This pandemic winter is dragging on … and on. I need a safe happiness boost. Right now.
Mental Health
Christine Whelan, PhD
A: We feel you! Here are four research-based tips to plant the seeds of change even as many of us are still buried under the (literal and figurative) snow. 😊 Say no more often. You might call it the “yes, sure… oh, dang” problem. Academics call it hyperbolic discounting. It’s the challenge we all have Read more…
Can mRNA vaccines change my DNA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus that causes COVID-19. The message is called messenger RNA or mRNA. Messenger RNA only contains the information it takes to make a certain protein. This can’t change Read more…
Is COVID-19 99% survivable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes- BUT those odds are not as good as they sound. Ask yourself- would you let your family board a plane if 1 out of 100 passengers were going to be thrown out of the plane mid-flight? Would you literally throw caution to the wind if a tornado was headed for your town that Read more…
What exactly is in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines? (And, what isn’t?)
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting a lot of questions about what is (and is not) in the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. So here’s a handy guide in plain language. Both vaccines contain ingredients in four main categories: messenger RNA, a blend of fats, sugar, and a blend of salts, acids, and acidity stabilizers that keep the acidity Read more…
What can I do to support a caregiver?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Caregivers need a back-up plan, a much deserved recharge, and financial support. Caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic has been further strained by disrupted child care, social isolation, unemployment, and a contagious and debilitating virus. If the caregivers fall, so does everything else. Caregivers come in many forms and are the backbone of daily life Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Gretchen Peterson
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re so pleased to be introducing the Nerdy Girl who holds it all together, the heart of our scrappy little band of volunteers: Gretchen Peterson. Before joining the Nerdy Girls, Gretchen Peterson had a long and successful career as a middle school teacher. 👩🏫 “Until May of 2020, I taught technology and entrepreneurial classes to Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A: We feel you! Here are four research-based tips to plant the seeds of change even as many of us are still buried under the (literal and figurative) snow. 😊 Say no more often. You might call it the “yes, sure… oh, dang” problem. Academics call it hyperbolic discounting. It’s the challenge we all have Read more…
Can mRNA vaccines change my DNA?
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: No. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus that causes COVID-19. The message is called messenger RNA or mRNA. Messenger RNA only contains the information it takes to make a certain protein. This can’t change Read more…
Is COVID-19 99% survivable?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes- BUT those odds are not as good as they sound. Ask yourself- would you let your family board a plane if 1 out of 100 passengers were going to be thrown out of the plane mid-flight? Would you literally throw caution to the wind if a tornado was headed for your town that Read more…
What exactly is in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines? (And, what isn’t?)
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting a lot of questions about what is (and is not) in the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. So here’s a handy guide in plain language. Both vaccines contain ingredients in four main categories: messenger RNA, a blend of fats, sugar, and a blend of salts, acids, and acidity stabilizers that keep the acidity Read more…
What can I do to support a caregiver?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Caregivers need a back-up plan, a much deserved recharge, and financial support. Caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic has been further strained by disrupted child care, social isolation, unemployment, and a contagious and debilitating virus. If the caregivers fall, so does everything else. Caregivers come in many forms and are the backbone of daily life Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Gretchen Peterson
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re so pleased to be introducing the Nerdy Girl who holds it all together, the heart of our scrappy little band of volunteers: Gretchen Peterson. Before joining the Nerdy Girls, Gretchen Peterson had a long and successful career as a middle school teacher. 👩🏫 “Until May of 2020, I taught technology and entrepreneurial classes to Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A: No. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus that causes COVID-19. The message is called messenger RNA or mRNA. Messenger RNA only contains the information it takes to make a certain protein. This can’t change Read more…
Is COVID-19 99% survivable?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes- BUT those odds are not as good as they sound. Ask yourself- would you let your family board a plane if 1 out of 100 passengers were going to be thrown out of the plane mid-flight? Would you literally throw caution to the wind if a tornado was headed for your town that Read more…
What exactly is in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines? (And, what isn’t?)
