How do I fight fake news?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Use the 3D’s to slay disinformation: Detect; document; and debunk. “Sandwich” the myth between buns of truth. “Everywhere you see the spread of germs for the last few thousand years, you see right behind it the spread of lies.” Oh boy how these wise words from medical sociologist Dr. Nicholas Christakis resonate. We Nerdy Read more…
What are the side effects of the vaccines that are on the news?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: The most common side effects of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines–the two closest to FDA approval–include sore arm, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. These side effects are signs that your immune system is working. This post will focus on the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines because they are the furthest along in development, have safety Read more…
How can I navigate mourning the death of loved ones during Covid-19?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
Is Bamlanivimab effective in the treatment of COVID-19?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Currently, the evidence is not yet clear, and we need lots more data. The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for bamlanivimab use in non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 on November 9th. Bamlanivimab is a neutralizing monoclonal antibody that targets the spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The goal of neutralizing Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
How is COVID-19 affecting international slum communities?
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL, DR. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the lives and health of residents of slum communities, or informal settlements characterized by poverty, lack of basic services, crowding, unstable homes. Due to data limitations, it’s difficult to know a lot of detail about the spread of the disease and the impact on mortality. We at Dear Read more…
Today is Small Business Saturday, what can I do to stay safe and support small business today?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Great question! We Nerdy Girls love our local small businesses and luckily there are lots of ways we can make an added effort to support small businesses today and everyday while staying safe at the same time! Here are some ideas we came up with: -Order delivery or curbside pick-up from your favorite local Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
How do COVID-19 and the flu compare?
Infection and Spread
A: They are VERY different. In short – COVID-19 is more deadly, more people are susceptible to it, we have fewer treatments, and even “mild” bouts can leave long-term symptoms. To address the elephant in the room: **COVID-19 is MUCH deadlier than the flu.** In fact, since December 2019, COVID-19 has killed more people in Read more…
Well, here it is. I got COVID19. What can I do to take care of myself?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: Use the 3D’s to slay disinformation: Detect; document; and debunk. “Sandwich” the myth between buns of truth. “Everywhere you see the spread of germs for the last few thousand years, you see right behind it the spread of lies.” Oh boy how these wise words from medical sociologist Dr. Nicholas Christakis resonate. We Nerdy Read more…
What are the side effects of the vaccines that are on the news?
VaccinesMichelle Kinder, PhD
A: The most common side effects of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines–the two closest to FDA approval–include sore arm, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. These side effects are signs that your immune system is working. This post will focus on the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines because they are the furthest along in development, have safety Read more…
How can I navigate mourning the death of loved ones during Covid-19?
Infection and Spread Mental Health
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
Is Bamlanivimab effective in the treatment of COVID-19?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Currently, the evidence is not yet clear, and we need lots more data. The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for bamlanivimab use in non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 on November 9th. Bamlanivimab is a neutralizing monoclonal antibody that targets the spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The goal of neutralizing Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
How is COVID-19 affecting international slum communities?
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL, DR. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the lives and health of residents of slum communities, or informal settlements characterized by poverty, lack of basic services, crowding, unstable homes. Due to data limitations, it’s difficult to know a lot of detail about the spread of the disease and the impact on mortality. We at Dear Read more…
Today is Small Business Saturday, what can I do to stay safe and support small business today?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Great question! We Nerdy Girls love our local small businesses and luckily there are lots of ways we can make an added effort to support small businesses today and everyday while staying safe at the same time! Here are some ideas we came up with: -Order delivery or curbside pick-up from your favorite local Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
How do COVID-19 and the flu compare?
Infection and Spread
A: They are VERY different. In short – COVID-19 is more deadly, more people are susceptible to it, we have fewer treatments, and even “mild” bouts can leave long-term symptoms. To address the elephant in the room: **COVID-19 is MUCH deadlier than the flu.** In fact, since December 2019, COVID-19 has killed more people in Read more…
Well, here it is. I got COVID19. What can I do to take care of myself?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: The most common side effects of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines–the two closest to FDA approval–include sore arm, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. These side effects are signs that your immune system is working. This post will focus on the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines because they are the furthest along in development, have safety Read more…
How can I navigate mourning the death of loved ones during Covid-19?
Infection and Spread Mental HealthAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
Is Bamlanivimab effective in the treatment of COVID-19?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Currently, the evidence is not yet clear, and we need lots more data. The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for bamlanivimab use in non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 on November 9th. Bamlanivimab is a neutralizing monoclonal antibody that targets the spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The goal of neutralizing Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
How is COVID-19 affecting international slum communities?
