What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech Will Soon Ask for Approval of Vaccine for 5 Years and Over
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Today’s news about vaccine for younger kids: From the article: “The makers of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will soon ask regulators to approve its use in children 5 years and over, and are getting ready to make smaller doses of the vaccine for younger children, according to one of the founders of BioNTech, the German company Read more…
How do I make an air purifier?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: The Corsi Air Box (sometimes called the Corsi-Rosenthal Cube or a Comparetto Cube) is the hot new trend in DIY air purifiers! See links below for instructions. With the return to in-person school for most US school children and many college students, we need to continue to use many layers of protection Read more…
Moderna Releases Data on mRNA Vaccine for 3 Respiratory Viruses
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What’s up with monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 infections?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The safety profile for monoclonal antibody treatment is very good. 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. Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are Read more…
What is the difference between ‘an additional primary dose’ and a ‘booster dose’?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. It’s a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. 👉🏽TL;DR. A Read more…
Coxsackieviruses: They’re almost as unpleasant as they sound!
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Does your under-5 child have a runny nose accompanied by a general tendency toward being absolutely and uncharacteristically miserable? Do they want nothing other than to whine and drink cold milk around the clock? Coxsackie! No, that’s not a swear; it’s the name of a family of viruses, and it might be the reason for Read more…
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…
A: Sadly, we are most likely UNDER-COUNTING Covid-19 deaths. While the official global death toll from Covid-19 is now 4.6 million, the actual toll is estimated to be close to 15.4 MILLION people. Among the most persistent COVID-19 myths is the idea that COVID-19 deaths are being over-counted, including stories of victims of motorcycle accidents Read more…
Pfizer-BioNTech Will Soon Ask for Approval of Vaccine for 5 Years and Over
Families/Kids VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Today’s news about vaccine for younger kids: From the article: “The makers of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will soon ask regulators to approve its use in children 5 years and over, and are getting ready to make smaller doses of the vaccine for younger children, according to one of the founders of BioNTech, the German company Read more…
How do I make an air purifier?
School Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: The Corsi Air Box (sometimes called the Corsi-Rosenthal Cube or a Comparetto Cube) is the hot new trend in DIY air purifiers! See links below for instructions. With the return to in-person school for most US school children and many college students, we need to continue to use many layers of protection Read more…
Moderna Releases Data on mRNA Vaccine for 3 Respiratory Viruses
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What’s up with monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 infections?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The safety profile for monoclonal antibody treatment is very good. 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. Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are Read more…
What is the difference between ‘an additional primary dose’ and a ‘booster dose’?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. It’s a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. 👉🏽TL;DR. A Read more…
Coxsackieviruses: They’re almost as unpleasant as they sound!
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Does your under-5 child have a runny nose accompanied by a general tendency toward being absolutely and uncharacteristically miserable? Do they want nothing other than to whine and drink cold milk around the clock? Coxsackie! No, that’s not a swear; it’s the name of a family of viruses, and it might be the reason for Read more…
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…
Today’s news about vaccine for younger kids: From the article: “The makers of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will soon ask regulators to approve its use in children 5 years and over, and are getting ready to make smaller doses of the vaccine for younger children, according to one of the founders of BioNTech, the German company Read more…
How do I make an air purifier?
School Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL; DR: The Corsi Air Box (sometimes called the Corsi-Rosenthal Cube or a Comparetto Cube) is the hot new trend in DIY air purifiers! See links below for instructions. With the return to in-person school for most US school children and many college students, we need to continue to use many layers of protection Read more…
Moderna Releases Data on mRNA Vaccine for 3 Respiratory Viruses
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What’s up with monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 infections?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The safety profile for monoclonal antibody treatment is very good. 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. Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are Read more…
What is the difference between ‘an additional primary dose’ and a ‘booster dose’?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. It’s a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. 👉🏽TL;DR. A Read more…
Coxsackieviruses: They’re almost as unpleasant as they sound!
