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Uncertainty and Misinformation

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December 10, 2020

“I’ve read that the Pfizer vaccine causes female infertility by blocking a protein that is key in the formation of the placenta in mammals. Is there any shred of truth to this?”

Families Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines

A: No. There is no truth to this rumor. There is nothing in the human genome that is similar to the spike protein that each of the vaccines are targeting to prevent COVID-19. 💉First of all, rumors about similarity between the placenta proteins and spike protein just do not pass the sniff test. Remember: extraordinary …

December 8, 2020

What’s up with shifting scientific guidance?!

Uncertainty and Misinformation

A: Science is a method, not a fixed set of findings. Beware the scientist who does NOT change her mind. As cheekily characterized by the Wall Street Journal, science is merely a fancy way to “guess-and-test.” So why is it such a powerful force in the world? Our brains are biologically wired to seek patterns; …

December 5, 2020

I have family members and close friends who say they don’t want to get the Covid-19 vaccine when it’s their turn. How can I convince them?

Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines

A: Lead with love, then with facts. Share your enthusiasm and commitment. Make it easy and fun. Acknowledge past hurts. We already know that hesitancy about the Covid-19 vaccine is running high. Recent survey data (linked below) show that anywhere from 20-40% of US residents report being “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to get the vaccine. …

December 4, 2020

How do I fight fake news?

Uncertainty and Misinformation

A: Use the 3D’s to slay disinformation: Detect; document; and debunk. “Sandwich” the myth between buns of truth. “Everywhere you see the spread of germs for the last few thousand years, you see right behind it the spread of lies.” Oh boy how these wise words from medical sociologist Dr. Nicholas Christakis resonate. We Nerdy …

November 30, 2020

How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??

Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation

A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang …

November 28, 2020

Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A

Biology/Immunity Clinical Symptoms Infection and Spread Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos

Drs. Lindsey Leininger and Malia Jones take your thorny COVID questions in this Live Q&A! If you have a question, submit it at our website! www.dearpandemic.org. This week we discuss: ➡️ Intro…with TV show rec’s! (0:00 – 3:00) Related link ➡️ The latest on quarantine timelines (3:35 – 8:40) Related link ➡️ Handling conspiracy theories …

November 21, 2020

I heard that mouthwash kills the coronavirus! How often should I gargle?

Uncertainty and Misinformation

A. TL,DR: Mouthwash won’t prevent or cure COVID-19. Consistent with several prior studies, a recent laboratory-based study out of Cardiff University found that over-the-counter mouthwash (with active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC]) will inactivate 90-99% of the coronavirus after a mere 30 seconds. Sounds exciting! …but don’t get your hopes up. The clinical relevance of mouthwash …

November 16, 2020

Jo-Mom’s Pumpkin Pie

Uncertainty and Misinformation

On Saturday’s live Q&A, Malia said she would share her mom’s “pumpkin” pie recipe–which has a secret ingredient. Well, here it is! The secret is that there’s no pumpkin at all–the recipe uses fresh butternut squash instead. You’ll never know it’s not a pumpkin pie except that it’s the best-tasting pumpkin pie you’ve ever made. …

November 11, 2020

Nerdy Girls Lab Notes Oct 2020

Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos

Your Nerdy Girls: · Love (!) the Dear Pandemic community · Celebrate your kindness and commitment to science · Are so very grateful for your help in fighting the “infodemic” Our October “Lab Notes” report is dedicated to YOU, the amazing Dear Pandemic community. #FightLikeANerdyGirl Link to original FB post

November 4, 2020

Post-Election Uncertainty

Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation

It is the day after Election Day in the United States and perhaps many of you are feeling what we feel too: Uncertainty. For our families, for our friends and neighbors, and for our futures. Amidst this uncertainty, let us recommit to you and the work ahead. We are scientists, researchers, clinicians, leaders, and family …