COVID-19 in Jails and Prisons
Social and Racial Justice Vaccines
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
If I get vaccinated and I’m with another person who has gotten vaccinated, is it safe to spend time together without masks?
Socializing Staying Safe Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It will be much safer for the two of you to spend time in close contact than if one or both of you were not vaccinated, but keep in mind protection is not immediate nor 100%. You will also still need to take steps to prevent spreading infection to others until your community gets Read more…
Is COVID really worse than the flu?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. Many, many more people are being hospitalized and dying with COVID than even a very bad flu season. To visualize ICU admissions in England compared to recent flu seasons, check out this animation from Jonathan Burn-Murdoch at the Financial Times. We’ve previously written on the current best estimates of the COVID-19 infection fatality Read more…
Melatonin and COVID-19
Treatments
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: I’m seeing chatter around a study re: melatonin and COVID-19 prevention and recovery. Should we be taking melatonin every night? What’s an appropriate amount to avoid disrupting our sleep hormones TOO much and having a dose that might actually help?” A: TL;DR: Sufficient restorative sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. Melatonin, which Read more…
What is all the fuss about the “mutant” strain of SARS-CoV-2 in England?
Biology/Immunity
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The variant of concern VOC 202012/01 also known as the B.1.1.7 lineage accumulated many mutations in a short period of time and may spread more quickly than other strains. Researchers have located three specific mutations that may allow for increased transmission in this variant with continued study expected. It is likely the vaccine will Read more…
How many days do I need to quarantine if I plan to see family and friends for Christmas?
Socializing Travel
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: A 14-day quarantine prior to visiting family and friends continues to offer the greatest risk reduction. TODAY IS THE DAY TO START YOUR QUARANTINE! The CDC recently revised guidelines offering alternatives to a 14-day quarantine for people exposed to someone with Covid-19 who remain asymptomatic. (Look for an in-depth post on this change next Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction?
Infection and Spread Socializing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction? Does closing restaurants and bars early really help curb the spread of COVID-19? A: There is a strong basis for targeting the hospitality industry for COVID-related restrictions. But if curfews are applied in isolation, they are unlikely to do much good. Read more…
Why are universities doing things like testing wastewater and pooling spit?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Testing samples of wastewater and pooled spit in places with communal living, such as colleges and universities, provide several valuable benefits in detecting COVID-19. TESTING OF ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE. When people are living and socializing together in the same building, there is a risk of asymptomatic spread. If you wait until people are symptomatic to Read more…
When will we have a vaccine for COVID? When will life return back to normal?!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The earliest we can expect vaccines to be available is January, and they will be available to the most vulnerable populations first, with general public availability following by Spring 2021. But even with an effective vaccine, some social distancing measures are expected to be in place at least until the end of 2021, with Read more…
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
Q: We know that individuals in jails and prisons are disproportionately getting COVID-19. What are the reasons for this and what can be done about it? How much more likely are incarcerated people to get COVID-19 than the rest of the population? A: Incarcerated individuals are approximately 5 times as likely as the general population Read more…
If I get vaccinated and I’m with another person who has gotten vaccinated, is it safe to spend time together without masks?
Socializing Staying Safe VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: It will be much safer for the two of you to spend time in close contact than if one or both of you were not vaccinated, but keep in mind protection is not immediate nor 100%. You will also still need to take steps to prevent spreading infection to others until your community gets Read more…
Is COVID really worse than the flu?
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. Many, many more people are being hospitalized and dying with COVID than even a very bad flu season. To visualize ICU admissions in England compared to recent flu seasons, check out this animation from Jonathan Burn-Murdoch at the Financial Times. We’ve previously written on the current best estimates of the COVID-19 infection fatality Read more…
Melatonin and COVID-19
Treatments
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: I’m seeing chatter around a study re: melatonin and COVID-19 prevention and recovery. Should we be taking melatonin every night? What’s an appropriate amount to avoid disrupting our sleep hormones TOO much and having a dose that might actually help?” A: TL;DR: Sufficient restorative sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. Melatonin, which Read more…
What is all the fuss about the “mutant” strain of SARS-CoV-2 in England?
Biology/Immunity
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The variant of concern VOC 202012/01 also known as the B.1.1.7 lineage accumulated many mutations in a short period of time and may spread more quickly than other strains. Researchers have located three specific mutations that may allow for increased transmission in this variant with continued study expected. It is likely the vaccine will Read more…
How many days do I need to quarantine if I plan to see family and friends for Christmas?