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL, DR. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the lives and health of residents of slum communities, or informal settlements characterized by poverty, lack of basic services, crowding, unstable homes. Due to data limitations, it’s difficult to know a lot of detail about the spread of the disease and the impact on mortality. We at Dear Read more…
Today is Small Business Saturday, what can I do to stay safe and support small business today?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Great question! We Nerdy Girls love our local small businesses and luckily there are lots of ways we can make an added effort to support small businesses today and everyday while staying safe at the same time! Here are some ideas we came up with: -Order delivery or curbside pick-up from your favorite local Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
How do COVID-19 and the flu compare?
Infection and Spread
A: They are VERY different. In short – COVID-19 is more deadly, more people are susceptible to it, we have fewer treatments, and even “mild” bouts can leave long-term symptoms. To address the elephant in the room: **COVID-19 is MUCH deadlier than the flu.** In fact, since December 2019, COVID-19 has killed more people in Read more…
Well, here it is. I got COVID19. What can I do to take care of myself?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and SpreadAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
Is Bamlanivimab effective in the treatment of COVID-19?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Currently, the evidence is not yet clear, and we need lots more data. The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for bamlanivimab use in non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 on November 9th. Bamlanivimab is a neutralizing monoclonal antibody that targets the spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The goal of neutralizing Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
How is COVID-19 affecting international slum communities?
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL, DR. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the lives and health of residents of slum communities, or informal settlements characterized by poverty, lack of basic services, crowding, unstable homes. Due to data limitations, it’s difficult to know a lot of detail about the spread of the disease and the impact on mortality. We at Dear Read more…
Today is Small Business Saturday, what can I do to stay safe and support small business today?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Great question! We Nerdy Girls love our local small businesses and luckily there are lots of ways we can make an added effort to support small businesses today and everyday while staying safe at the same time! Here are some ideas we came up with: -Order delivery or curbside pick-up from your favorite local Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
How do COVID-19 and the flu compare?
Infection and Spread
A: They are VERY different. In short – COVID-19 is more deadly, more people are susceptible to it, we have fewer treatments, and even “mild” bouts can leave long-term symptoms. To address the elephant in the room: **COVID-19 is MUCH deadlier than the flu.** In fact, since December 2019, COVID-19 has killed more people in Read more…
Well, here it is. I got COVID19. What can I do to take care of myself?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe Travel
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
Is Bamlanivimab effective in the treatment of COVID-19?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Currently, the evidence is not yet clear, and we need lots more data. The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for bamlanivimab use in non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 on November 9th. Bamlanivimab is a neutralizing monoclonal antibody that targets the spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The goal of neutralizing Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
How is COVID-19 affecting international slum communities?
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL, DR. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the lives and health of residents of slum communities, or informal settlements characterized by poverty, lack of basic services, crowding, unstable homes. Due to data limitations, it’s difficult to know a lot of detail about the spread of the disease and the impact on mortality. We at Dear Read more…
Today is Small Business Saturday, what can I do to stay safe and support small business today?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Great question! We Nerdy Girls love our local small businesses and luckily there are lots of ways we can make an added effort to support small businesses today and everyday while staying safe at the same time! Here are some ideas we came up with: -Order delivery or curbside pick-up from your favorite local Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
How do COVID-19 and the flu compare?
Infection and Spread
A: They are VERY different. In short – COVID-19 is more deadly, more people are susceptible to it, we have fewer treatments, and even “mild” bouts can leave long-term symptoms. To address the elephant in the room: **COVID-19 is MUCH deadlier than the flu.** In fact, since December 2019, COVID-19 has killed more people in Read more…
Well, here it is. I got COVID19. What can I do to take care of myself?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
If I traveled over the holiday weekend, should I be taking any steps to protect others around me?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe TravelAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental Health
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
Is Bamlanivimab effective in the treatment of COVID-19?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Currently, the evidence is not yet clear, and we need lots more data. The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for bamlanivimab use in non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 on November 9th. Bamlanivimab is a neutralizing monoclonal antibody that targets the spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The goal of neutralizing Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
How is COVID-19 affecting international slum communities?
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL, DR. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the lives and health of residents of slum communities, or informal settlements characterized by poverty, lack of basic services, crowding, unstable homes. Due to data limitations, it’s difficult to know a lot of detail about the spread of the disease and the impact on mortality. We at Dear Read more…
Today is Small Business Saturday, what can I do to stay safe and support small business today?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Great question! We Nerdy Girls love our local small businesses and luckily there are lots of ways we can make an added effort to support small businesses today and everyday while staying safe at the same time! Here are some ideas we came up with: -Order delivery or curbside pick-up from your favorite local Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
How do COVID-19 and the flu compare?
