When can grandma and grandpa meet the new baby?
Families/Kids Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Thanks to Christa from Michigan for this excellent question! A: No doubt family and friends are excited to meet your gorgeous baby! Deciding on when to introduce family members to your newborn baby is a personal choice and there is no right or wrong answer. Let’s talk about some things to consider when making your Read more…
Where can I find information to share with clients/patients/friends/people in my life who do not speak English as a primary language?
Staying Safe
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: There are several organizations offering quick handouts, videos, and additional supports as needed related to COVID-19. Below we highlight a few, sourced from our network and our followers (thank you!). 1) State health departments in addition to the CDC website offer Web and printable information on COVID-19. Examples: –CDC Communication Toolkit –Greater New York Read more…
¿Puede el plasma sanguíneo ser una cura para Covid-19?
Posts en Español Treatments
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La evidencia sugiere que aún no está claro. El Proyecto Nacional de Plasma Convaleciente Covid-19 (“The National Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma Project” (NCCPP)) es un recurso sobresaliente de todos los ensayos clínicos que están en marcha, los artículos científicos claves hasta la fecha e incluye información en cómo donar sangre o de cómo recibir un Read more…
I have been drinking a bit more since this pandemic started.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I have been drinking a bit more since this pandemic started. Many of my friends have too. I am having a harder time not drinking every day. What should I do? A: The first step is recognizing that you may have a drinking problem. Then: 1) Seek social connections. 2) Prioritize healthy coping mechanisms. Read more…
Is the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutating and if so, does it matter?
Biology/Immunity
A: Yes, since it began spreading, the virus has picked up several mutations, but not necessarily more than expected, and as Ed Yong explains in this article, these changes to the virus are not necessarily cause for alarm. Key Points: -When viruses infect a host, they make new copies and while duplicating their genes, mutations Read more…
Election Day is getting close! How can I make sure my mail-in ballot counts?
Social and Racial Justice
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: With only 3 weeks until November 3rd, it’s such an important time to check and double check the rules and deadlines. First, check out our September post for tips and tricks on completing and sending in your mail-in ballot. Next, CHECK THOSE DEADLINES! If you already requested your mail-in ballot, but haven’t received it, Read more…
Are there really false positives from COVID tests?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Jennifer from Texas asks: Are there really false-positives from COVID tests? If so, how is it possible for a test to pick up something that is not there? A: Yep, they exist. High-profile false-positive COVID tests are making the news again after Michael Burton of the New Orleans Saints erroneously tested positive the day Read more…
¿Cómo me cuido a mí mismo o a alguien con quien vivo si resultamos positivos de Covid-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Treatments
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La mayoría de los casos de Covid-19 se tratan en casa. Teniendo en cuenta cómo se verá esto en su hogar, puede prepararlo a usted para este evento no deseado pero posible, y ayudar a limitar la propagación de la infección dentro de su hogar. “The Learning Agendy Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit” provee Read more…
It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day. How are Native Americans doing during COVID-19?
Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Thank you for drawing attention to this important topic. By now, you’ve probably heard that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, Native American populations are not an exception. ** Native Americans are more than 5 times as likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic white Americans. This is a larger COVID-19 Read more…
What do you think of the idea of “focused protection” or “shielding” the vulnerable so that everyone else can get on with normal life?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Travel
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
¿Se puede poner la mortalidad de COVID-19 en los EE.UU. en contexto?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: Más de 200,000 norteamericanos han perdido la vida debido al Covid-19. Contar las muertes no le hace justicia a la memoria de cada individuo perdido o el impacto social en nuestras comunidades. Poner este enorme número en contexto depende en cómo enmarcamos esta gran cantidad de víctimas, nuestros prejuicios personales, y nuestra proximidad a Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Thanks to Christa from Michigan for this excellent question! A: No doubt family and friends are excited to meet your gorgeous baby! Deciding on when to introduce family members to your newborn baby is a personal choice and there is no right or wrong answer. Let’s talk about some things to consider when making your Read more…
Where can I find information to share with clients/patients/friends/people in my life who do not speak English as a primary language?
Staying SafeAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: There are several organizations offering quick handouts, videos, and additional supports as needed related to COVID-19. Below we highlight a few, sourced from our network and our followers (thank you!). 1) State health departments in addition to the CDC website offer Web and printable information on COVID-19. Examples: –CDC Communication Toolkit –Greater New York Read more…
¿Puede el plasma sanguíneo ser una cura para Covid-19?
