It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
Q: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Jennifer Beam Dowd will be tackling more pandemic questions from our readers. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org! We are *very* excited to announce that we have live closed captioning and #ASL interpretation available during the Read more…
Is there a timeline for vaccinations for children? Do the “herd immunity” projections include children?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Trials for children 12+ are currently in progress for both the Moderna (ages 12-17; still enrolling!) and Pfizer (ages 12-15; done enrolling!) vaccines with the most optimistic timeline for vaccine approval in kids 12+ by the start of the 2021 school year. Children will need to be vaccinated for us to achieve herd immunity, Read more…
Addressing vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Today we’d like to showcase an example of a strategy to address vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers. The linked video was made by Dr. Eain Murphy, a Bronx-born virologist, together with the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York (UFA), the union representing the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Dr. Murphy was a childhood Read more…
Is there any reason to avoid fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen with vaccine administration?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: It is generally recommended NOT to pretreat with fever reducers prior to vaccine administration, but if you develop a fever or feel uncomfortable after the vaccine you can take over the counter medicines. Pretreating may decrease the immune response to the vaccine. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen work by dampening the immune response. Ibuprofen is in Read more…
Can kids get “long COVID?”
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know, but it may be possible. People are described as having “long-Covid” or being a “long-hauler” if they continue to experience symptoms for weeks or even months. There are some case reports of children having prolonged symptoms after presumed COVID19 infection and much more research is needed to figure out how often Read more…
Dear Pandemic T-Shirts For Sale Until 1/31
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
If you’re nerdy and you know it, wear a Dear Pandemic t-shirt! Occasionally we offer our branded t-shirts for purchase by our community, and this is one of those opportunities to proudly display your support and your nerdiness. So, here’s the deal: Click the link below to order and pay for your very own t-shirts Read more…
COVID-19 in Jails and Prisons
Social and Racial Justice Vaccines
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
How can I cope with the constant state of change during the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: 🍃 Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread?
Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
Q: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Jennifer Beam Dowd will be tackling more pandemic questions from our readers. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org! We are *very* excited to announce that we have live closed captioning and #ASL interpretation available during the Read more…
Is there a timeline for vaccinations for children? Do the “herd immunity” projections include children?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Trials for children 12+ are currently in progress for both the Moderna (ages 12-17; still enrolling!) and Pfizer (ages 12-15; done enrolling!) vaccines with the most optimistic timeline for vaccine approval in kids 12+ by the start of the 2021 school year. Children will need to be vaccinated for us to achieve herd immunity, Read more…
Addressing vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Today we’d like to showcase an example of a strategy to address vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers. The linked video was made by Dr. Eain Murphy, a Bronx-born virologist, together with the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York (UFA), the union representing the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Dr. Murphy was a childhood Read more…
Is there any reason to avoid fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen with vaccine administration?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: It is generally recommended NOT to pretreat with fever reducers prior to vaccine administration, but if you develop a fever or feel uncomfortable after the vaccine you can take over the counter medicines. Pretreating may decrease the immune response to the vaccine. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen work by dampening the immune response. Ibuprofen is in Read more…
Can kids get “long COVID?”
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know, but it may be possible. People are described as having “long-Covid” or being a “long-hauler” if they continue to experience symptoms for weeks or even months. There are some case reports of children having prolonged symptoms after presumed COVID19 infection and much more research is needed to figure out how often Read more…
Dear Pandemic T-Shirts For Sale Until 1/31
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
If you’re nerdy and you know it, wear a Dear Pandemic t-shirt! Occasionally we offer our branded t-shirts for purchase by our community, and this is one of those opportunities to proudly display your support and your nerdiness. So, here’s the deal: Click the link below to order and pay for your very own t-shirts Read more…
COVID-19 in Jails and Prisons
Social and Racial Justice Vaccines
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
How can I cope with the constant state of change during the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: 🍃 Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread?
Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial JusticeQ: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Jennifer Beam Dowd will be tackling more pandemic questions from our readers. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org! We are *very* excited to announce that we have live closed captioning and #ASL interpretation available during the Read more…
Is there a timeline for vaccinations for children? Do the “herd immunity” projections include children?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Trials for children 12+ are currently in progress for both the Moderna (ages 12-17; still enrolling!) and Pfizer (ages 12-15; done enrolling!) vaccines with the most optimistic timeline for vaccine approval in kids 12+ by the start of the 2021 school year. Children will need to be vaccinated for us to achieve herd immunity, Read more…
Addressing vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Today we’d like to showcase an example of a strategy to address vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers. The linked video was made by Dr. Eain Murphy, a Bronx-born virologist, together with the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York (UFA), the union representing the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Dr. Murphy was a childhood Read more…
Is there any reason to avoid fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen with vaccine administration?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: It is generally recommended NOT to pretreat with fever reducers prior to vaccine administration, but if you develop a fever or feel uncomfortable after the vaccine you can take over the counter medicines. Pretreating may decrease the immune response to the vaccine. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen work by dampening the immune response. Ibuprofen is in Read more…
Can kids get “long COVID?”
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know, but it may be possible. People are described as having “long-Covid” or being a “long-hauler” if they continue to experience symptoms for weeks or even months. There are some case reports of children having prolonged symptoms after presumed COVID19 infection and much more research is needed to figure out how often Read more…
Dear Pandemic T-Shirts For Sale Until 1/31
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
If you’re nerdy and you know it, wear a Dear Pandemic t-shirt! Occasionally we offer our branded t-shirts for purchase by our community, and this is one of those opportunities to proudly display your support and your nerdiness. So, here’s the deal: Click the link below to order and pay for your very own t-shirts Read more…
COVID-19 in Jails and Prisons
Social and Racial Justice Vaccines
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
How can I cope with the constant state of change during the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: 🍃 Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread?
Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
UncategorizedMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Jennifer Beam Dowd will be tackling more pandemic questions from our readers. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org! We are *very* excited to announce that we have live closed captioning and #ASL interpretation available during the Read more…
Is there a timeline for vaccinations for children? Do the “herd immunity” projections include children?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Trials for children 12+ are currently in progress for both the Moderna (ages 12-17; still enrolling!) and Pfizer (ages 12-15; done enrolling!) vaccines with the most optimistic timeline for vaccine approval in kids 12+ by the start of the 2021 school year. Children will need to be vaccinated for us to achieve herd immunity, Read more…
Addressing vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Today we’d like to showcase an example of a strategy to address vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers. The linked video was made by Dr. Eain Murphy, a Bronx-born virologist, together with the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York (UFA), the union representing the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Dr. Murphy was a childhood Read more…
Is there any reason to avoid fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen with vaccine administration?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: It is generally recommended NOT to pretreat with fever reducers prior to vaccine administration, but if you develop a fever or feel uncomfortable after the vaccine you can take over the counter medicines. Pretreating may decrease the immune response to the vaccine. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen work by dampening the immune response. Ibuprofen is in Read more…
Can kids get “long COVID?”
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know, but it may be possible. People are described as having “long-Covid” or being a “long-hauler” if they continue to experience symptoms for weeks or even months. There are some case reports of children having prolonged symptoms after presumed COVID19 infection and much more research is needed to figure out how often Read more…
Dear Pandemic T-Shirts For Sale Until 1/31
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
If you’re nerdy and you know it, wear a Dear Pandemic t-shirt! Occasionally we offer our branded t-shirts for purchase by our community, and this is one of those opportunities to proudly display your support and your nerdiness. So, here’s the deal: Click the link below to order and pay for your very own t-shirts Read more…
COVID-19 in Jails and Prisons
Social and Racial Justice Vaccines
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
How can I cope with the constant state of change during the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: 🍃 Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread?
Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Masks Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Jennifer Beam Dowd will be tackling more pandemic questions from our readers. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org! We are *very* excited to announce that we have live closed captioning and #ASL interpretation available during the Read more…
Is there a timeline for vaccinations for children? Do the “herd immunity” projections include children?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Trials for children 12+ are currently in progress for both the Moderna (ages 12-17; still enrolling!) and Pfizer (ages 12-15; done enrolling!) vaccines with the most optimistic timeline for vaccine approval in kids 12+ by the start of the 2021 school year. Children will need to be vaccinated for us to achieve herd immunity, Read more…
Addressing vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Today we’d like to showcase an example of a strategy to address vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers. The linked video was made by Dr. Eain Murphy, a Bronx-born virologist, together with the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York (UFA), the union representing the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Dr. Murphy was a childhood Read more…
Is there any reason to avoid fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen with vaccine administration?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: It is generally recommended NOT to pretreat with fever reducers prior to vaccine administration, but if you develop a fever or feel uncomfortable after the vaccine you can take over the counter medicines. Pretreating may decrease the immune response to the vaccine. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen work by dampening the immune response. Ibuprofen is in Read more…
Can kids get “long COVID?”