Infection and Spread
A: They are VERY different. In short – COVID-19 is more deadly, more people are susceptible to it, we have fewer treatments, and even “mild” bouts can leave long-term symptoms. To address the elephant in the room: **COVID-19 is MUCH deadlier than the flu.** In fact, since December 2019, COVID-19 has killed more people in Read more…
Well, here it is. I got COVID19. What can I do to take care of myself?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: Yes. If you traveled and/or spent time in close contact with others outside your household over the holiday weekend, it is safest to assume you were exposed and minimize contact with others for at least the next 7 days with a negative test and ideally for 2 weeks. While no specific guidelines for what Read more…
As a working parent, I’m already at my limit on stress–how am I supposed to manage holiday stress too?? Help me!
Mental HealthMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
Is Bamlanivimab effective in the treatment of COVID-19?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Currently, the evidence is not yet clear, and we need lots more data. The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for bamlanivimab use in non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 on November 9th. Bamlanivimab is a neutralizing monoclonal antibody that targets the spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The goal of neutralizing Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
How is COVID-19 affecting international slum communities?
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL, DR. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the lives and health of residents of slum communities, or informal settlements characterized by poverty, lack of basic services, crowding, unstable homes. Due to data limitations, it’s difficult to know a lot of detail about the spread of the disease and the impact on mortality. We at Dear Read more…
Today is Small Business Saturday, what can I do to stay safe and support small business today?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Great question! We Nerdy Girls love our local small businesses and luckily there are lots of ways we can make an added effort to support small businesses today and everyday while staying safe at the same time! Here are some ideas we came up with: -Order delivery or curbside pick-up from your favorite local Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
How do COVID-19 and the flu compare?
Infection and Spread
A: They are VERY different. In short – COVID-19 is more deadly, more people are susceptible to it, we have fewer treatments, and even “mild” bouts can leave long-term symptoms. To address the elephant in the room: **COVID-19 is MUCH deadlier than the flu.** In fact, since December 2019, COVID-19 has killed more people in Read more…
Well, here it is. I got COVID19. What can I do to take care of myself?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
Is Bamlanivimab effective in the treatment of COVID-19?
TreatmentsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Currently, the evidence is not yet clear, and we need lots more data. The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for bamlanivimab use in non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 on November 9th. Bamlanivimab is a neutralizing monoclonal antibody that targets the spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The goal of neutralizing Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
How is COVID-19 affecting international slum communities?
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL, DR. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the lives and health of residents of slum communities, or informal settlements characterized by poverty, lack of basic services, crowding, unstable homes. Due to data limitations, it’s difficult to know a lot of detail about the spread of the disease and the impact on mortality. We at Dear Read more…
Today is Small Business Saturday, what can I do to stay safe and support small business today?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Great question! We Nerdy Girls love our local small businesses and luckily there are lots of ways we can make an added effort to support small businesses today and everyday while staying safe at the same time! Here are some ideas we came up with: -Order delivery or curbside pick-up from your favorite local Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
How do COVID-19 and the flu compare?
Infection and Spread
A: They are VERY different. In short – COVID-19 is more deadly, more people are susceptible to it, we have fewer treatments, and even “mild” bouts can leave long-term symptoms. To address the elephant in the room: **COVID-19 is MUCH deadlier than the flu.** In fact, since December 2019, COVID-19 has killed more people in Read more…
Well, here it is. I got COVID19. What can I do to take care of myself?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: Currently, the evidence is not yet clear, and we need lots more data. The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for bamlanivimab use in non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 on November 9th. Bamlanivimab is a neutralizing monoclonal antibody that targets the spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The goal of neutralizing Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and MisinformationMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
How is COVID-19 affecting international slum communities?
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL, DR. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the lives and health of residents of slum communities, or informal settlements characterized by poverty, lack of basic services, crowding, unstable homes. Due to data limitations, it’s difficult to know a lot of detail about the spread of the disease and the impact on mortality. We at Dear Read more…
Today is Small Business Saturday, what can I do to stay safe and support small business today?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Great question! We Nerdy Girls love our local small businesses and luckily there are lots of ways we can make an added effort to support small businesses today and everyday while staying safe at the same time! Here are some ideas we came up with: -Order delivery or curbside pick-up from your favorite local Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
How do COVID-19 and the flu compare?
Infection and Spread
A: They are VERY different. In short – COVID-19 is more deadly, more people are susceptible to it, we have fewer treatments, and even “mild” bouts can leave long-term symptoms. To address the elephant in the room: **COVID-19 is MUCH deadlier than the flu.** In fact, since December 2019, COVID-19 has killed more people in Read more…
Well, here it is. I got COVID19. What can I do to take care of myself?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
How is COVID-19 affecting international slum communities?