Posts en Español Treatments
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La evidencia sugiere que aún no está claro. El Proyecto Nacional de Plasma Convaleciente Covid-19 (“The National Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma Project” (NCCPP)) es un recurso sobresaliente de todos los ensayos clínicos que están en marcha, los artículos científicos claves hasta la fecha e incluye información en cómo donar sangre o de cómo recibir un Read more…
I have been drinking a bit more since this pandemic started.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I have been drinking a bit more since this pandemic started. Many of my friends have too. I am having a harder time not drinking every day. What should I do? A: The first step is recognizing that you may have a drinking problem. Then: 1) Seek social connections. 2) Prioritize healthy coping mechanisms. Read more…
Is the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutating and if so, does it matter?
Biology/Immunity
A: Yes, since it began spreading, the virus has picked up several mutations, but not necessarily more than expected, and as Ed Yong explains in this article, these changes to the virus are not necessarily cause for alarm. Key Points: -When viruses infect a host, they make new copies and while duplicating their genes, mutations Read more…
Election Day is getting close! How can I make sure my mail-in ballot counts?
Social and Racial Justice
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: With only 3 weeks until November 3rd, it’s such an important time to check and double check the rules and deadlines. First, check out our September post for tips and tricks on completing and sending in your mail-in ballot. Next, CHECK THOSE DEADLINES! If you already requested your mail-in ballot, but haven’t received it, Read more…
Are there really false positives from COVID tests?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Jennifer from Texas asks: Are there really false-positives from COVID tests? If so, how is it possible for a test to pick up something that is not there? A: Yep, they exist. High-profile false-positive COVID tests are making the news again after Michael Burton of the New Orleans Saints erroneously tested positive the day Read more…
¿Cómo me cuido a mí mismo o a alguien con quien vivo si resultamos positivos de Covid-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Treatments
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La mayoría de los casos de Covid-19 se tratan en casa. Teniendo en cuenta cómo se verá esto en su hogar, puede prepararlo a usted para este evento no deseado pero posible, y ayudar a limitar la propagación de la infección dentro de su hogar. “The Learning Agendy Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit” provee Read more…
It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day. How are Native Americans doing during COVID-19?
Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Thank you for drawing attention to this important topic. By now, you’ve probably heard that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, Native American populations are not an exception. ** Native Americans are more than 5 times as likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic white Americans. This is a larger COVID-19 Read more…
What do you think of the idea of “focused protection” or “shielding” the vulnerable so that everyone else can get on with normal life?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Travel
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
¿Se puede poner la mortalidad de COVID-19 en los EE.UU. en contexto?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: Más de 200,000 norteamericanos han perdido la vida debido al Covid-19. Contar las muertes no le hace justicia a la memoria de cada individuo perdido o el impacto social en nuestras comunidades. Poner este enorme número en contexto depende en cómo enmarcamos esta gran cantidad de víctimas, nuestros prejuicios personales, y nuestra proximidad a Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
A: There are several organizations offering quick handouts, videos, and additional supports as needed related to COVID-19. Below we highlight a few, sourced from our network and our followers (thank you!). 1) State health departments in addition to the CDC website offer Web and printable information on COVID-19. Examples: –CDC Communication Toolkit –Greater New York Read more…
¿Puede el plasma sanguíneo ser una cura para Covid-19?
Posts en Español TreatmentsDaisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La evidencia sugiere que aún no está claro. El Proyecto Nacional de Plasma Convaleciente Covid-19 (“The National Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma Project” (NCCPP)) es un recurso sobresaliente de todos los ensayos clínicos que están en marcha, los artículos científicos claves hasta la fecha e incluye información en cómo donar sangre o de cómo recibir un Read more…
I have been drinking a bit more since this pandemic started.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I have been drinking a bit more since this pandemic started. Many of my friends have too. I am having a harder time not drinking every day. What should I do? A: The first step is recognizing that you may have a drinking problem. Then: 1) Seek social connections. 2) Prioritize healthy coping mechanisms. Read more…
Is the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutating and if so, does it matter?
Biology/Immunity
A: Yes, since it began spreading, the virus has picked up several mutations, but not necessarily more than expected, and as Ed Yong explains in this article, these changes to the virus are not necessarily cause for alarm. Key Points: -When viruses infect a host, they make new copies and while duplicating their genes, mutations Read more…
Election Day is getting close! How can I make sure my mail-in ballot counts?