Socializing Travel
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: A 14-day quarantine prior to visiting family and friends continues to offer the greatest risk reduction. TODAY IS THE DAY TO START YOUR QUARANTINE! The CDC recently revised guidelines offering alternatives to a 14-day quarantine for people exposed to someone with Covid-19 who remain asymptomatic. (Look for an in-depth post on this change next Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction?
Infection and Spread Socializing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction? Does closing restaurants and bars early really help curb the spread of COVID-19? A: There is a strong basis for targeting the hospitality industry for COVID-related restrictions. But if curfews are applied in isolation, they are unlikely to do much good. Read more…
Why are universities doing things like testing wastewater and pooling spit?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Testing samples of wastewater and pooled spit in places with communal living, such as colleges and universities, provide several valuable benefits in detecting COVID-19. TESTING OF ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE. When people are living and socializing together in the same building, there is a risk of asymptomatic spread. If you wait until people are symptomatic to Read more…
When will we have a vaccine for COVID? When will life return back to normal?!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The earliest we can expect vaccines to be available is January, and they will be available to the most vulnerable populations first, with general public availability following by Spring 2021. But even with an effective vaccine, some social distancing measures are expected to be in place at least until the end of 2021, with Read more…
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
A: It will be much safer for the two of you to spend time in close contact than if one or both of you were not vaccinated, but keep in mind protection is not immediate nor 100%. You will also still need to take steps to prevent spreading infection to others until your community gets Read more…
Is COVID really worse than the flu?
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. Many, many more people are being hospitalized and dying with COVID than even a very bad flu season. To visualize ICU admissions in England compared to recent flu seasons, check out this animation from Jonathan Burn-Murdoch at the Financial Times. We’ve previously written on the current best estimates of the COVID-19 infection fatality Read more…
Melatonin and COVID-19
Treatments
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: I’m seeing chatter around a study re: melatonin and COVID-19 prevention and recovery. Should we be taking melatonin every night? What’s an appropriate amount to avoid disrupting our sleep hormones TOO much and having a dose that might actually help?” A: TL;DR: Sufficient restorative sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. Melatonin, which Read more…
What is all the fuss about the “mutant” strain of SARS-CoV-2 in England?
Biology/Immunity
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The variant of concern VOC 202012/01 also known as the B.1.1.7 lineage accumulated many mutations in a short period of time and may spread more quickly than other strains. Researchers have located three specific mutations that may allow for increased transmission in this variant with continued study expected. It is likely the vaccine will Read more…
How many days do I need to quarantine if I plan to see family and friends for Christmas?
Socializing Travel
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: A 14-day quarantine prior to visiting family and friends continues to offer the greatest risk reduction. TODAY IS THE DAY TO START YOUR QUARANTINE! The CDC recently revised guidelines offering alternatives to a 14-day quarantine for people exposed to someone with Covid-19 who remain asymptomatic. (Look for an in-depth post on this change next Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction?
Infection and Spread Socializing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction? Does closing restaurants and bars early really help curb the spread of COVID-19? A: There is a strong basis for targeting the hospitality industry for COVID-related restrictions. But if curfews are applied in isolation, they are unlikely to do much good. Read more…
Why are universities doing things like testing wastewater and pooling spit?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Testing samples of wastewater and pooled spit in places with communal living, such as colleges and universities, provide several valuable benefits in detecting COVID-19. TESTING OF ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE. When people are living and socializing together in the same building, there is a risk of asymptomatic spread. If you wait until people are symptomatic to Read more…
When will we have a vaccine for COVID? When will life return back to normal?!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The earliest we can expect vaccines to be available is January, and they will be available to the most vulnerable populations first, with general public availability following by Spring 2021. But even with an effective vaccine, some social distancing measures are expected to be in place at least until the end of 2021, with Read more…
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
A: Yes. Many, many more people are being hospitalized and dying with COVID than even a very bad flu season. To visualize ICU admissions in England compared to recent flu seasons, check out this animation from Jonathan Burn-Murdoch at the Financial Times. We’ve previously written on the current best estimates of the COVID-19 infection fatality Read more…
Melatonin and COVID-19
TreatmentsLauren Hale, PhD MA
Q: I’m seeing chatter around a study re: melatonin and COVID-19 prevention and recovery. Should we be taking melatonin every night? What’s an appropriate amount to avoid disrupting our sleep hormones TOO much and having a dose that might actually help?” A: TL;DR: Sufficient restorative sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. Melatonin, which Read more…
What is all the fuss about the “mutant” strain of SARS-CoV-2 in England?
