Post-Election Uncertainty
Mental Health Uncertainty and MisinformationAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
It is the day after Election Day in the United States and perhaps many of you are feeling what we feel too: Uncertainty. For our families, for our friends and neighbors, and for our futures. Amidst this uncertainty, let us recommit to you and the work ahead. We are scientists, researchers, clinicians, leaders, and family Read more…
November 3, 2020
Election Day Is Here!
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
It’s Election Day in the US! Thank you to our wonderful Dear Pandemic community for joining us for a weekly series on voting – something near and dear to our Nerdy Girl hearts. To celebrate this important day, we wanted to re-share some of the key topics we’ve covered and remind you to VOTE if Read more…
November 2, 2020
Any “information hygiene” tips for tomorrow?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Don’t expect resolution on election night. Fact-check (!!!). Take a purposeful pause prior to sharing information. Background: Tomorrow’s going to be a rough day on the information frontlines. How can we prepare? Knowledge is power, and here’s what the experts* want us to know: First: Brace for the possibility that we won’t know the Read more…
November 1, 2020
If someone in my household has COVID-19, what are the chances I get it, too?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: About 50% (with all the usual caveats about averages and estimates). Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among household members is common, from both children and adults. Prompt isolation of cases is crucial, and all household members should wear masks in shared household spaces. While we all worry a lot about exposure to COVID-19 at large events, Read more…
October 31, 2020
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
October 31, 2020
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Grainger and Parkinson take your COVID questions! Today we tackled: ➡️ Intro + Halloween plans (:00 – 4:40) ➡️ Lightning round! (4:45 – 10:55) ➡️ Is it OK to have surgery? (11:00 – 16:30) ➡️ Hard truths re: Turkey Day (16:40 – 22:25) ➡️ Restaurants’ outdoor “dining domes” (22:30 – 27:39) ➡️ Risk-taking and Read more…
October 30, 2020
What can I do about my own anxiety when it seems like everyone is anxious right now?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Focus on what you can control and take it from there. There is a lot to feel anxious about right now. A recent survey from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests that nearly 2 in 3 respondents reported more anxiety this year than at the same time last year. And experts believe that uncertainty Read more…
October 30, 2020
What’s the risk of transmission if I’m sharing indoor space with an infected person? What can I do to reduce my risk?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Because the virus can travel in small aerosols that accumulate indoors, transmission risk is strongly related to crowded, poorly ventilated rooms with loud talking and no masks for long durations of time. This means you can greatly reduce your risk by following the Nerdy Girls #StaySMART principles: SPACE – Keep your distance (more than Read more…
October 29, 2020
My college-age son and several of his friends had COVID19 while they were away at school.
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Is it safe to allow them to spend a few days at our house over Thanksgiving? Can they still spread the virus? A: So long as your son (and friends) have been fever-free for 24 hours, it’s been at least 10 days since he was diagnosed, and his symptoms are getting better then you Read more…
October 29, 2020
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
October 28, 2020
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled Read more…
October 28, 2020
How do I safely take off, store, and reapply my mask?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Designate a CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE for your mask, USE THE STRINGS to put on and take off, and SANITIZE your hands and mask often. Evidence indicates wearing a mask reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Developing routines around mask wearing will help improve your practice of this useful harm reduction strategy. *CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE* The Read more…
October 27, 2020
How can I stay safe while voting in person?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…
It is the day after Election Day in the United States and perhaps many of you are feeling what we feel too: Uncertainty. For our families, for our friends and neighbors, and for our futures. Amidst this uncertainty, let us recommit to you and the work ahead. We are scientists, researchers, clinicians, leaders, and family Read more…
Election Day Is Here!