Social and Racial Justice
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: With only 3 weeks until November 3rd, it’s such an important time to check and double check the rules and deadlines. First, check out our September post for tips and tricks on completing and sending in your mail-in ballot. Next, CHECK THOSE DEADLINES! If you already requested your mail-in ballot, but haven’t received it, Read more…
Are there really false positives from COVID tests?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Jennifer from Texas asks: Are there really false-positives from COVID tests? If so, how is it possible for a test to pick up something that is not there? A: Yep, they exist. High-profile false-positive COVID tests are making the news again after Michael Burton of the New Orleans Saints erroneously tested positive the day Read more…
¿Cómo me cuido a mí mismo o a alguien con quien vivo si resultamos positivos de Covid-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Treatments
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La mayoría de los casos de Covid-19 se tratan en casa. Teniendo en cuenta cómo se verá esto en su hogar, puede prepararlo a usted para este evento no deseado pero posible, y ayudar a limitar la propagación de la infección dentro de su hogar. “The Learning Agendy Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit” provee Read more…
It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day. How are Native Americans doing during COVID-19?
Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Thank you for drawing attention to this important topic. By now, you’ve probably heard that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, Native American populations are not an exception. ** Native Americans are more than 5 times as likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic white Americans. This is a larger COVID-19 Read more…
What do you think of the idea of “focused protection” or “shielding” the vulnerable so that everyone else can get on with normal life?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Travel
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
¿Se puede poner la mortalidad de COVID-19 en los EE.UU. en contexto?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: Más de 200,000 norteamericanos han perdido la vida debido al Covid-19. Contar las muertes no le hace justicia a la memoria de cada individuo perdido o el impacto social en nuestras comunidades. Poner este enorme número en contexto depende en cómo enmarcamos esta gran cantidad de víctimas, nuestros prejuicios personales, y nuestra proximidad a Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
R: La evidencia sugiere que aún no está claro. El Proyecto Nacional de Plasma Convaleciente Covid-19 (“The National Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma Project” (NCCPP)) es un recurso sobresaliente de todos los ensayos clínicos que están en marcha, los artículos científicos claves hasta la fecha e incluye información en cómo donar sangre o de cómo recibir un Read more…
I have been drinking a bit more since this pandemic started.
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Q: I have been drinking a bit more since this pandemic started. Many of my friends have too. I am having a harder time not drinking every day. What should I do? A: The first step is recognizing that you may have a drinking problem. Then: 1) Seek social connections. 2) Prioritize healthy coping mechanisms. Read more…
Is the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutating and if so, does it matter?
Biology/Immunity
A: Yes, since it began spreading, the virus has picked up several mutations, but not necessarily more than expected, and as Ed Yong explains in this article, these changes to the virus are not necessarily cause for alarm. Key Points: -When viruses infect a host, they make new copies and while duplicating their genes, mutations Read more…
Election Day is getting close! How can I make sure my mail-in ballot counts?
Social and Racial Justice
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: With only 3 weeks until November 3rd, it’s such an important time to check and double check the rules and deadlines. First, check out our September post for tips and tricks on completing and sending in your mail-in ballot. Next, CHECK THOSE DEADLINES! If you already requested your mail-in ballot, but haven’t received it, Read more…
Are there really false positives from COVID tests?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Jennifer from Texas asks: Are there really false-positives from COVID tests? If so, how is it possible for a test to pick up something that is not there? A: Yep, they exist. High-profile false-positive COVID tests are making the news again after Michael Burton of the New Orleans Saints erroneously tested positive the day Read more…
¿Cómo me cuido a mí mismo o a alguien con quien vivo si resultamos positivos de Covid-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Treatments
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La mayoría de los casos de Covid-19 se tratan en casa. Teniendo en cuenta cómo se verá esto en su hogar, puede prepararlo a usted para este evento no deseado pero posible, y ayudar a limitar la propagación de la infección dentro de su hogar. “The Learning Agendy Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit” provee Read more…
It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day. How are Native Americans doing during COVID-19?
Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Thank you for drawing attention to this important topic. By now, you’ve probably heard that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, Native American populations are not an exception. ** Native Americans are more than 5 times as likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic white Americans. This is a larger COVID-19 Read more…
What do you think of the idea of “focused protection” or “shielding” the vulnerable so that everyone else can get on with normal life?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Travel
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
¿Se puede poner la mortalidad de COVID-19 en los EE.UU. en contexto?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: Más de 200,000 norteamericanos han perdido la vida debido al Covid-19. Contar las muertes no le hace justicia a la memoria de cada individuo perdido o el impacto social en nuestras comunidades. Poner este enorme número en contexto depende en cómo enmarcamos esta gran cantidad de víctimas, nuestros prejuicios personales, y nuestra proximidad a Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Q: I have been drinking a bit more since this pandemic started. Many of my friends have too. I am having a harder time not drinking every day. What should I do? A: The first step is recognizing that you may have a drinking problem. Then: 1) Seek social connections. 2) Prioritize healthy coping mechanisms. Read more…
Is the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutating and if so, does it matter?
Biology/ImmunityA: Yes, since it began spreading, the virus has picked up several mutations, but not necessarily more than expected, and as Ed Yong explains in this article, these changes to the virus are not necessarily cause for alarm. Key Points: -When viruses infect a host, they make new copies and while duplicating their genes, mutations Read more…
Election Day is getting close! How can I make sure my mail-in ballot counts?
Social and Racial JusticeRebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
A: With only 3 weeks until November 3rd, it’s such an important time to check and double check the rules and deadlines. First, check out our September post for tips and tricks on completing and sending in your mail-in ballot. Next, CHECK THOSE DEADLINES! If you already requested your mail-in ballot, but haven’t received it, Read more…
Are there really false positives from COVID tests?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Jennifer from Texas asks: Are there really false-positives from COVID tests? If so, how is it possible for a test to pick up something that is not there? A: Yep, they exist. High-profile false-positive COVID tests are making the news again after Michael Burton of the New Orleans Saints erroneously tested positive the day Read more…
¿Cómo me cuido a mí mismo o a alguien con quien vivo si resultamos positivos de Covid-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Treatments
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La mayoría de los casos de Covid-19 se tratan en casa. Teniendo en cuenta cómo se verá esto en su hogar, puede prepararlo a usted para este evento no deseado pero posible, y ayudar a limitar la propagación de la infección dentro de su hogar. “The Learning Agendy Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit” provee Read more…
It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day. How are Native Americans doing during COVID-19?
Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Thank you for drawing attention to this important topic. By now, you’ve probably heard that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, Native American populations are not an exception. ** Native Americans are more than 5 times as likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic white Americans. This is a larger COVID-19 Read more…
What do you think of the idea of “focused protection” or “shielding” the vulnerable so that everyone else can get on with normal life?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Travel
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
¿Se puede poner la mortalidad de COVID-19 en los EE.UU. en contexto?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: Más de 200,000 norteamericanos han perdido la vida debido al Covid-19. Contar las muertes no le hace justicia a la memoria de cada individuo perdido o el impacto social en nuestras comunidades. Poner este enorme número en contexto depende en cómo enmarcamos esta gran cantidad de víctimas, nuestros prejuicios personales, y nuestra proximidad a Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
A: With only 3 weeks until November 3rd, it’s such an important time to check and double check the rules and deadlines. First, check out our September post for tips and tricks on completing and sending in your mail-in ballot. Next, CHECK THOSE DEADLINES! If you already requested your mail-in ballot, but haven’t received it, Read more…
Are there really false positives from COVID tests?
Testing and Contact TracingMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Q: Jennifer from Texas asks: Are there really false-positives from COVID tests? If so, how is it possible for a test to pick up something that is not there? A: Yep, they exist. High-profile false-positive COVID tests are making the news again after Michael Burton of the New Orleans Saints erroneously tested positive the day Read more…
¿Cómo me cuido a mí mismo o a alguien con quien vivo si resultamos positivos de Covid-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español Treatments
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La mayoría de los casos de Covid-19 se tratan en casa. Teniendo en cuenta cómo se verá esto en su hogar, puede prepararlo a usted para este evento no deseado pero posible, y ayudar a limitar la propagación de la infección dentro de su hogar. “The Learning Agendy Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit” provee Read more…
It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day. How are Native Americans doing during COVID-19?
Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Thank you for drawing attention to this important topic. By now, you’ve probably heard that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, Native American populations are not an exception. ** Native Americans are more than 5 times as likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic white Americans. This is a larger COVID-19 Read more…
What do you think of the idea of “focused protection” or “shielding” the vulnerable so that everyone else can get on with normal life?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Travel
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
¿Se puede poner la mortalidad de COVID-19 en los EE.UU. en contexto?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: Más de 200,000 norteamericanos han perdido la vida debido al Covid-19. Contar las muertes no le hace justicia a la memoria de cada individuo perdido o el impacto social en nuestras comunidades. Poner este enorme número en contexto depende en cómo enmarcamos esta gran cantidad de víctimas, nuestros prejuicios personales, y nuestra proximidad a Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Q: Jennifer from Texas asks: Are there really false-positives from COVID tests? If so, how is it possible for a test to pick up something that is not there? A: Yep, they exist. High-profile false-positive COVID tests are making the news again after Michael Burton of the New Orleans Saints erroneously tested positive the day Read more…
¿Cómo me cuido a mí mismo o a alguien con quien vivo si resultamos positivos de Covid-19?
Families/Kids Posts en Español TreatmentsDaisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La mayoría de los casos de Covid-19 se tratan en casa. Teniendo en cuenta cómo se verá esto en su hogar, puede prepararlo a usted para este evento no deseado pero posible, y ayudar a limitar la propagación de la infección dentro de su hogar. “The Learning Agendy Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit” provee Read more…
It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day. How are Native Americans doing during COVID-19?
Social and Racial Justice
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Thank you for drawing attention to this important topic. By now, you’ve probably heard that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, Native American populations are not an exception. ** Native Americans are more than 5 times as likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic white Americans. This is a larger COVID-19 Read more…
What do you think of the idea of “focused protection” or “shielding” the vulnerable so that everyone else can get on with normal life?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Travel
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
¿Se puede poner la mortalidad de COVID-19 en los EE.UU. en contexto?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: Más de 200,000 norteamericanos han perdido la vida debido al Covid-19. Contar las muertes no le hace justicia a la memoria de cada individuo perdido o el impacto social en nuestras comunidades. Poner este enorme número en contexto depende en cómo enmarcamos esta gran cantidad de víctimas, nuestros prejuicios personales, y nuestra proximidad a Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
R: La mayoría de los casos de Covid-19 se tratan en casa. Teniendo en cuenta cómo se verá esto en su hogar, puede prepararlo a usted para este evento no deseado pero posible, y ayudar a limitar la propagación de la infección dentro de su hogar. “The Learning Agendy Lab Covid-19 @ Home Toolkit” provee Read more…
It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day. How are Native Americans doing during COVID-19?
Social and Racial JusticeLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Thank you for drawing attention to this important topic. By now, you’ve probably heard that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, Native American populations are not an exception. ** Native Americans are more than 5 times as likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic white Americans. This is a larger COVID-19 Read more…
What do you think of the idea of “focused protection” or “shielding” the vulnerable so that everyone else can get on with normal life?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Travel
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
¿Se puede poner la mortalidad de COVID-19 en los EE.UU. en contexto?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: Más de 200,000 norteamericanos han perdido la vida debido al Covid-19. Contar las muertes no le hace justicia a la memoria de cada individuo perdido o el impacto social en nuestras comunidades. Poner este enorme número en contexto depende en cómo enmarcamos esta gran cantidad de víctimas, nuestros prejuicios personales, y nuestra proximidad a Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
A: Thank you for drawing attention to this important topic. By now, you’ve probably heard that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, Native American populations are not an exception. ** Native Americans are more than 5 times as likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic white Americans. This is a larger COVID-19 Read more…
What do you think of the idea of “focused protection” or “shielding” the vulnerable so that everyone else can get on with normal life?
Clinical Symptoms Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe Travel
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
¿Se puede poner la mortalidad de COVID-19 en los EE.UU. en contexto?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: Más de 200,000 norteamericanos han perdido la vida debido al Covid-19. Contar las muertes no le hace justicia a la memoria de cada individuo perdido o el impacto social en nuestras comunidades. Poner este enorme número en contexto depende en cómo enmarcamos esta gran cantidad de víctimas, nuestros prejuicios personales, y nuestra proximidad a Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
A: We *wish* it were this easy, but sadly it’s not. While this approach sounds appealing on the surface, the deeper you dig the more the argument collapses in on itself. Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up: • The death and hospitalization toll even in under 65s would be Read more…
Q from Ellen from NYC: What do we do when college-age children come home at Thanksgiving? Should they come home?
