Home poop tests anyone?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: I’ve heard that some colleges are testing wastewater from dorms to find out if there is Covid. Does this mean there could be accurate(ish) home fecal tests in our future? I can’t decide if I want the answer to be yes or no. A. The Nerdy Girls support innovation, accuracy, affordability, and accessibility. And Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Is this pandemic worse for extroverts than for introverts?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: And what can each personality type do to stay mentally healthy right now? A: The emotional toll of the pandemic has been tough on both extroverts and introverts. Research tells us taking a growth-mindset approach to personality is the healthiest way to stay flexible, and that communication about your socio-emotional needs is more important Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
I have been managing as well as can be expected during this pandemic, but lately I have been feeling angry.
Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: A lot of it has to do with other people not taking COVID-19 as seriously as me. What can I do? A: Feel all the feels, engage in meaningful interactions, and focus on you. 😤 FEEL ALL THE FEELS: Remember the movie Inside Out? Joy, sadness, anger, grief, and disgust all have a role Read more…
Should I double mask?!
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to yes. 🎱 TL;DR: In situations where you can’t avoid crowded indoor spaces such as shopping or traveling, double masking with a tighter fitting cloth mask over a medical mask can provide extra protection. We’ve all heard by now that the new B117 variant may be more transmissible, possibly via its ability Read more…
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
Q: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
Q: I’ve heard that some colleges are testing wastewater from dorms to find out if there is Covid. Does this mean there could be accurate(ish) home fecal tests in our future? I can’t decide if I want the answer to be yes or no. A. The Nerdy Girls support innovation, accuracy, affordability, and accessibility. And Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Masks Vaccines VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Is this pandemic worse for extroverts than for introverts?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: And what can each personality type do to stay mentally healthy right now? A: The emotional toll of the pandemic has been tough on both extroverts and introverts. Research tells us taking a growth-mindset approach to personality is the healthiest way to stay flexible, and that communication about your socio-emotional needs is more important Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
I have been managing as well as can be expected during this pandemic, but lately I have been feeling angry.
Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: A lot of it has to do with other people not taking COVID-19 as seriously as me. What can I do? A: Feel all the feels, engage in meaningful interactions, and focus on you. 😤 FEEL ALL THE FEELS: Remember the movie Inside Out? Joy, sadness, anger, grief, and disgust all have a role Read more…
Should I double mask?!
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to yes. 🎱 TL;DR: In situations where you can’t avoid crowded indoor spaces such as shopping or traveling, double masking with a tighter fitting cloth mask over a medical mask can provide extra protection. We’ve all heard by now that the new B117 variant may be more transmissible, possibly via its ability Read more…
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
Q: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
In this live Q&A, Dear Pandemic contributing scientists Drs. Malia Jones & Michelle Kinder will be tackling questions from our readers about the different kinds of vaccines, vaccine side effects, and questions about masks! If you have a question, put it in our question box at www.dearpandemic.org. ➡️ Welcome, Intros, and Announcements (0:00-2:10) ➡️ Explainer Read more…
Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Is this pandemic worse for extroverts than for introverts?
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
Q: And what can each personality type do to stay mentally healthy right now? A: The emotional toll of the pandemic has been tough on both extroverts and introverts. Research tells us taking a growth-mindset approach to personality is the healthiest way to stay flexible, and that communication about your socio-emotional needs is more important Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
I have been managing as well as can be expected during this pandemic, but lately I have been feeling angry.
Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: A lot of it has to do with other people not taking COVID-19 as seriously as me. What can I do? A: Feel all the feels, engage in meaningful interactions, and focus on you. 😤 FEEL ALL THE FEELS: Remember the movie Inside Out? Joy, sadness, anger, grief, and disgust all have a role Read more…
Should I double mask?!
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to yes. 🎱 TL;DR: In situations where you can’t avoid crowded indoor spaces such as shopping or traveling, double masking with a tighter fitting cloth mask over a medical mask can provide extra protection. We’ve all heard by now that the new B117 variant may be more transmissible, possibly via its ability Read more…
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
Q: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
BREAKING NEWS: It’s been an eventful last 24 hours with release of Phase III trial results from both Novavax & Johnson & Johnson! TL;DR: We have two more vaccines with very good (but not perfect) protection against symptomatic disease, but *very* good protection against severe disease. The J&J one dose regimen along with regular temperature Read more…
Is this pandemic worse for extroverts than for introverts?
Mental HealthChristine Whelan, PhD
Q: And what can each personality type do to stay mentally healthy right now? A: The emotional toll of the pandemic has been tough on both extroverts and introverts. Research tells us taking a growth-mindset approach to personality is the healthiest way to stay flexible, and that communication about your socio-emotional needs is more important Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
I have been managing as well as can be expected during this pandemic, but lately I have been feeling angry.
Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: A lot of it has to do with other people not taking COVID-19 as seriously as me. What can I do? A: Feel all the feels, engage in meaningful interactions, and focus on you. 😤 FEEL ALL THE FEELS: Remember the movie Inside Out? Joy, sadness, anger, grief, and disgust all have a role Read more…
Should I double mask?!
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to yes. 🎱 TL;DR: In situations where you can’t avoid crowded indoor spaces such as shopping or traveling, double masking with a tighter fitting cloth mask over a medical mask can provide extra protection. We’ve all heard by now that the new B117 variant may be more transmissible, possibly via its ability Read more…
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
Q: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
Q: And what can each personality type do to stay mentally healthy right now? A: The emotional toll of the pandemic has been tough on both extroverts and introverts. Research tells us taking a growth-mindset approach to personality is the healthiest way to stay flexible, and that communication about your socio-emotional needs is more important Read more…
Will the current vaccines be effective against the new variants?