Staying SafeRebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
It’s Election Day in the US! Thank you to our wonderful Dear Pandemic community for joining us for a weekly series on voting – something near and dear to our Nerdy Girl hearts. To celebrate this important day, we wanted to re-share some of the key topics we’ve covered and remind you to VOTE if Read more…
November 2, 2020
Any “information hygiene” tips for tomorrow?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Don’t expect resolution on election night. Fact-check (!!!). Take a purposeful pause prior to sharing information. Background: Tomorrow’s going to be a rough day on the information frontlines. How can we prepare? Knowledge is power, and here’s what the experts* want us to know: First: Brace for the possibility that we won’t know the Read more…
November 1, 2020
If someone in my household has COVID-19, what are the chances I get it, too?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: About 50% (with all the usual caveats about averages and estimates). Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among household members is common, from both children and adults. Prompt isolation of cases is crucial, and all household members should wear masks in shared household spaces. While we all worry a lot about exposure to COVID-19 at large events, Read more…
October 31, 2020
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
October 31, 2020
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Grainger and Parkinson take your COVID questions! Today we tackled: ➡️ Intro + Halloween plans (:00 – 4:40) ➡️ Lightning round! (4:45 – 10:55) ➡️ Is it OK to have surgery? (11:00 – 16:30) ➡️ Hard truths re: Turkey Day (16:40 – 22:25) ➡️ Restaurants’ outdoor “dining domes” (22:30 – 27:39) ➡️ Risk-taking and Read more…
October 30, 2020
What can I do about my own anxiety when it seems like everyone is anxious right now?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Focus on what you can control and take it from there. There is a lot to feel anxious about right now. A recent survey from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests that nearly 2 in 3 respondents reported more anxiety this year than at the same time last year. And experts believe that uncertainty Read more…
October 30, 2020
What’s the risk of transmission if I’m sharing indoor space with an infected person? What can I do to reduce my risk?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Because the virus can travel in small aerosols that accumulate indoors, transmission risk is strongly related to crowded, poorly ventilated rooms with loud talking and no masks for long durations of time. This means you can greatly reduce your risk by following the Nerdy Girls #StaySMART principles: SPACE – Keep your distance (more than Read more…
October 29, 2020
My college-age son and several of his friends had COVID19 while they were away at school.
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Is it safe to allow them to spend a few days at our house over Thanksgiving? Can they still spread the virus? A: So long as your son (and friends) have been fever-free for 24 hours, it’s been at least 10 days since he was diagnosed, and his symptoms are getting better then you Read more…
October 29, 2020
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
October 28, 2020
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled Read more…
October 28, 2020
How do I safely take off, store, and reapply my mask?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Designate a CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE for your mask, USE THE STRINGS to put on and take off, and SANITIZE your hands and mask often. Evidence indicates wearing a mask reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Developing routines around mask wearing will help improve your practice of this useful harm reduction strategy. *CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE* The Read more…
October 27, 2020
How can I stay safe while voting in person?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…
It’s Election Day in the US! Thank you to our wonderful Dear Pandemic community for joining us for a weekly series on voting – something near and dear to our Nerdy Girl hearts. To celebrate this important day, we wanted to re-share some of the key topics we’ve covered and remind you to VOTE if Read more…
Any “information hygiene” tips for tomorrow?
Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Don’t expect resolution on election night. Fact-check (!!!). Take a purposeful pause prior to sharing information. Background: Tomorrow’s going to be a rough day on the information frontlines. How can we prepare? Knowledge is power, and here’s what the experts* want us to know: First: Brace for the possibility that we won’t know the Read more…
November 1, 2020
If someone in my household has COVID-19, what are the chances I get it, too?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: About 50% (with all the usual caveats about averages and estimates). Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among household members is common, from both children and adults. Prompt isolation of cases is crucial, and all household members should wear masks in shared household spaces. While we all worry a lot about exposure to COVID-19 at large events, Read more…
October 31, 2020
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
October 31, 2020
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Grainger and Parkinson take your COVID questions! Today we tackled: ➡️ Intro + Halloween plans (:00 – 4:40) ➡️ Lightning round! (4:45 – 10:55) ➡️ Is it OK to have surgery? (11:00 – 16:30) ➡️ Hard truths re: Turkey Day (16:40 – 22:25) ➡️ Restaurants’ outdoor “dining domes” (22:30 – 27:39) ➡️ Risk-taking and Read more…
October 30, 2020
What can I do about my own anxiety when it seems like everyone is anxious right now?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Focus on what you can control and take it from there. There is a lot to feel anxious about right now. A recent survey from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests that nearly 2 in 3 respondents reported more anxiety this year than at the same time last year. And experts believe that uncertainty Read more…
October 30, 2020
What’s the risk of transmission if I’m sharing indoor space with an infected person? What can I do to reduce my risk?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Because the virus can travel in small aerosols that accumulate indoors, transmission risk is strongly related to crowded, poorly ventilated rooms with loud talking and no masks for long durations of time. This means you can greatly reduce your risk by following the Nerdy Girls #StaySMART principles: SPACE – Keep your distance (more than Read more…
October 29, 2020
My college-age son and several of his friends had COVID19 while they were away at school.