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Does your under-5 child have a runny nose accompanied by a general tendency toward being absolutely and uncharacteristically miserable? Do they want nothing other than to whine and drink cold milk around the clock? Coxsackie! No, that’s not a swear; it’s the name of a family of viruses, and it might be the reason for Read more…
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…
A: TL; DR: The Corsi Air Box (sometimes called the Corsi-Rosenthal Cube or a Comparetto Cube) is the hot new trend in DIY air purifiers! See links below for instructions. With the return to in-person school for most US school children and many college students, we need to continue to use many layers of protection Read more…
Moderna Releases Data on mRNA Vaccine for 3 Respiratory Viruses
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What’s up with monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 infections?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
The safety profile for monoclonal antibody treatment is very good. 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. Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are Read more…
What is the difference between ‘an additional primary dose’ and a ‘booster dose’?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. It’s a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. 👉🏽TL;DR. A Read more…
Coxsackieviruses: They’re almost as unpleasant as they sound!
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Does your under-5 child have a runny nose accompanied by a general tendency toward being absolutely and uncharacteristically miserable? Do they want nothing other than to whine and drink cold milk around the clock? Coxsackie! No, that’s not a swear; it’s the name of a family of viruses, and it might be the reason for Read more…
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…
Good news image released today by Moderna, showing positive pre-clinical data (IN MICE!) for an mRNA vaccine that combines mRNA for 3 different respiratory viruses in 1 vaccine: COVID-19 + Flu + RSV. One silver lining of this terrible pandemic might be a huge leap forward in our scientific knowledge and specifically vaccine technology… let’s Read more…
What’s up with monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 infections?
TreatmentsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
The safety profile for monoclonal antibody treatment is very good. 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. Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are Read more…
What is the difference between ‘an additional primary dose’ and a ‘booster dose’?
Vaccines
Vijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. It’s a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. 👉🏽TL;DR. A Read more…
Coxsackieviruses: They’re almost as unpleasant as they sound!
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Does your under-5 child have a runny nose accompanied by a general tendency toward being absolutely and uncharacteristically miserable? Do they want nothing other than to whine and drink cold milk around the clock? Coxsackie! No, that’s not a swear; it’s the name of a family of viruses, and it might be the reason for Read more…
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…
The safety profile for monoclonal antibody treatment is very good. 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. Monoclonal antibody therapies use laboratory made antibodies that are Read more…
What is the difference between ‘an additional primary dose’ and a ‘booster dose’?
VaccinesVijaya Knight, MD PhD (D)ABMLI
A. It’s a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. 👉🏽TL;DR. A Read more…
Coxsackieviruses: They’re almost as unpleasant as they sound!
Infectious Diseases
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Does your under-5 child have a runny nose accompanied by a general tendency toward being absolutely and uncharacteristically miserable? Do they want nothing other than to whine and drink cold milk around the clock? Coxsackie! No, that’s not a swear; it’s the name of a family of viruses, and it might be the reason for Read more…
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…
A. It’s a subtle difference. A booster dose builds up waning immunity in people who made a good immune response to the first vaccine series. A third (or additional) dose helps people who did not make a good response to the first vaccine series and whose immune systems benefit from the additional dose. 👉🏽TL;DR. A Read more…
Coxsackieviruses: They’re almost as unpleasant as they sound!
Infectious DiseasesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Does your under-5 child have a runny nose accompanied by a general tendency toward being absolutely and uncharacteristically miserable? Do they want nothing other than to whine and drink cold milk around the clock? Coxsackie! No, that’s not a swear; it’s the name of a family of viruses, and it might be the reason for Read more…
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…
Does your under-5 child have a runny nose accompanied by a general tendency toward being absolutely and uncharacteristically miserable? Do they want nothing other than to whine and drink cold milk around the clock? Coxsackie! No, that’s not a swear; it’s the name of a family of viruses, and it might be the reason for Read more…
Is immunity from natural COVID infection “better” than vaccine immunity?
Biology/Immunity VaccinesJennifer 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