Biology/Immunity
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The variant of concern VOC 202012/01 also known as the B.1.1.7 lineage accumulated many mutations in a short period of time and may spread more quickly than other strains. Researchers have located three specific mutations that may allow for increased transmission in this variant with continued study expected. It is likely the vaccine will Read more…
How many days do I need to quarantine if I plan to see family and friends for Christmas?
Socializing Travel
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: A 14-day quarantine prior to visiting family and friends continues to offer the greatest risk reduction. TODAY IS THE DAY TO START YOUR QUARANTINE! The CDC recently revised guidelines offering alternatives to a 14-day quarantine for people exposed to someone with Covid-19 who remain asymptomatic. (Look for an in-depth post on this change next Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction?
Infection and Spread Socializing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction? Does closing restaurants and bars early really help curb the spread of COVID-19? A: There is a strong basis for targeting the hospitality industry for COVID-related restrictions. But if curfews are applied in isolation, they are unlikely to do much good. Read more…
Why are universities doing things like testing wastewater and pooling spit?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Testing samples of wastewater and pooled spit in places with communal living, such as colleges and universities, provide several valuable benefits in detecting COVID-19. TESTING OF ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE. When people are living and socializing together in the same building, there is a risk of asymptomatic spread. If you wait until people are symptomatic to Read more…
When will we have a vaccine for COVID? When will life return back to normal?!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The earliest we can expect vaccines to be available is January, and they will be available to the most vulnerable populations first, with general public availability following by Spring 2021. But even with an effective vaccine, some social distancing measures are expected to be in place at least until the end of 2021, with Read more…
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
Q: I’m seeing chatter around a study re: melatonin and COVID-19 prevention and recovery. Should we be taking melatonin every night? What’s an appropriate amount to avoid disrupting our sleep hormones TOO much and having a dose that might actually help?” A: TL;DR: Sufficient restorative sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. Melatonin, which Read more…
What is all the fuss about the “mutant” strain of SARS-CoV-2 in England?
Biology/ImmunityAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: The variant of concern VOC 202012/01 also known as the B.1.1.7 lineage accumulated many mutations in a short period of time and may spread more quickly than other strains. Researchers have located three specific mutations that may allow for increased transmission in this variant with continued study expected. It is likely the vaccine will Read more…
How many days do I need to quarantine if I plan to see family and friends for Christmas?
Socializing Travel
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: A 14-day quarantine prior to visiting family and friends continues to offer the greatest risk reduction. TODAY IS THE DAY TO START YOUR QUARANTINE! The CDC recently revised guidelines offering alternatives to a 14-day quarantine for people exposed to someone with Covid-19 who remain asymptomatic. (Look for an in-depth post on this change next Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction?
Infection and Spread Socializing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction? Does closing restaurants and bars early really help curb the spread of COVID-19? A: There is a strong basis for targeting the hospitality industry for COVID-related restrictions. But if curfews are applied in isolation, they are unlikely to do much good. Read more…
Why are universities doing things like testing wastewater and pooling spit?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Testing samples of wastewater and pooled spit in places with communal living, such as colleges and universities, provide several valuable benefits in detecting COVID-19. TESTING OF ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE. When people are living and socializing together in the same building, there is a risk of asymptomatic spread. If you wait until people are symptomatic to Read more…
When will we have a vaccine for COVID? When will life return back to normal?!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The earliest we can expect vaccines to be available is January, and they will be available to the most vulnerable populations first, with general public availability following by Spring 2021. But even with an effective vaccine, some social distancing measures are expected to be in place at least until the end of 2021, with Read more…
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
A: The variant of concern VOC 202012/01 also known as the B.1.1.7 lineage accumulated many mutations in a short period of time and may spread more quickly than other strains. Researchers have located three specific mutations that may allow for increased transmission in this variant with continued study expected. It is likely the vaccine will Read more…
How many days do I need to quarantine if I plan to see family and friends for Christmas?
Socializing TravelAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: A 14-day quarantine prior to visiting family and friends continues to offer the greatest risk reduction. TODAY IS THE DAY TO START YOUR QUARANTINE! The CDC recently revised guidelines offering alternatives to a 14-day quarantine for people exposed to someone with Covid-19 who remain asymptomatic. (Look for an in-depth post on this change next Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying Safe
A: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction?
