Why don’t we know whether vaccinated people can still spread the virus?
Infection and Spread Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
Q: What is holding us back from knowing whether those who have been vaccinated can still be carriers of the virus and spread it to others? A: COVID-19 vaccine trials were designed to measure how well they protect people from developing moderate to severe disease, not how well they prevent spread of the virus to Read more…
February 13, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Masks Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Ashley Ritter and Malia Jones will be taking questions about pantyhose, vaccine safety, herd immunity, & keeping kids safer. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:03) ➡️ Should we be wearing nylon pantyhose over Read more…
February 12, 2021
Any updates on the vaccine’s efficacy against the new variants?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, and there’s reason for cautious optimism! In a recently published pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed), the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appeared to generate a strong antibody response against the tested variants, including B1.1.7 (first identified in the UK) and B1.351 (first identified in South Africa). But these promising findings were primarily found among subjects vaccinated with Read more…
February 12, 2021
Talk Money with Your Honey
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: The last year has been tough financially for my family, and now, in addition to worrying about health, we’re fighting about money. A: This Valentine’s Day, forget flowers. Talk money with your honey (or have a heart-to-heart with yourself) about setting up an emergency fund, rethinking your budget and planning what’s next for your Read more…
February 11, 2021
What’s up with varying vaccine side effects?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Q: I took my second Pfizer vaccine along with several friends and my mom. We all had minimal to no side effects. Is that worrisome that it didn’t “take”? Do side effects frequency vary with age or by vaccine? A: Good questions! So glad you got your shot! While “reactogenicity” symptoms are common, not having Read more…
February 11, 2021
What’s up with the new CDC mask study?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Good news, double-masking or tightening up ear loops works! Remember the key features of effective masking: FILTERING and FIT. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new experimental study testing ways to improve mask fit for cloth and medical masks to reduce leakage around the edges. Using mannequin “headforms” and Read more…
February 10, 2021
Can a common asthma treatment also treat COVID-19?
Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: New clues are hopeful! Alas we can’t yet declare “case closed.” New data out of Oxford suggest that the inhaled drug budesonide* may greatly reduce hospitalization risk for COVID-19 patients when used within one week of symptom onset. As noted in the press release: “The 28-day study of 146 patients suggested that inhaled budesonide Read more…
February 10, 2021
Tips for Improving Communication While Masked
Masks Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: I’m having a hard time hearing. Any tips for improving communication while masked? A: We can’t ditch the masks but we can slow down our conversations, speak up, and add additional tools to improve communication. Universal efforts to improve masked communication aim to keep everyone engaged, regardless of their hearing abilities. Hearing difficulty in Read more…
February 9, 2021
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
February 9, 2021
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
February 8, 2021
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
February 8, 2021
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
February 7, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
February 6, 2021
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
Q: What is holding us back from knowing whether those who have been vaccinated can still be carriers of the virus and spread it to others? A: COVID-19 vaccine trials were designed to measure how well they protect people from developing moderate to severe disease, not how well they prevent spread of the virus to Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Data and Metrics Families/Kids Masks Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Ashley Ritter and Malia Jones will be taking questions about pantyhose, vaccine safety, herd immunity, & keeping kids safer. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:03) ➡️ Should we be wearing nylon pantyhose over Read more…
February 12, 2021
Any updates on the vaccine’s efficacy against the new variants?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, and there’s reason for cautious optimism! In a recently published pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed), the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appeared to generate a strong antibody response against the tested variants, including B1.1.7 (first identified in the UK) and B1.351 (first identified in South Africa). But these promising findings were primarily found among subjects vaccinated with Read more…
February 12, 2021
Talk Money with Your Honey
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: The last year has been tough financially for my family, and now, in addition to worrying about health, we’re fighting about money. A: This Valentine’s Day, forget flowers. Talk money with your honey (or have a heart-to-heart with yourself) about setting up an emergency fund, rethinking your budget and planning what’s next for your Read more…
February 11, 2021
What’s up with varying vaccine side effects?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Q: I took my second Pfizer vaccine along with several friends and my mom. We all had minimal to no side effects. Is that worrisome that it didn’t “take”? Do side effects frequency vary with age or by vaccine? A: Good questions! So glad you got your shot! While “reactogenicity” symptoms are common, not having Read more…
February 11, 2021
What’s up with the new CDC mask study?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Good news, double-masking or tightening up ear loops works! Remember the key features of effective masking: FILTERING and FIT. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new experimental study testing ways to improve mask fit for cloth and medical masks to reduce leakage around the edges. Using mannequin “headforms” and Read more…
February 10, 2021
Can a common asthma treatment also treat COVID-19?
Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: New clues are hopeful! Alas we can’t yet declare “case closed.” New data out of Oxford suggest that the inhaled drug budesonide* may greatly reduce hospitalization risk for COVID-19 patients when used within one week of symptom onset. As noted in the press release: “The 28-day study of 146 patients suggested that inhaled budesonide Read more…
February 10, 2021
Tips for Improving Communication While Masked
Masks Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: I’m having a hard time hearing. Any tips for improving communication while masked? A: We can’t ditch the masks but we can slow down our conversations, speak up, and add additional tools to improve communication. Universal efforts to improve masked communication aim to keep everyone engaged, regardless of their hearing abilities. Hearing difficulty in Read more…
February 9, 2021
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
February 9, 2021
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
February 8, 2021
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
February 8, 2021
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
February 7, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
February 6, 2021
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Ashley Ritter and Malia Jones will be taking questions about pantyhose, vaccine safety, herd immunity, & keeping kids safer. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:03) ➡️ Should we be wearing nylon pantyhose over Read more…
Any updates on the vaccine’s efficacy against the new variants?
Vaccines
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
A. Yes, and there’s reason for cautious optimism! In a recently published pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed), the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appeared to generate a strong antibody response against the tested variants, including B1.1.7 (first identified in the UK) and B1.351 (first identified in South Africa). But these promising findings were primarily found among subjects vaccinated with Read more…
February 12, 2021
Talk Money with Your Honey
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: The last year has been tough financially for my family, and now, in addition to worrying about health, we’re fighting about money. A: This Valentine’s Day, forget flowers. Talk money with your honey (or have a heart-to-heart with yourself) about setting up an emergency fund, rethinking your budget and planning what’s next for your Read more…
February 11, 2021
What’s up with varying vaccine side effects?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Q: I took my second Pfizer vaccine along with several friends and my mom. We all had minimal to no side effects. Is that worrisome that it didn’t “take”? Do side effects frequency vary with age or by vaccine? A: Good questions! So glad you got your shot! While “reactogenicity” symptoms are common, not having Read more…
February 11, 2021
What’s up with the new CDC mask study?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Good news, double-masking or tightening up ear loops works! Remember the key features of effective masking: FILTERING and FIT. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new experimental study testing ways to improve mask fit for cloth and medical masks to reduce leakage around the edges. Using mannequin “headforms” and Read more…
February 10, 2021
Can a common asthma treatment also treat COVID-19?
Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: New clues are hopeful! Alas we can’t yet declare “case closed.” New data out of Oxford suggest that the inhaled drug budesonide* may greatly reduce hospitalization risk for COVID-19 patients when used within one week of symptom onset. As noted in the press release: “The 28-day study of 146 patients suggested that inhaled budesonide Read more…
February 10, 2021
Tips for Improving Communication While Masked
Masks Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: I’m having a hard time hearing. Any tips for improving communication while masked? A: We can’t ditch the masks but we can slow down our conversations, speak up, and add additional tools to improve communication. Universal efforts to improve masked communication aim to keep everyone engaged, regardless of their hearing abilities. Hearing difficulty in Read more…
February 9, 2021
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
February 9, 2021
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
February 8, 2021
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
February 8, 2021
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
February 7, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
February 6, 2021
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
A. Yes, and there’s reason for cautious optimism! In a recently published pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed), the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appeared to generate a strong antibody response against the tested variants, including B1.1.7 (first identified in the UK) and B1.351 (first identified in South Africa). But these promising findings were primarily found among subjects vaccinated with Read more…
Talk Money with Your Honey
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: The last year has been tough financially for my family, and now, in addition to worrying about health, we’re fighting about money. A: This Valentine’s Day, forget flowers. Talk money with your honey (or have a heart-to-heart with yourself) about setting up an emergency fund, rethinking your budget and planning what’s next for your Read more…
February 11, 2021
What’s up with varying vaccine side effects?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Q: I took my second Pfizer vaccine along with several friends and my mom. We all had minimal to no side effects. Is that worrisome that it didn’t “take”? Do side effects frequency vary with age or by vaccine? A: Good questions! So glad you got your shot! While “reactogenicity” symptoms are common, not having Read more…
February 11, 2021
What’s up with the new CDC mask study?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Good news, double-masking or tightening up ear loops works! Remember the key features of effective masking: FILTERING and FIT. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new experimental study testing ways to improve mask fit for cloth and medical masks to reduce leakage around the edges. Using mannequin “headforms” and Read more…
February 10, 2021
Can a common asthma treatment also treat COVID-19?
Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: New clues are hopeful! Alas we can’t yet declare “case closed.” New data out of Oxford suggest that the inhaled drug budesonide* may greatly reduce hospitalization risk for COVID-19 patients when used within one week of symptom onset. As noted in the press release: “The 28-day study of 146 patients suggested that inhaled budesonide Read more…
February 10, 2021
Tips for Improving Communication While Masked
Masks Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: I’m having a hard time hearing. Any tips for improving communication while masked? A: We can’t ditch the masks but we can slow down our conversations, speak up, and add additional tools to improve communication. Universal efforts to improve masked communication aim to keep everyone engaged, regardless of their hearing abilities. Hearing difficulty in Read more…
February 9, 2021
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
February 9, 2021
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
February 8, 2021
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
February 8, 2021
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
February 7, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
February 6, 2021
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
Q: The last year has been tough financially for my family, and now, in addition to worrying about health, we’re fighting about money. A: This Valentine’s Day, forget flowers. Talk money with your honey (or have a heart-to-heart with yourself) about setting up an emergency fund, rethinking your budget and planning what’s next for your Read more…
What’s up with varying vaccine side effects?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Q: I took my second Pfizer vaccine along with several friends and my mom. We all had minimal to no side effects. Is that worrisome that it didn’t “take”? Do side effects frequency vary with age or by vaccine? A: Good questions! So glad you got your shot! While “reactogenicity” symptoms are common, not having Read more…
February 11, 2021
What’s up with the new CDC mask study?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Good news, double-masking or tightening up ear loops works! Remember the key features of effective masking: FILTERING and FIT. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new experimental study testing ways to improve mask fit for cloth and medical masks to reduce leakage around the edges. Using mannequin “headforms” and Read more…
February 10, 2021
Can a common asthma treatment also treat COVID-19?
Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: New clues are hopeful! Alas we can’t yet declare “case closed.” New data out of Oxford suggest that the inhaled drug budesonide* may greatly reduce hospitalization risk for COVID-19 patients when used within one week of symptom onset. As noted in the press release: “The 28-day study of 146 patients suggested that inhaled budesonide Read more…
February 10, 2021
Tips for Improving Communication While Masked
Masks Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: I’m having a hard time hearing. Any tips for improving communication while masked? A: We can’t ditch the masks but we can slow down our conversations, speak up, and add additional tools to improve communication. Universal efforts to improve masked communication aim to keep everyone engaged, regardless of their hearing abilities. Hearing difficulty in Read more…
February 9, 2021
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
February 9, 2021
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
February 8, 2021
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
February 8, 2021
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
February 7, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
February 6, 2021
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
Q: I took my second Pfizer vaccine along with several friends and my mom. We all had minimal to no side effects. Is that worrisome that it didn’t “take”? Do side effects frequency vary with age or by vaccine? A: Good questions! So glad you got your shot! While “reactogenicity” symptoms are common, not having Read more…
What’s up with the new CDC mask study?
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Good news, double-masking or tightening up ear loops works! Remember the key features of effective masking: FILTERING and FIT. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new experimental study testing ways to improve mask fit for cloth and medical masks to reduce leakage around the edges. Using mannequin “headforms” and Read more…
February 10, 2021
Can a common asthma treatment also treat COVID-19?
Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: New clues are hopeful! Alas we can’t yet declare “case closed.” New data out of Oxford suggest that the inhaled drug budesonide* may greatly reduce hospitalization risk for COVID-19 patients when used within one week of symptom onset. As noted in the press release: “The 28-day study of 146 patients suggested that inhaled budesonide Read more…
February 10, 2021
Tips for Improving Communication While Masked
Masks Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: I’m having a hard time hearing. Any tips for improving communication while masked? A: We can’t ditch the masks but we can slow down our conversations, speak up, and add additional tools to improve communication. Universal efforts to improve masked communication aim to keep everyone engaged, regardless of their hearing abilities. Hearing difficulty in Read more…
February 9, 2021
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
February 9, 2021
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
February 8, 2021
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
February 8, 2021
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
February 7, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
February 6, 2021
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
A: Good news, double-masking or tightening up ear loops works! Remember the key features of effective masking: FILTERING and FIT. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new experimental study testing ways to improve mask fit for cloth and medical masks to reduce leakage around the edges. Using mannequin “headforms” and Read more…
Can a common asthma treatment also treat COVID-19?