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know, but it may be possible. People are described as having “long-Covid” or being a “long-hauler” if they continue to experience symptoms for weeks or even months. There are some case reports of children having prolonged symptoms after presumed COVID19 infection and much more research is needed to figure out how often Read more…
Dear Pandemic T-Shirts For Sale Until 1/31
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
If you’re nerdy and you know it, wear a Dear Pandemic t-shirt! Occasionally we offer our branded t-shirts for purchase by our community, and this is one of those opportunities to proudly display your support and your nerdiness. So, here’s the deal: Click the link below to order and pay for your very own t-shirts Read more…
COVID-19 in Jails and Prisons
Social and Racial Justice Vaccines
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
How can I cope with the constant state of change during the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: 🍃 Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread?
Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Jennifer Beam Dowd will be tackling more pandemic questions from our readers. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org! We are *very* excited to announce that we have live closed captioning and #ASL interpretation available during the Read more…
Is there a timeline for vaccinations for children? Do the “herd immunity” projections include children?
Biology/Immunity Families/Kids VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Trials for children 12+ are currently in progress for both the Moderna (ages 12-17; still enrolling!) and Pfizer (ages 12-15; done enrolling!) vaccines with the most optimistic timeline for vaccine approval in kids 12+ by the start of the 2021 school year. Children will need to be vaccinated for us to achieve herd immunity, Read more…
Addressing vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Today we’d like to showcase an example of a strategy to address vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers. The linked video was made by Dr. Eain Murphy, a Bronx-born virologist, together with the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York (UFA), the union representing the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Dr. Murphy was a childhood Read more…
Is there any reason to avoid fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen with vaccine administration?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: It is generally recommended NOT to pretreat with fever reducers prior to vaccine administration, but if you develop a fever or feel uncomfortable after the vaccine you can take over the counter medicines. Pretreating may decrease the immune response to the vaccine. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen work by dampening the immune response. Ibuprofen is in Read more…
Can kids get “long COVID?”
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know, but it may be possible. People are described as having “long-Covid” or being a “long-hauler” if they continue to experience symptoms for weeks or even months. There are some case reports of children having prolonged symptoms after presumed COVID19 infection and much more research is needed to figure out how often Read more…
Dear Pandemic T-Shirts For Sale Until 1/31
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
If you’re nerdy and you know it, wear a Dear Pandemic t-shirt! Occasionally we offer our branded t-shirts for purchase by our community, and this is one of those opportunities to proudly display your support and your nerdiness. So, here’s the deal: Click the link below to order and pay for your very own t-shirts Read more…
COVID-19 in Jails and Prisons
Social and Racial Justice Vaccines
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
How can I cope with the constant state of change during the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: 🍃 Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread?
Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
A: Trials for children 12+ are currently in progress for both the Moderna (ages 12-17; still enrolling!) and Pfizer (ages 12-15; done enrolling!) vaccines with the most optimistic timeline for vaccine approval in kids 12+ by the start of the 2021 school year. Children will need to be vaccinated for us to achieve herd immunity, Read more…
Addressing vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Today we’d like to showcase an example of a strategy to address vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers. The linked video was made by Dr. Eain Murphy, a Bronx-born virologist, together with the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York (UFA), the union representing the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Dr. Murphy was a childhood Read more…
Is there any reason to avoid fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen with vaccine administration?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: It is generally recommended NOT to pretreat with fever reducers prior to vaccine administration, but if you develop a fever or feel uncomfortable after the vaccine you can take over the counter medicines. Pretreating may decrease the immune response to the vaccine. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen work by dampening the immune response. Ibuprofen is in Read more…
Can kids get “long COVID?”
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know, but it may be possible. People are described as having “long-Covid” or being a “long-hauler” if they continue to experience symptoms for weeks or even months. There are some case reports of children having prolonged symptoms after presumed COVID19 infection and much more research is needed to figure out how often Read more…
Dear Pandemic T-Shirts For Sale Until 1/31
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
If you’re nerdy and you know it, wear a Dear Pandemic t-shirt! Occasionally we offer our branded t-shirts for purchase by our community, and this is one of those opportunities to proudly display your support and your nerdiness. So, here’s the deal: Click the link below to order and pay for your very own t-shirts Read more…
COVID-19 in Jails and Prisons
Social and Racial Justice Vaccines
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
How can I cope with the constant state of change during the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: 🍃 Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread?
Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
Today we’d like to showcase an example of a strategy to address vaccine-related misinformation among essential workers. The linked video was made by Dr. Eain Murphy, a Bronx-born virologist, together with the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York (UFA), the union representing the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Dr. Murphy was a childhood Read more…
Is there any reason to avoid fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen with vaccine administration?
VaccinesMichelle Kinder, PhD
A: It is generally recommended NOT to pretreat with fever reducers prior to vaccine administration, but if you develop a fever or feel uncomfortable after the vaccine you can take over the counter medicines. Pretreating may decrease the immune response to the vaccine. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen work by dampening the immune response. Ibuprofen is in Read more…
Can kids get “long COVID?”
Clinical Symptoms Families/Kids
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know, but it may be possible. People are described as having “long-Covid” or being a “long-hauler” if they continue to experience symptoms for weeks or even months. There are some case reports of children having prolonged symptoms after presumed COVID19 infection and much more research is needed to figure out how often Read more…
Dear Pandemic T-Shirts For Sale Until 1/31
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
If you’re nerdy and you know it, wear a Dear Pandemic t-shirt! Occasionally we offer our branded t-shirts for purchase by our community, and this is one of those opportunities to proudly display your support and your nerdiness. So, here’s the deal: Click the link below to order and pay for your very own t-shirts Read more…
COVID-19 in Jails and Prisons
Social and Racial Justice Vaccines
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
How can I cope with the constant state of change during the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: 🍃 Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread?
Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
A: It is generally recommended NOT to pretreat with fever reducers prior to vaccine administration, but if you develop a fever or feel uncomfortable after the vaccine you can take over the counter medicines. Pretreating may decrease the immune response to the vaccine. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen work by dampening the immune response. Ibuprofen is in Read more…
Can kids get “long COVID?”
Clinical Symptoms Families/KidsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know, but it may be possible. People are described as having “long-Covid” or being a “long-hauler” if they continue to experience symptoms for weeks or even months. There are some case reports of children having prolonged symptoms after presumed COVID19 infection and much more research is needed to figure out how often Read more…
Dear Pandemic T-Shirts For Sale Until 1/31
Uncategorized
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
If you’re nerdy and you know it, wear a Dear Pandemic t-shirt! Occasionally we offer our branded t-shirts for purchase by our community, and this is one of those opportunities to proudly display your support and your nerdiness. So, here’s the deal: Click the link below to order and pay for your very own t-shirts Read more…
COVID-19 in Jails and Prisons
Social and Racial Justice Vaccines
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
How can I cope with the constant state of change during the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: 🍃 Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread?
Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
A: We don’t know, but it may be possible. People are described as having “long-Covid” or being a “long-hauler” if they continue to experience symptoms for weeks or even months. There are some case reports of children having prolonged symptoms after presumed COVID19 infection and much more research is needed to figure out how often Read more…
Dear Pandemic T-Shirts For Sale Until 1/31
UncategorizedGretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
If you’re nerdy and you know it, wear a Dear Pandemic t-shirt! Occasionally we offer our branded t-shirts for purchase by our community, and this is one of those opportunities to proudly display your support and your nerdiness. So, here’s the deal: Click the link below to order and pay for your very own t-shirts Read more…
COVID-19 in Jails and Prisons
Social and Racial Justice Vaccines
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
How can I cope with the constant state of change during the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: 🍃 Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread?
Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
If you’re nerdy and you know it, wear a Dear Pandemic t-shirt! Occasionally we offer our branded t-shirts for purchase by our community, and this is one of those opportunities to proudly display your support and your nerdiness. So, here’s the deal: Click the link below to order and pay for your very own t-shirts Read more…
COVID-19 in Jails and Prisons
Social and Racial Justice VaccinesLauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
How can I cope with the constant state of change during the pandemic?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: 🍃 Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread?
Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
How can I cope with the constant state of change during the pandemic?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: 🍃 Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread?
Infection and Spread School
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
A: 🍃 Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread?
Infection and Spread SchoolJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
A: It’s complicated. TL;DR: Two new well-designed studies find evidence that in-person schooling *does not* contribute to COVID spread when baseline community spread is LOW, but that in-person schooling *does* contribute to worsening COVID metrics when baseline COVID transmission is high. Thus far the research on schools and COVID-19 has been quite muddy, but two Read more…