Infection and Spread Socializing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction? Does closing restaurants and bars early really help curb the spread of COVID-19? A: There is a strong basis for targeting the hospitality industry for COVID-related restrictions. But if curfews are applied in isolation, they are unlikely to do much good. Read more…
Why are universities doing things like testing wastewater and pooling spit?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Testing samples of wastewater and pooled spit in places with communal living, such as colleges and universities, provide several valuable benefits in detecting COVID-19. TESTING OF ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE. When people are living and socializing together in the same building, there is a risk of asymptomatic spread. If you wait until people are symptomatic to Read more…
When will we have a vaccine for COVID? When will life return back to normal?!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The earliest we can expect vaccines to be available is January, and they will be available to the most vulnerable populations first, with general public availability following by Spring 2021. But even with an effective vaccine, some social distancing measures are expected to be in place at least until the end of 2021, with Read more…
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
A: A 14-day quarantine prior to visiting family and friends continues to offer the greatest risk reduction. TODAY IS THE DAY TO START YOUR QUARANTINE! The CDC recently revised guidelines offering alternatives to a 14-day quarantine for people exposed to someone with Covid-19 who remain asymptomatic. (Look for an in-depth post on this change next Read more…
Is there really a risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gym?
Infection and Spread Staying SafeA: Unfortunately, yes. While we appreciate the importance of exercise for our physical and mental health, there HAVE been documented instances of COVID-19 spread in gyms and fitness studios, and they are home to one of the conditions that makes transmission easier: a lot of shared indoor air. In the infographic below from Fraser Health Read more…
Can you address divorced families navigating the transition between two homes safely this winter?
Infection and SpreadAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction?
Infection and Spread Socializing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction? Does closing restaurants and bars early really help curb the spread of COVID-19? A: There is a strong basis for targeting the hospitality industry for COVID-related restrictions. But if curfews are applied in isolation, they are unlikely to do much good. Read more…
Why are universities doing things like testing wastewater and pooling spit?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Testing samples of wastewater and pooled spit in places with communal living, such as colleges and universities, provide several valuable benefits in detecting COVID-19. TESTING OF ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE. When people are living and socializing together in the same building, there is a risk of asymptomatic spread. If you wait until people are symptomatic to Read more…
When will we have a vaccine for COVID? When will life return back to normal?!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The earliest we can expect vaccines to be available is January, and they will be available to the most vulnerable populations first, with general public availability following by Spring 2021. But even with an effective vaccine, some social distancing measures are expected to be in place at least until the end of 2021, with Read more…
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
A: The CDC defines a “household” as one or more individuals living together in a single dwelling unit and sharing common living areas, and cross-lists this definition with their definition for “family.” But for all those divorced, separated and blended families sharing custody of children, we know it isn’t that simple. Fewer than half of Read more…
How is it possible that my friends are social distancing and yet have colds??
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and MisinformationMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction?
Infection and Spread Socializing
Sandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction? Does closing restaurants and bars early really help curb the spread of COVID-19? A: There is a strong basis for targeting the hospitality industry for COVID-related restrictions. But if curfews are applied in isolation, they are unlikely to do much good. Read more…
Why are universities doing things like testing wastewater and pooling spit?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Testing samples of wastewater and pooled spit in places with communal living, such as colleges and universities, provide several valuable benefits in detecting COVID-19. TESTING OF ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE. When people are living and socializing together in the same building, there is a risk of asymptomatic spread. If you wait until people are symptomatic to Read more…
When will we have a vaccine for COVID? When will life return back to normal?!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The earliest we can expect vaccines to be available is January, and they will be available to the most vulnerable populations first, with general public availability following by Spring 2021. But even with an effective vaccine, some social distancing measures are expected to be in place at least until the end of 2021, with Read more…
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
A: The interventions we use to reduce COVID-19 transmission–such as wearing masks, improving ventilation, and keeping physical distance from other people–don’t target the common cold as well. Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, which is transmitted through sharing air with infected people, most of the many viruses that cause the common cold–called rhinoviruses–love to hang Read more…
Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction?