Treatments
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: New clues are hopeful! Alas we can’t yet declare “case closed.” New data out of Oxford suggest that the inhaled drug budesonide* may greatly reduce hospitalization risk for COVID-19 patients when used within one week of symptom onset. As noted in the press release: “The 28-day study of 146 patients suggested that inhaled budesonide Read more…
February 10, 2021
Tips for Improving Communication While Masked
Masks Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: I’m having a hard time hearing. Any tips for improving communication while masked? A: We can’t ditch the masks but we can slow down our conversations, speak up, and add additional tools to improve communication. Universal efforts to improve masked communication aim to keep everyone engaged, regardless of their hearing abilities. Hearing difficulty in Read more…
February 9, 2021
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
February 9, 2021
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
February 8, 2021
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
February 8, 2021
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
February 7, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
February 6, 2021
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
A: New clues are hopeful! Alas we can’t yet declare “case closed.” New data out of Oxford suggest that the inhaled drug budesonide* may greatly reduce hospitalization risk for COVID-19 patients when used within one week of symptom onset. As noted in the press release: “The 28-day study of 146 patients suggested that inhaled budesonide Read more…
Tips for Improving Communication While Masked
Masks Socializing
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Q: I’m having a hard time hearing. Any tips for improving communication while masked? A: We can’t ditch the masks but we can slow down our conversations, speak up, and add additional tools to improve communication. Universal efforts to improve masked communication aim to keep everyone engaged, regardless of their hearing abilities. Hearing difficulty in Read more…
February 9, 2021
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
February 9, 2021
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
February 8, 2021
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
February 8, 2021
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
February 7, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
February 6, 2021
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
Q: I’m having a hard time hearing. Any tips for improving communication while masked? A: We can’t ditch the masks but we can slow down our conversations, speak up, and add additional tools to improve communication. Universal efforts to improve masked communication aim to keep everyone engaged, regardless of their hearing abilities. Hearing difficulty in Read more…
Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
February 9, 2021
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
February 8, 2021
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
February 8, 2021
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
February 7, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
February 6, 2021
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
A: Realistically, no. Biologically, the chances of long-term effects are vanishingly small. TL;DR: Serious vaccine side effects are exceedingly rare and occur hours or days after vaccination, not months or years. The risk of infection and long-term health effects of COVID-19 infection are high and very real. We *really* feel the sentiment behind this common Read more…
Donating Blood After COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
February 8, 2021
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
February 8, 2021
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
February 7, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
February 6, 2021
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
Q: I just received the first Pfizer vaccination dose today and am scheduled to donate double red blood cells in one week. Should I reschedule? Will donating blood impact the success of the vaccination? A: According to the American Red Cross, if you received the Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Novavax, or AstraZeneca vaccine and are you’re Read more…
Cyber Attack on Your Local Epidemiologist
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
February 8, 2021
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
February 7, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
February 6, 2021
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
A special message from the author of Your Local Epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. She has personally asked Dear Pandemic to post this, and it’s also available on her blog (which has NOT been hijacked, and you should go check it out! THE SHOW MUST GO ON. As many of you already know, last Thursday there Read more…
Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
February 7, 2021
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
February 6, 2021
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
A: No, but a small trial of this approach has just begun in the UK. What is a mix and match strategy? This refers using different types of vaccines for the first and second dose. While some incorrect headlines a few weeks back suggested the UK was adopting this strategy, in fact their guidelines merely Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
February 6, 2021
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
Time to meet another Nerdy Girl! Introducing Dr. Shoshana Aronowitz, PhD, FNP-BC, MSN, RN. Dr. Aronowitz is a researcher and clinician studying low-barrier substance use treatment, innovative delivery of harm reduction supplies, racial disparities in pain treatment in the context of the overdose crisis, the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare, and reproductive/sexual health. Here Read more…
Are you ready for some football?!!!
Socializing Staying Safe
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
February 6, 2021
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
A: Yes, and the safest option for enjoying the Super Bowl this year is to watch with members of your own household. Several of the Nerdy Girls are BIG football fans while others of us didn’t even realize it was Super Bowl weekend (oops!) but are still excited for the snacks and commercials. As much Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing Videos
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
February 5, 2021
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Aparna Kumar and Christine Whelan will be joined by Lauren Ross, founder of Project Village! We’ll be tackling questions from our readers about mental health and community in the pandemic. If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, Read more…
What effects does too much screen time have on our eyes?
Families/Kids School
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…
Q.) My family is staring at screens all day now. What are the effects on our eyes? What can we do about it? A.) Eye doctors are indicating that increased time on screens is related to vision changes, dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. Here are some ocular health tips for you and Read more…