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting a lot of questions about what is (and is not) in the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. So here’s a handy guide in plain language. Both vaccines contain ingredients in four main categories: messenger RNA, a blend of fats, sugar, and a blend of salts, acids, and acidity stabilizers that keep the acidity Read more…
What can I do to support a caregiver?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Caregivers need a back-up plan, a much deserved recharge, and financial support. Caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic has been further strained by disrupted child care, social isolation, unemployment, and a contagious and debilitating virus. If the caregivers fall, so does everything else. Caregivers come in many forms and are the backbone of daily life Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Gretchen Peterson
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re so pleased to be introducing the Nerdy Girl who holds it all together, the heart of our scrappy little band of volunteers: Gretchen Peterson. Before joining the Nerdy Girls, Gretchen Peterson had a long and successful career as a middle school teacher. 👩🏫 “Until May of 2020, I taught technology and entrepreneurial classes to Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A: Yes- BUT those odds are not as good as they sound. Ask yourself- would you let your family board a plane if 1 out of 100 passengers were going to be thrown out of the plane mid-flight? Would you literally throw caution to the wind if a tornado was headed for your town that Read more…
What exactly is in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines? (And, what isn’t?)
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re getting a lot of questions about what is (and is not) in the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. So here’s a handy guide in plain language. Both vaccines contain ingredients in four main categories: messenger RNA, a blend of fats, sugar, and a blend of salts, acids, and acidity stabilizers that keep the acidity Read more…
What can I do to support a caregiver?
Families/Kids Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Caregivers need a back-up plan, a much deserved recharge, and financial support. Caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic has been further strained by disrupted child care, social isolation, unemployment, and a contagious and debilitating virus. If the caregivers fall, so does everything else. Caregivers come in many forms and are the backbone of daily life Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Gretchen Peterson
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re so pleased to be introducing the Nerdy Girl who holds it all together, the heart of our scrappy little band of volunteers: Gretchen Peterson. Before joining the Nerdy Girls, Gretchen Peterson had a long and successful career as a middle school teacher. 👩🏫 “Until May of 2020, I taught technology and entrepreneurial classes to Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
We’re getting a lot of questions about what is (and is not) in the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. So here’s a handy guide in plain language. Both vaccines contain ingredients in four main categories: messenger RNA, a blend of fats, sugar, and a blend of salts, acids, and acidity stabilizers that keep the acidity Read more…
What can I do to support a caregiver?
Families/Kids Mental HealthAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Caregivers need a back-up plan, a much deserved recharge, and financial support. Caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic has been further strained by disrupted child care, social isolation, unemployment, and a contagious and debilitating virus. If the caregivers fall, so does everything else. Caregivers come in many forms and are the backbone of daily life Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Gretchen Peterson
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re so pleased to be introducing the Nerdy Girl who holds it all together, the heart of our scrappy little band of volunteers: Gretchen Peterson. Before joining the Nerdy Girls, Gretchen Peterson had a long and successful career as a middle school teacher. 👩🏫 “Until May of 2020, I taught technology and entrepreneurial classes to Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A: Caregivers need a back-up plan, a much deserved recharge, and financial support. Caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic has been further strained by disrupted child care, social isolation, unemployment, and a contagious and debilitating virus. If the caregivers fall, so does everything else. Caregivers come in many forms and are the backbone of daily life Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls – Gretchen Peterson
UncategorizedMalia Jones, PhD MPH
We’re so pleased to be introducing the Nerdy Girl who holds it all together, the heart of our scrappy little band of volunteers: Gretchen Peterson. Before joining the Nerdy Girls, Gretchen Peterson had a long and successful career as a middle school teacher. 👩🏫 “Until May of 2020, I taught technology and entrepreneurial classes to Read more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
We’re so pleased to be introducing the Nerdy Girl who holds it all together, the heart of our scrappy little band of volunteers: Gretchen Peterson. Before joining the Nerdy Girls, Gretchen Peterson had a long and successful career as a middle school teacher. 👩🏫 “Until May of 2020, I taught technology and entrepreneurial classes to Read more…
Why don’t we know whether vaccinated people can still spread the virus?
Infection and Spread VaccinesAmanda 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 VideosMalia 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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?
VaccinesSandra 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 HealthChristine 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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?
VaccinesSarah 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 SafeJennifer 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…
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…
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…
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…
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?
TreatmentsAparna 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…
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…
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…
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 SocializingAshley 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…
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…
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?
VaccinesJennifer 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…
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…