Infection and Spread SocializingSandra Albrecht, PhD MPH
Q: Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction? Does closing restaurants and bars early really help curb the spread of COVID-19? A: There is a strong basis for targeting the hospitality industry for COVID-related restrictions. But if curfews are applied in isolation, they are unlikely to do much good. Read more…
Why are universities doing things like testing wastewater and pooling spit?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Testing samples of wastewater and pooled spit in places with communal living, such as colleges and universities, provide several valuable benefits in detecting COVID-19. TESTING OF ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE. When people are living and socializing together in the same building, there is a risk of asymptomatic spread. If you wait until people are symptomatic to Read more…
When will we have a vaccine for COVID? When will life return back to normal?!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The earliest we can expect vaccines to be available is January, and they will be available to the most vulnerable populations first, with general public availability following by Spring 2021. But even with an effective vaccine, some social distancing measures are expected to be in place at least until the end of 2021, with Read more…
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
Q: Massachusetts has just instituted 9:30pm curfews. What is the rationale for this restriction? Does closing restaurants and bars early really help curb the spread of COVID-19? A: There is a strong basis for targeting the hospitality industry for COVID-related restrictions. But if curfews are applied in isolation, they are unlikely to do much good. Read more…
Why are universities doing things like testing wastewater and pooling spit?
Testing and Contact TracingLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Testing samples of wastewater and pooled spit in places with communal living, such as colleges and universities, provide several valuable benefits in detecting COVID-19. TESTING OF ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE. When people are living and socializing together in the same building, there is a risk of asymptomatic spread. If you wait until people are symptomatic to Read more…
When will we have a vaccine for COVID? When will life return back to normal?!
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The earliest we can expect vaccines to be available is January, and they will be available to the most vulnerable populations first, with general public availability following by Spring 2021. But even with an effective vaccine, some social distancing measures are expected to be in place at least until the end of 2021, with Read more…
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
A: Testing samples of wastewater and pooled spit in places with communal living, such as colleges and universities, provide several valuable benefits in detecting COVID-19. TESTING OF ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE. When people are living and socializing together in the same building, there is a risk of asymptomatic spread. If you wait until people are symptomatic to Read more…
When will we have a vaccine for COVID? When will life return back to normal?!
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The earliest we can expect vaccines to be available is January, and they will be available to the most vulnerable populations first, with general public availability following by Spring 2021. But even with an effective vaccine, some social distancing measures are expected to be in place at least until the end of 2021, with Read more…
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
A: The earliest we can expect vaccines to be available is January, and they will be available to the most vulnerable populations first, with general public availability following by Spring 2021. But even with an effective vaccine, some social distancing measures are expected to be in place at least until the end of 2021, with Read more…
My husband is working at a place where everyone wears masks. I am higher risk & retired… Should he be sleeping in a separate room from me?
Families/Kids Infection and Spread Staying SafeLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact Tracing
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
A: When bed partners have varying degrees of risk of exposure and vulnerability to the disease, it’s worth discussing sleeping in separate spaces. The Nerdy Girls call this COVID Bed Spread. Here are some benefits to sleeping apart from other household members: 1.) REDUCED RISK OF VIRAL EXPOSURE (in both directions). Spending six or more Read more…
Does the new CDC guidance about avoiding 15 minutes cumulative contact mean with masks or without masks?
Infection and Spread Masks Testing and Contact TracingAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and Misinformation
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
A: In the community setting, someone who meets the criteria for being a close contact to a case of COVID-19, meets the criteria REGARDLESS of whether or not they or the case had on a mask. Why is someone considered a close contact regardless of whether they had on a mask? While cloth masks are Read more…
Did a recent CDC study show that 85% of people who wear masks get COVID?
Masks Uncertainty and MisinformationAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
A: No. The CDC study showed that close contact with people who had COVID-19 or visiting locations that offered on-site eating and drinking were associated with getting COVID. This study does not offer any information about whether wearing a mask is a risk factor for getting COVID. So where does this 85% figure come from? 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. 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…
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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. 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…
Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing?
Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying Safe
Rebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
A: No, Sweden has not reached herd immunity, nor have they fared well economically or with respect to COVID-19 mortality. Swedes also voluntarily changed behavior more than is frequently assumed. While there has been a fascination with being Sweden during this pandemic, there are many misconceptions about their experience that are worth clearing up: *Myth Read more…
I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Staying SafeRebecca Doyle, Graduate Assistant
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
Q: I know that voting is important to a healthy democracy and public health. I’ve already made my plan to vote. Is there anything else I can do to help? A: Congrats on making a plan to vote! There ARE a few ways to help: volunteering to be a poll worker, encouraging others to vote, Read more…
Lottsa Vaccine Questions Answered
VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
Q: How much longer until there’s a $#&^#% vaccine?!?! Q: How do vaccine trials work, by the way? Q: Once there’s a vaccine, the pandemic is over, right? Q: How will I know if it’s safe to get the vaccine? Q: What about that AstraZeneca trial that was stopped? A: Lotsa vaccine questions! Answers below. Read more…