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Is it safe to allow them to spend a few days at our house over Thanksgiving? Can they still spread the virus? A: So long as your son (and friends) have been fever-free for 24 hours, it’s been at least 10 days since he was diagnosed, and his symptoms are getting better then you Read more…
October 29, 2020
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
October 28, 2020
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled Read more…
October 28, 2020
How do I safely take off, store, and reapply my mask?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Designate a CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE for your mask, USE THE STRINGS to put on and take off, and SANITIZE your hands and mask often. Evidence indicates wearing a mask reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Developing routines around mask wearing will help improve your practice of this useful harm reduction strategy. *CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE* The Read more…
October 27, 2020
How can I stay safe while voting in person?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…
A: Don’t expect resolution on election night. Fact-check (!!!). Take a purposeful pause prior to sharing information. Background: Tomorrow’s going to be a rough day on the information frontlines. How can we prepare? Knowledge is power, and here’s what the experts* want us to know: First: Brace for the possibility that we won’t know the Read more…
If someone in my household has COVID-19, what are the chances I get it, too?
Families/Kids Infection and SpreadAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: About 50% (with all the usual caveats about averages and estimates). Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among household members is common, from both children and adults. Prompt isolation of cases is crucial, and all household members should wear masks in shared household spaces. While we all worry a lot about exposure to COVID-19 at large events, Read more…
October 31, 2020
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
October 31, 2020
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Grainger and Parkinson take your COVID questions! Today we tackled: ➡️ Intro + Halloween plans (:00 – 4:40) ➡️ Lightning round! (4:45 – 10:55) ➡️ Is it OK to have surgery? (11:00 – 16:30) ➡️ Hard truths re: Turkey Day (16:40 – 22:25) ➡️ Restaurants’ outdoor “dining domes” (22:30 – 27:39) ➡️ Risk-taking and Read more…
October 30, 2020
What can I do about my own anxiety when it seems like everyone is anxious right now?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Focus on what you can control and take it from there. There is a lot to feel anxious about right now. A recent survey from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests that nearly 2 in 3 respondents reported more anxiety this year than at the same time last year. And experts believe that uncertainty Read more…
October 30, 2020
What’s the risk of transmission if I’m sharing indoor space with an infected person? What can I do to reduce my risk?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Because the virus can travel in small aerosols that accumulate indoors, transmission risk is strongly related to crowded, poorly ventilated rooms with loud talking and no masks for long durations of time. This means you can greatly reduce your risk by following the Nerdy Girls #StaySMART principles: SPACE – Keep your distance (more than Read more…
October 29, 2020
My college-age son and several of his friends had COVID19 while they were away at school.
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Is it safe to allow them to spend a few days at our house over Thanksgiving? Can they still spread the virus? A: So long as your son (and friends) have been fever-free for 24 hours, it’s been at least 10 days since he was diagnosed, and his symptoms are getting better then you Read more…
October 29, 2020
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
October 28, 2020
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled Read more…
October 28, 2020
How do I safely take off, store, and reapply my mask?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Designate a CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE for your mask, USE THE STRINGS to put on and take off, and SANITIZE your hands and mask often. Evidence indicates wearing a mask reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Developing routines around mask wearing will help improve your practice of this useful harm reduction strategy. *CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE* The Read more…
October 27, 2020
How can I stay safe while voting in person?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…
A: About 50% (with all the usual caveats about averages and estimates). Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among household members is common, from both children and adults. Prompt isolation of cases is crucial, and all household members should wear masks in shared household spaces. While we all worry a lot about exposure to COVID-19 at large events, Read more…
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
October 31, 2020
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Grainger and Parkinson take your COVID questions! Today we tackled: ➡️ Intro + Halloween plans (:00 – 4:40) ➡️ Lightning round! (4:45 – 10:55) ➡️ Is it OK to have surgery? (11:00 – 16:30) ➡️ Hard truths re: Turkey Day (16:40 – 22:25) ➡️ Restaurants’ outdoor “dining domes” (22:30 – 27:39) ➡️ Risk-taking and Read more…
October 30, 2020
What can I do about my own anxiety when it seems like everyone is anxious right now?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Focus on what you can control and take it from there. There is a lot to feel anxious about right now. A recent survey from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests that nearly 2 in 3 respondents reported more anxiety this year than at the same time last year. And experts believe that uncertainty Read more…
October 30, 2020
What’s the risk of transmission if I’m sharing indoor space with an infected person? What can I do to reduce my risk?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Because the virus can travel in small aerosols that accumulate indoors, transmission risk is strongly related to crowded, poorly ventilated rooms with loud talking and no masks for long durations of time. This means you can greatly reduce your risk by following the Nerdy Girls #StaySMART principles: SPACE – Keep your distance (more than Read more…
October 29, 2020
My college-age son and several of his friends had COVID19 while they were away at school.
