer of protection for pandemic living. Dr. Cassandra Pierre, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, cautions that “a dirty or ‘soiled’ mask can reduce the efficacy of the mask itself. It can also become an irritant to Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
Does hand sanitizer really kill bacteria and viruses?
Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Yes. Hand sanitizers that contain 60-95% alcohol or 0.13% benzalkonium chlorides are effective in killing bacteria and destroying viruses when used properly. Washing hands with soap and water remains the best way to rid your hands of disease-causing germs. And there are a few germs that hand sanitizer will not kill. However, when there Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Pandemic Dating
Socializing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
A recent CDC outbreak investigation found that an unvaccinated teacher infected twelve elementary school students out of a class of 24 students in California. All students were too young to be eligible for the vaccine. Key take-aways: ➡️ GET VACCINATED ➡️ KEEP YOUR MASK ON WHILE TALKING!! ➡️ STAY HOME WHEN SICK ➡️ GET VACCINATED Read more…
Should I get the flu shot?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
“Endemic” Explainer
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“We’re moving from pandemic to endemic.” We’re hearing this phrase tossed around more and more. In certain anti-science twitter circles, the hashtag #endemic is used as shorthand for the opinion that COVID-19 is overhyped, we’ve all been duped by the media into a hysteria over the pandemic; the vaccine is unnecessary; and everything should return Read more…
Tips for (Properly!) Washing a Cloth Mask
Masks
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
With many of us having trouble accessing or affording medical-grade masks, cloth masking remains a bedrock layer of protection for pandemic living. Dr. Cassandra Pierre, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, cautions that “a dirty or ‘soiled’ mask can reduce the efficacy of the mask itself. It can also become an irritant to Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
Does hand sanitizer really kill bacteria and viruses?
Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Yes. Hand sanitizers that contain 60-95% alcohol or 0.13% benzalkonium chlorides are effective in killing bacteria and destroying viruses when used properly. Washing hands with soap and water remains the best way to rid your hands of disease-causing germs. And there are a few germs that hand sanitizer will not kill. However, when there Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Pandemic Dating
Socializing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
Short answer: Yes! Except for a very few exceptions, flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Read on for information about what to expect for this year’s flu season, when to get the shot, and why getting the flu vaccine is so important! Sometimes people say “the flu” to mean a bad Read more…
“Endemic” Explainer
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and MisinformationMalia Jones, PhD MPH
“We’re moving from pandemic to endemic.” We’re hearing this phrase tossed around more and more. In certain anti-science twitter circles, the hashtag #endemic is used as shorthand for the opinion that COVID-19 is overhyped, we’ve all been duped by the media into a hysteria over the pandemic; the vaccine is unnecessary; and everything should return Read more…
Tips for (Properly!) Washing a Cloth Mask
Masks
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
With many of us having trouble accessing or affording medical-grade masks, cloth masking remains a bedrock layer of protection for pandemic living. Dr. Cassandra Pierre, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, cautions that “a dirty or ‘soiled’ mask can reduce the efficacy of the mask itself. It can also become an irritant to Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
Does hand sanitizer really kill bacteria and viruses?
Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Yes. Hand sanitizers that contain 60-95% alcohol or 0.13% benzalkonium chlorides are effective in killing bacteria and destroying viruses when used properly. Washing hands with soap and water remains the best way to rid your hands of disease-causing germs. And there are a few germs that hand sanitizer will not kill. However, when there Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Pandemic Dating
Socializing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
“We’re moving from pandemic to endemic.” We’re hearing this phrase tossed around more and more. In certain anti-science twitter circles, the hashtag #endemic is used as shorthand for the opinion that COVID-19 is overhyped, we’ve all been duped by the media into a hysteria over the pandemic; the vaccine is unnecessary; and everything should return Read more…
Tips for (Properly!) Washing a Cloth Mask
MasksLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
With many of us having trouble accessing or affording medical-grade masks, cloth masking remains a bedrock layer of protection for pandemic living. Dr. Cassandra Pierre, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, cautions that “a dirty or ‘soiled’ mask can reduce the efficacy of the mask itself. It can also become an irritant to Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
Does hand sanitizer really kill bacteria and viruses?
Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Yes. Hand sanitizers that contain 60-95% alcohol or 0.13% benzalkonium chlorides are effective in killing bacteria and destroying viruses when used properly. Washing hands with soap and water remains the best way to rid your hands of disease-causing germs. And there are a few germs that hand sanitizer will not kill. However, when there Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Pandemic Dating
Socializing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
With many of us having trouble accessing or affording medical-grade masks, cloth masking remains a bedrock layer of protection for pandemic living. Dr. Cassandra Pierre, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, cautions that “a dirty or ‘soiled’ mask can reduce the efficacy of the mask itself. It can also become an irritant to Read more…
What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling?
COVID Variants Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
Does hand sanitizer really kill bacteria and viruses?
Staying Safe
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Yes. Hand sanitizers that contain 60-95% alcohol or 0.13% benzalkonium chlorides are effective in killing bacteria and destroying viruses when used properly. Washing hands with soap and water remains the best way to rid your hands of disease-causing germs. And there are a few germs that hand sanitizer will not kill. However, when there Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Pandemic Dating
Socializing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
A: It’s a mixed bag—cases *have* fallen from their peak but have now plateaued at a high level. TL;DR: ➡️ Cases remain stuck at a high level in the UK, despite high vaccination rates (higher than the US). This speaks to the transmissibility of Delta and means things could get worse in the US. ➡️ Read more…
Does hand sanitizer really kill bacteria and viruses?
Staying SafeVerdena Jennings, DO
A: Yes. Hand sanitizers that contain 60-95% alcohol or 0.13% benzalkonium chlorides are effective in killing bacteria and destroying viruses when used properly. Washing hands with soap and water remains the best way to rid your hands of disease-causing germs. And there are a few germs that hand sanitizer will not kill. However, when there Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Pandemic Dating
Socializing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
A: Yes. Hand sanitizers that contain 60-95% alcohol or 0.13% benzalkonium chlorides are effective in killing bacteria and destroying viruses when used properly. Washing hands with soap and water remains the best way to rid your hands of disease-causing germs. And there are a few germs that hand sanitizer will not kill. However, when there Read more…
PANDEMIC SHERO ALERT!!!
UncategorizedAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Pandemic Dating
Socializing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
We want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout out 📣 to someone who has been on the ground making sure those in her community have access to factual COVID-19 information and vaccines!!! Dorothy Oliver owns a general store in Panola, Alabama and as a central figure in her community capitalized on the Read more…
Can you recommend good resources comprehensively tackling vaccine questions?
VaccinesLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Pandemic Dating
Socializing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
A: Yes! See below for a curated list. We know that many of you all are out there fighting the good fight – working hard to help spread evidence-based vaccine information and helping loved ones navigate lingering concerns. We’ve curated a list of non-partisan (and non-governmental) vaccine Q&A resources that we hope you will find Read more…
Pandemic Dating
SocializingLauren Hale, PhD MA
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
I’m single and in my late 30s … Pandemic dating is so hard… What is safe protocol for dating when you are in that “multiple first date” space because you haven’t found someone you want to go on multiple dates with yet?” Dating is hard in the best of times! Once you factor in a Read more…
How and why do viruses mutate?
Biology/Immunity COVID Variants VaccinesVijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
Q: What does this mean for future SARS-CoV-2 variants? A: After infection, the virus makes lots of copies of itself in the body which can lead to random changes (like typos) in the virus’ genetic code (mutations). While most mutations give no advantage to the virus, with enough chances for mutations, sometimes the virus hits Read more…