Data and Metrics Social and Racial JusticeLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL, DR. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the lives and health of residents of slum communities, or informal settlements characterized by poverty, lack of basic services, crowding, unstable homes. Due to data limitations, it’s difficult to know a lot of detail about the spread of the disease and the impact on mortality. We at Dear Read more…
Today is Small Business Saturday, what can I do to stay safe and support small business today?
Uncategorized
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Great question! We Nerdy Girls love our local small businesses and luckily there are lots of ways we can make an added effort to support small businesses today and everyday while staying safe at the same time! Here are some ideas we came up with: -Order delivery or curbside pick-up from your favorite local Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
How do COVID-19 and the flu compare?
Infection and Spread
A: They are VERY different. In short – COVID-19 is more deadly, more people are susceptible to it, we have fewer treatments, and even “mild” bouts can leave long-term symptoms. To address the elephant in the room: **COVID-19 is MUCH deadlier than the flu.** In fact, since December 2019, COVID-19 has killed more people in Read more…
Well, here it is. I got COVID19. What can I do to take care of myself?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: TL, DR. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the lives and health of residents of slum communities, or informal settlements characterized by poverty, lack of basic services, crowding, unstable homes. Due to data limitations, it’s difficult to know a lot of detail about the spread of the disease and the impact on mortality. We at Dear Read more…
Today is Small Business Saturday, what can I do to stay safe and support small business today?
UncategorizedAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Great question! We Nerdy Girls love our local small businesses and luckily there are lots of ways we can make an added effort to support small businesses today and everyday while staying safe at the same time! Here are some ideas we came up with: -Order delivery or curbside pick-up from your favorite local Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
How do COVID-19 and the flu compare?
Infection and Spread
A: They are VERY different. In short – COVID-19 is more deadly, more people are susceptible to it, we have fewer treatments, and even “mild” bouts can leave long-term symptoms. To address the elephant in the room: **COVID-19 is MUCH deadlier than the flu.** In fact, since December 2019, COVID-19 has killed more people in Read more…
Well, here it is. I got COVID19. What can I do to take care of myself?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: Great question! We Nerdy Girls love our local small businesses and luckily there are lots of ways we can make an added effort to support small businesses today and everyday while staying safe at the same time! Here are some ideas we came up with: -Order delivery or curbside pick-up from your favorite local Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
How do COVID-19 and the flu compare?
Infection and Spread
A: They are VERY different. In short – COVID-19 is more deadly, more people are susceptible to it, we have fewer treatments, and even “mild” bouts can leave long-term symptoms. To address the elephant in the room: **COVID-19 is MUCH deadlier than the flu.** In fact, since December 2019, COVID-19 has killed more people in Read more…
Well, here it is. I got COVID19. What can I do to take care of myself?
Treatments
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories Read more…
How do COVID-19 and the flu compare?
Infection and SpreadA: They are VERY different. In short – COVID-19 is more deadly, more people are susceptible to it, we have fewer treatments, and even “mild” bouts can leave long-term symptoms. To address the elephant in the room: **COVID-19 is MUCH deadlier than the flu.** In fact, since December 2019, COVID-19 has killed more people in Read more…
Well, here it is. I got COVID19. What can I do to take care of myself?
TreatmentsSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: Taking care of yourself and focusing on getting better is priority #1! Get rest, stay hydrated, isolate physically but connect emotionally, and watch out for warning signs. COVID19 is widespread and more and more folks are getting sick. Now is a good time to remind ourselves of the basics of self-care when diagnosed with Read more…
I like hearing about pandemic response success stories. Can you share another one?
Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
Uncategorized
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: We can! On this Thanksgiving evening, we want to share the impressive and successful public health response of the Cherokee Nation. Their recipe: strong leadership, early decisive action, data-driven decisions, widespread testing, and a mask mandate. Compared to surrounding areas of Oklahoma State, the Cherokee Nation has experienced much lower case and mortality rates. Read more…
Thanksgiving Gratitude
UncategorizedMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
Vaccines
Michelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
Today, Dear Pandemic celebrates gratitude. We are so grateful to each and every one of you, our readers, for coming along with us on this strange, surprising, and often difficult journey. We’ve grown so much this past year–as individuals and as a community. We are so grateful for our readers and especially all our volunteers. Read more…
What is a mRNA vaccine? Does it affect your DNA?
VaccinesMichelle Kinder, PhD
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
A: mRNA vaccines contain a message which instructs your cells to make a protein shaped like a small part of the virus. This does not affect your DNA, and it happens temporarily and locally at the injection site. In your body, your DNA makes messenger RNA to make proteins. Your DNA has all the information Read more…