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Is it safe to allow them to spend a few days at our house over Thanksgiving? Can they still spread the virus? A: So long as your son (and friends) have been fever-free for 24 hours, it’s been at least 10 days since he was diagnosed, and his symptoms are getting better then you Read more…
October 29, 2020
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
October 28, 2020
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled Read more…
October 28, 2020
How do I safely take off, store, and reapply my mask?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Designate a CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE for your mask, USE THE STRINGS to put on and take off, and SANITIZE your hands and mask often. Evidence indicates wearing a mask reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Developing routines around mask wearing will help improve your practice of this useful harm reduction strategy. *CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE* The Read more…
October 27, 2020
How can I stay safe while voting in person?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Socializing Staying Safe VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Grainger and Parkinson take your COVID questions! Today we tackled: ➡️ Intro + Halloween plans (:00 – 4:40) ➡️ Lightning round! (4:45 – 10:55) ➡️ Is it OK to have surgery? (11:00 – 16:30) ➡️ Hard truths re: Turkey Day (16:40 – 22:25) ➡️ Restaurants’ outdoor “dining domes” (22:30 – 27:39) ➡️ Risk-taking and Read more…
October 30, 2020
What can I do about my own anxiety when it seems like everyone is anxious right now?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Focus on what you can control and take it from there. There is a lot to feel anxious about right now. A recent survey from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests that nearly 2 in 3 respondents reported more anxiety this year than at the same time last year. And experts believe that uncertainty Read more…
October 30, 2020
What’s the risk of transmission if I’m sharing indoor space with an infected person? What can I do to reduce my risk?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Because the virus can travel in small aerosols that accumulate indoors, transmission risk is strongly related to crowded, poorly ventilated rooms with loud talking and no masks for long durations of time. This means you can greatly reduce your risk by following the Nerdy Girls #StaySMART principles: SPACE – Keep your distance (more than Read more…
October 29, 2020
My college-age son and several of his friends had COVID19 while they were away at school.
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Is it safe to allow them to spend a few days at our house over Thanksgiving? Can they still spread the virus? A: So long as your son (and friends) have been fever-free for 24 hours, it’s been at least 10 days since he was diagnosed, and his symptoms are getting better then you Read more…
October 29, 2020
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
October 28, 2020
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled Read more…
October 28, 2020
How do I safely take off, store, and reapply my mask?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Designate a CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE for your mask, USE THE STRINGS to put on and take off, and SANITIZE your hands and mask often. Evidence indicates wearing a mask reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Developing routines around mask wearing will help improve your practice of this useful harm reduction strategy. *CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE* The Read more…
October 27, 2020
How can I stay safe while voting in person?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…
Drs. Grainger and Parkinson take your COVID questions! Today we tackled: ➡️ Intro + Halloween plans (:00 – 4:40) ➡️ Lightning round! (4:45 – 10:55) ➡️ Is it OK to have surgery? (11:00 – 16:30) ➡️ Hard truths re: Turkey Day (16:40 – 22:25) ➡️ Restaurants’ outdoor “dining domes” (22:30 – 27:39) ➡️ Risk-taking and Read more…
What can I do about my own anxiety when it seems like everyone is anxious right now?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Focus on what you can control and take it from there. There is a lot to feel anxious about right now. A recent survey from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests that nearly 2 in 3 respondents reported more anxiety this year than at the same time last year. And experts believe that uncertainty Read more…
October 30, 2020
What’s the risk of transmission if I’m sharing indoor space with an infected person? What can I do to reduce my risk?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Because the virus can travel in small aerosols that accumulate indoors, transmission risk is strongly related to crowded, poorly ventilated rooms with loud talking and no masks for long durations of time. This means you can greatly reduce your risk by following the Nerdy Girls #StaySMART principles: SPACE – Keep your distance (more than Read more…
October 29, 2020
My college-age son and several of his friends had COVID19 while they were away at school.
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Is it safe to allow them to spend a few days at our house over Thanksgiving? Can they still spread the virus? A: So long as your son (and friends) have been fever-free for 24 hours, it’s been at least 10 days since he was diagnosed, and his symptoms are getting better then you Read more…
October 29, 2020
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
October 28, 2020
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled Read more…
October 28, 2020
How do I safely take off, store, and reapply my mask?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Designate a CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE for your mask, USE THE STRINGS to put on and take off, and SANITIZE your hands and mask often. Evidence indicates wearing a mask reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Developing routines around mask wearing will help improve your practice of this useful harm reduction strategy. *CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE* The Read more…
October 27, 2020
How can I stay safe while voting in person?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…
A: Focus on what you can control and take it from there. There is a lot to feel anxious about right now. A recent survey from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests that nearly 2 in 3 respondents reported more anxiety this year than at the same time last year. And experts believe that uncertainty Read more…
What’s the risk of transmission if I’m sharing indoor space with an infected person? What can I do to reduce my risk?
Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Because the virus can travel in small aerosols that accumulate indoors, transmission risk is strongly related to crowded, poorly ventilated rooms with loud talking and no masks for long durations of time. This means you can greatly reduce your risk by following the Nerdy Girls #StaySMART principles: SPACE – Keep your distance (more than Read more…
October 29, 2020
My college-age son and several of his friends had COVID19 while they were away at school.
Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Is it safe to allow them to spend a few days at our house over Thanksgiving? Can they still spread the virus? A: So long as your son (and friends) have been fever-free for 24 hours, it’s been at least 10 days since he was diagnosed, and his symptoms are getting better then you Read more…
October 29, 2020
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
October 28, 2020
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled Read more…
October 28, 2020
How do I safely take off, store, and reapply my mask?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Designate a CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE for your mask, USE THE STRINGS to put on and take off, and SANITIZE your hands and mask often. Evidence indicates wearing a mask reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Developing routines around mask wearing will help improve your practice of this useful harm reduction strategy. *CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE* The Read more…
October 27, 2020
How can I stay safe while voting in person?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…
A: Because the virus can travel in small aerosols that accumulate indoors, transmission risk is strongly related to crowded, poorly ventilated rooms with loud talking and no masks for long durations of time. This means you can greatly reduce your risk by following the Nerdy Girls #StaySMART principles: SPACE – Keep your distance (more than Read more…
My college-age son and several of his friends had COVID19 while they were away at school.
Families/Kids Infection and SpreadMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Is it safe to allow them to spend a few days at our house over Thanksgiving? Can they still spread the virus? A: So long as your son (and friends) have been fever-free for 24 hours, it’s been at least 10 days since he was diagnosed, and his symptoms are getting better then you Read more…
October 29, 2020
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
October 28, 2020
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled Read more…
October 28, 2020
How do I safely take off, store, and reapply my mask?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Designate a CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE for your mask, USE THE STRINGS to put on and take off, and SANITIZE your hands and mask often. Evidence indicates wearing a mask reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Developing routines around mask wearing will help improve your practice of this useful harm reduction strategy. *CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE* The Read more…
October 27, 2020
How can I stay safe while voting in person?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…
Q: Is it safe to allow them to spend a few days at our house over Thanksgiving? Can they still spread the virus? A: So long as your son (and friends) have been fever-free for 24 hours, it’s been at least 10 days since he was diagnosed, and his symptoms are getting better then you Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact TracingAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
October 28, 2020
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled Read more…
October 28, 2020
How do I safely take off, store, and reapply my mask?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Designate a CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE for your mask, USE THE STRINGS to put on and take off, and SANITIZE your hands and mask often. Evidence indicates wearing a mask reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Developing routines around mask wearing will help improve your practice of this useful harm reduction strategy. *CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE* The Read more…
October 27, 2020
How can I stay safe while voting in person?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled Read more…
October 28, 2020
How do I safely take off, store, and reapply my mask?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Designate a CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE for your mask, USE THE STRINGS to put on and take off, and SANITIZE your hands and mask often. Evidence indicates wearing a mask reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Developing routines around mask wearing will help improve your practice of this useful harm reduction strategy. *CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE* The Read more…
October 27, 2020
How can I stay safe while voting in person?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…
A: Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled Read more…
How do I safely take off, store, and reapply my mask?
Masks Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Designate a CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE for your mask, USE THE STRINGS to put on and take off, and SANITIZE your hands and mask often. Evidence indicates wearing a mask reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Developing routines around mask wearing will help improve your practice of this useful harm reduction strategy. *CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE* The Read more…
October 27, 2020
How can I stay safe while voting in person?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…
A: Designate a CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE for your mask, USE THE STRINGS to put on and take off, and SANITIZE your hands and mask often. Evidence indicates wearing a mask reduces the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Developing routines around mask wearing will help improve your practice of this useful harm reduction strategy. *CLEAN SIDE/DIRTY SIDE* The Read more…
How can I stay safe while voting in person?
Staying SafeRebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…
A: Preparation is key! You CAN protect yourself and others while still exercising your right to vote. Whether you’re voting in person on or before Election Day, read on for what to prepare and how to stay safe while you’re there. While it is not ZERO risk, a few safety protocols can go a long Read more…