VaccinesMichelle Kinder, PhD
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
I have been managing as well as can be expected during this pandemic, but lately I have been feeling angry.
Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: A lot of it has to do with other people not taking COVID-19 as seriously as me. What can I do? A: Feel all the feels, engage in meaningful interactions, and focus on you. 😤 FEEL ALL THE FEELS: Remember the movie Inside Out? Joy, sadness, anger, grief, and disgust all have a role Read more…
Should I double mask?!
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to yes. 🎱 TL;DR: In situations where you can’t avoid crowded indoor spaces such as shopping or traveling, double masking with a tighter fitting cloth mask over a medical mask can provide extra protection. We’ve all heard by now that the new B117 variant may be more transmissible, possibly via its ability Read more…
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
Q: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
Q: If not, what happens, do we need a new, different vaccine?” A: The vaccines developed thus far will likely have efficacy against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants although the level of efficacy may be reduced to the South Africian variant (B.1.351). More clinical data will be needed to understand the levels of protection against new Read more…
Does the COVID19 vaccine cause anaphylaxis?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
I have been managing as well as can be expected during this pandemic, but lately I have been feeling angry.
Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: A lot of it has to do with other people not taking COVID-19 as seriously as me. What can I do? A: Feel all the feels, engage in meaningful interactions, and focus on you. 😤 FEEL ALL THE FEELS: Remember the movie Inside Out? Joy, sadness, anger, grief, and disgust all have a role Read more…
Should I double mask?!
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to yes. 🎱 TL;DR: In situations where you can’t avoid crowded indoor spaces such as shopping or traveling, double masking with a tighter fitting cloth mask over a medical mask can provide extra protection. We’ve all heard by now that the new B117 variant may be more transmissible, possibly via its ability Read more…
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
Q: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
A: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is very rare after the COVID19 vaccine. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose of the mRNA COVID19 vaccine should not get the second dose. If someone has had anaphylaxis to something else, they can still get the shot. Most people do Read more…
I have been managing as well as can be expected during this pandemic, but lately I have been feeling angry.
Mental Health Uncertainty and MisinformationAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: A lot of it has to do with other people not taking COVID-19 as seriously as me. What can I do? A: Feel all the feels, engage in meaningful interactions, and focus on you. 😤 FEEL ALL THE FEELS: Remember the movie Inside Out? Joy, sadness, anger, grief, and disgust all have a role Read more…
Should I double mask?!
Masks Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to yes. 🎱 TL;DR: In situations where you can’t avoid crowded indoor spaces such as shopping or traveling, double masking with a tighter fitting cloth mask over a medical mask can provide extra protection. We’ve all heard by now that the new B117 variant may be more transmissible, possibly via its ability Read more…
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
Q: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
Q: A lot of it has to do with other people not taking COVID-19 as seriously as me. What can I do? A: Feel all the feels, engage in meaningful interactions, and focus on you. 😤 FEEL ALL THE FEELS: Remember the movie Inside Out? Joy, sadness, anger, grief, and disgust all have a role Read more…
Should I double mask?!
Masks Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Signs point to yes. 🎱 TL;DR: In situations where you can’t avoid crowded indoor spaces such as shopping or traveling, double masking with a tighter fitting cloth mask over a medical mask can provide extra protection. We’ve all heard by now that the new B117 variant may be more transmissible, possibly via its ability Read more…
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
Q: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
A: Signs point to yes. 🎱 TL;DR: In situations where you can’t avoid crowded indoor spaces such as shopping or traveling, double masking with a tighter fitting cloth mask over a medical mask can provide extra protection. We’ve all heard by now that the new B117 variant may be more transmissible, possibly via its ability Read more…
It took me — no joke! — 9 hours and 3 different websites to schedule a vaccine appointment for my 82-year-old mom.
VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
Q: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
Q: Why is it like this? And what are older adults supposed to do if they don’t have someone to help them? A: We know it feels like Hunger Games, Senior Edition in many places right now. Many states and counties are still figuring out vaccine scheduling and delivery systems. It will get better, but Read more…
What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway?
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice
Q: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying Safe
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
A: Keep calm and remember this Nerdy Girl Mantra—“What is the BASELINE RATE?” Humans look for patterns & meaning in everything from cloud formations, burnt toast, or the socks they are wearing when their favorite team wins. Especially when something exceptionally good or bad happens, we’re quick to ascribe the cause to something that happened Read more…
Trauma and COVID-19
Mental Health Social and Racial JusticeQ: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
What kind of mask should I be wearing in my community?
Masks Staying SafeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
A: The most effective masks should meet three criteria: secure, multi-layered, and comfortable. The mask should seal at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks made from multiple layers of material outperform single layer masks. A comfortable mask is more likely to be worn. KEY MESSAGE: Masks work in decreasing spread of COVID-19. Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Dr. Ashley Ritter, PhD, CNRP
UncategorizedMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
Dr. Ritter is one of our fantastic team of clinicians here at Dear Pandemic. She’s a geriatric nurse practitioner and health services researcher. In her clinical practice, she helps people with complicated medical and social needs make a personalized plan for continued care. Her research examines better ways to provide care following hospitalization, specifically in Read more…