Families/Kids Staying Safe TravelAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
¿Se puede poner la mortalidad de COVID-19 en los EE.UU. en contexto?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español Staying Safe
Tita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: Más de 200,000 norteamericanos han perdido la vida debido al Covid-19. Contar las muertes no le hace justicia a la memoria de cada individuo perdido o el impacto social en nuestras comunidades. Poner este enorme número en contexto depende en cómo enmarcamos esta gran cantidad de víctimas, nuestros prejuicios personales, y nuestra proximidad a Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
A: “Come Home and Stay Home” or “Don’t Come Home” are your best options. Coming home just for the Thanksgiving holiday and then returning to campus is *not* a good plan. Thanks to Ellen for voicing a common concern. Back in August, the big question for college kids was how they could return to campus Read more…
¿Se puede poner la mortalidad de COVID-19 en los EE.UU. en contexto?
Infection and Spread Posts en Español Staying SafeTita Smyth Escobedo, PM-IT
R: Más de 200,000 norteamericanos han perdido la vida debido al Covid-19. Contar las muertes no le hace justicia a la memoria de cada individuo perdido o el impacto social en nuestras comunidades. Poner este enorme número en contexto depende en cómo enmarcamos esta gran cantidad de víctimas, nuestros prejuicios personales, y nuestra proximidad a Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
R: Más de 200,000 norteamericanos han perdido la vida debido al Covid-19. Contar las muertes no le hace justicia a la memoria de cada individuo perdido o el impacto social en nuestras comunidades. Poner este enorme número en contexto depende en cómo enmarcamos esta gran cantidad de víctimas, nuestros prejuicios personales, y nuestra proximidad a Read more…
Sunday Funnies!
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Your daily dose of laughter can help decrease stress, relax your body, and increase endorphins (happy chemicals!). We hope you enjoy this little dose of Sunday laughter. If it helps, why not schedule some time for laughter every day (a favorite show, podcast, cartoons, laughs with friends, or even laughter yoga)? Share your favorite daily Read more…
How can I boost my immune system?
Biology/Immunity Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe Videos
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility and more severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can reduce Read more…
Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Socializing Staying Safe VideosMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
Dr. Simanek and Dr. Jones tackle follower questions in this not-quite-live Q&A session. We’re taking questions from Wisconsites about voting (:45), safety of hair salons (4:06), holding COVID safe funerals and other gatherings (10:32), close contacts vs. not close contacts (15:45), celebrating homecoming and other outdoor fall gatherings and events (25:01), and disease transmission patterns Read more…
Why wasn’t a test-only strategy sufficient for preventing transmission of COVID-19 in the White House?
Testing and Contact TracingAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
Masks
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
A: Testing individuals for COVID-19, while a necessary component of our public health strategy, doesn’t 100% prevent those who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 from transmitting the infection to others BEFORE they test positive. The type of testing strategy used by the White House was to screen individuals for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen-based test (i.e., Read more…
Can I wear a face shield by itself?
MasksJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español Vaccines
Daisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
A: NOPE. No face shield by itself. As we’ve previously covered, use of face shields by themselves is not recommended. A previous experimental study evaluated how well face shields protected the wearer, showing that smaller inbound particles can easily flow around the shield. Now in a new pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) by scientists from the Read more…
¿Qué pasó con el ensayo de AstraZeneca que fue detenido?
Posts en Español VaccinesDaisey Velazquez, Spanish Translation
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying Safe
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
R: La semana pasada se conoció la noticia de que el ensayo de la vacuna en etapa 3 de AstraZeneca/Oxford se detuvo después de que un participante en el Reino Unido desarrolló una “enfermedad grave”. AstraZeneca no lo ha confirmado, pero se ha informado ampliamente que la enfermedad fue mielitis transversa, una inflamación de la Read more…
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers? What can I do to help?
Mental Health Social and Racial Justice Staying SafeSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
Treatments
A: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
A: People who work in healthcare are at risk for getting COVID-19 on the job and are also under tremendous stress from the demands of dealing with the pandemic. In the US, over 173,000 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 and at least 742 have died. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, therapists, and support staff face increasing Read more…
What are the “really good drugs and knowledge” that Trump tweeted about? Can I get these drugs if I get COVID-19?
TreatmentsA: Not quite. The drugs that Donald Trump received after contracting COVID-19 are either still in clinical trials or available in limited quantities for people with serious infections. Trump received a level of treatment that is not available to the general public yet. While scientists have developed lots of new knowledge to better manage infections, Read more…
