Posts by Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD

COVID vaccination reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes after a COVID infection. April 12, 2024

What should I do if I get sick? The guidance keeps changing! March 22, 2024

Happy 4th Nerdyversary: Our Origin Story March 18, 2024

Who is still dying of COVID? March 8, 2024

Did we overcount COVID deaths? February 20, 2024

More good news on the real-world effectiveness of the updated COVID-19 vaccine! February 2, 2024

“Rebound” is a COVID thing, not a Paxlovid thing. January 29, 2024

Are the updated COVID vaccines preventing severe disease? January 28, 2024

New RSV shots would save many lives if they were adopted like flu shots January 25, 2024

A lot more Americans are dying of COVID than the flu. It’s not too late to get your updated vaccine. January 16, 2024

It’s not too late to get your flu and updated COVID vaccines before the holidays! December 8, 2023

How effective is the new RSV vaccine for older people? December 3, 2023

Are Ozempic and Wegovy “game-changers” for improving health? December 1, 2023

Is ‘Immunity Debt’ Behind China’s Rising Childhood Pneumonia Cases? November 28, 2023

Tips for a Safer Thanksgiving November 21, 2023

How many people die of the flu anyway? November 16, 2023

Should I get a flu shot if I already had the flu this season? November 16, 2023

Why do I need yet another COVID vaccine? November 9, 2023

Everyone can benefit from a boost in COVID protection before the winter respiratory virus season. November 7, 2023

Yes, everyone should get the updated Covid vaccine. October 20, 2023

Updated COVID vaccines are now FDA and CDC approved and available soon in the US! September 13, 2023

💥 Some Good News! BA.2.86 is looking less scary than we thought. September 10, 2023

Oh, no *another* new variant?! What do we know about BA.2.86? August 29, 2023

Is there a new Covid variant? August 9, 2023

Paxlovid is an underused weapon against COVID. Make a plan now! August 7, 2023

Is Diet Coke giving you cancer? July 20, 2023

How can I keep track of COVID levels in my area now that cases are not being reported? May 17, 2023

It’s National Nurses Week! May 9, 2023

Are COVID re-infections worse than a first infection? May 2, 2023

💥 Finally! Additional doses of bivalent COVID-19 boosters available in US for *some* groups. April 20, 2023

Why haven’t there been any new variants since Omicron? April 11, 2023

Did COVID-19 start from a “lab leak”? April 7, 2023

What’s one of the most underused but effective tools we have against COVID-19? April 3, 2023

Is there any update on additional COVID booster shots? March 29, 2023

Can COVID-19 cause erectile dysfunction (ED)? March 27, 2023

Is it true that a previous COVID-19 infection is just as good as a vaccine? March 21, 2023

Those Nerdy Girls’ Origin Story from March 2020 March 15, 2023

Do masks work? March 3, 2023

Q: Can I get another COVID booster? It’s been more than 6 months since my last shot, and I’m worried about waning protection. February 26, 2023

Are vaccinated people “dying suddenly?” February 24, 2023

Can I get another COVID-19 bivalent booster? February 22, 2023

Celebrating Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett February 18, 2023

Our paper wins the 2022 Editor in Chief Award from the American Journal of Health Promotion!! February 10, 2023

Are we over-counting Covid deaths? February 1, 2023

UPDATED 1/31/23: When can I get another COVID booster? January 31, 2023

When can I get another COVID booster? January 17, 2023

How concerned should I be about the new XBB.1.5 variant? January 3, 2023

Winter is coming… GO, GO, GO and get your updated COVID booster! January 2, 2023

Any ideas for year-end giving? December 30, 2022

How can I stay safe during the holidays? December 21, 2022

What is a toilet plume? December 13, 2022

Should I get a flu shot if I already had the flu this season? December 6, 2022

Those Nerdy Girls’ CEO Ashley Ritter Elected to the College of Physicians of Philadelphia December 3, 2022

It’s not too late to get your flu shot! December 2, 2022

Tips for a safer Thanksgiving November 22, 2022

Is this bad RSV and flu season due to an “immunity debt?” November 15, 2022

If you haven’t already… GO get your flu shot NOW! November 6, 2022

NOW is the time….Go get your flu shot! October 26, 2022

Life Expectancy Update 2021 October 20, 2022

💥 Updated boosters approved for kids down to age 5 in the US October 12, 2022

Is it still important for my kids to get the COVID-19 vaccine? October 5, 2022

I heard that US life expectancy fell again. Does this mean *my* lifespan will be shorter? September 14, 2022

Tired of hearing about variants? Unfortunately they are here to stay. September 2, 2022

Last Chance for US Households to Order Free Rapid Tests August 29, 2022

How can we make public indoor spaces safer with on-going risks from COVID? August 15, 2022

Have BA.5 cases peaked? That means it’s all downhill from here, right? August 8, 2022

Omicron-updated boosters are coming to the U.S. soon August 3, 2022

Q: How concerned should I be about Monkeypox? July 25, 2022

Q: How can I protect myself during this BA.5 surge? July 22, 2022

Q: What should I do if I get COVID on vacation 🌴? July 21, 2022

How To Protect Yourself from COVID Outdoors July 3, 2022

What’s the point of making an effort anymore if COVID-19 is everywhere? June 28, 2022

Should I vaccinate my kids even if they’ve already been infected with COVID-19? June 20, 2022

Why is my PCR test still positive if I’ve taken Paxlovid, isolated and have been asymptomatic for many days? June 13, 2022

Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO May 30, 2022

If I’ve already been infected with Omicron, am I protected against new variants? May 16, 2022

Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now? May 2, 2022

Did getting exposed to fewer germs for the last 2 years weaken our immune systems? April 27, 2022

What’s this news about a COVID-19 breath test? April 19, 2022

Can I take an antibody test to see if I need a booster shot? April 9, 2022

US FDA Approves Extra Booster For Adults 50+ and the Immunocompromised March 29, 2022

Moderna will submit for approval of its kids’ vaccine March 24, 2022

Postcards from England – March 18, 2022 March 18, 2022

In many countries, life expectancy dropped substantially in 2020 due to COVID-19. March 7, 2022

Nerdy Publication alert! February 21, 2022

Great Videos on Viruses, Vaccines, and COVID-19 February 20, 2022

💔 Disheartening news: A new study shows that COVID-19 raises risk of cardiovascular disease for at least a year after infection. February 18, 2022

🧪Happy International Day of Women & Girls in Science!🔬 February 11, 2022

Do I really need a COVID-19 booster shot? February 8, 2022

💥 If you are pregnant- please, please get your COVID-19 vaccine!! January 31, 2022

Are cases peaking? That means it’s all downhill from here, right? January 27, 2022

Can the vaccines help prevent Long Covid? January 22, 2022

Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines don’t work? January 12, 2022

FLURONA? DELTACRON? Drink your own pee? January 11, 2022

If everyone is going to get Omicron, what’s the point in avoiding it? January 4, 2022

Happy, happy New Year to our Dear Pandemic community! January 1, 2022

💥 Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Year💥 December 30, 2021

What’s the best MASK to protect me from the Omicron variant? December 21, 2021

Is it true that Omicron is less severe than previous variants? December 20, 2021

A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds December 17, 2021

POSTCARDS FROM THE UK: Buckle up America (and everywhere else). December 16, 2021

Visualizations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus December 12, 2021

FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds December 9, 2021

OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH December 8, 2021

THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study December 7, 2021

Do COVID-19 vaccines promote the emergence of new variants? December 7, 2021

Are normal precautions (masks, distance, ventilation) less effective against new variants? December 2, 2021

What’s new with Omicron? December 1, 2021

CDC Updates Guidance for Boosters November 30, 2021

How do COVID-19 Viral Vector Vaccines Work? November 26, 2021

Do I really need a COVID booster dose if I am young and healthy? November 23, 2021

If my child is almost 12 years old, should I wait for the higher dose? November 21, 2021

Do I need a COVID-19 booster? November 14, 2021

How do COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work? November 13, 2021

Looking back: A year ago, Pfizer first released their clinical trial results for COVID-19 vaccine. November 8, 2021

Will an infection after vaccination give me an immune boost? October 31, 2021

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration meets to discuss KIDS vaccines TODAY (October 26th)! October 26, 2021

Can I take an antibody test to see if I need a booster shot? October 25, 2021

We are very sorry to hear of the passing of General Colin Powell from COVID-19. October 19, 2021

COVID-19 cases are way down in the U.S. We’re out of the woods, right?! October 18, 2021

💥 FINALLY…some new MIX AND MATCH DATA💥 October 13, 2021

Want to know more about infection vs. vaccine induced immunity to SARS-CoV-2? October 13, 2021

Is COVID-19 99% survivable? October 12, 2021

What’s the best MASK to protect me from the Delta variant? October 6, 2021

Scientists recently did something pretty cool (okay, *Nerdy* cool). October 4, 2021

U.S. Passes 700,000 Official COVID-19 Deaths October 3, 2021

Why should I get vaccinated if I already had COVID? September 30, 2021

Are we over-stating COVID-19 mortality? September 28, 2021

Boosters for Pfizer/BioNTech approved for large group of Americans. September 24, 2021

WHAT the heck is going on with booster shots?! September 21, 2021

Roughly 1 in every 500 Americans has died of COVID-19. September 19, 2021

COVID vaccine does NOT cause testicles to swell or lead to impotence September 14, 2021

What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths? September 13, 2021

Pfizer-BioNTech Will Soon Ask for Approval of Vaccine for 5 Years and Over September 10, 2021

Moderna Releases Data on mRNA Vaccine for 3 Respiratory Viruses September 9, 2021

Is immunity from natural COVID infection “better” than vaccine immunity? September 6, 2021

California Classroom Outbreak Explained September 2, 2021

What’s going on with the Delta variant in the UK 🇬🇧? I heard cases were falling? August 31, 2021

What can you do to improve the air quality and lower COVID-19 transmission in your school? August 25, 2021

Tips For Parents Facing Another Uncertain School Year August 24, 2021

FDA grants full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16+💥 August 23, 2021

What are the best masks for kids? August 18, 2021

CDC STRENGTHENS RECOMMENDATION FOR COVID-19 VACCINATION DURING PREGNANCY August 16, 2021

3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Immunocompromised in US August 13, 2021

Will my kids get any protection if they wear a mask, but most other kids are not wearing one? August 11, 2021

Will the COVID-19 vaccines encourage the emergence of new variants or immune evasion? August 10, 2021

Are vaccinated people infected with Delta *really* as contagious as the unvaccinated? August 8, 2021

Risks of Delta and Kids August 7, 2021

What should I make of the “leaked” CDC slides last week? Is Delta worse than we thought?! August 3, 2021

NEW CDC MASK GUIDANCE July 27, 2021

If I got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, do I need a booster because of Delta? July 27, 2021

Why are 40% of COVID hospitalizations in the UK among the vaccinated? July 26, 2021

UK’s Vaccine Rollout Dramatically Reduced COVID-19 Deaths July 22, 2021

Why might Delta be more transmissible? July 19, 2021

Euro Cup heartbreak, big crowds, and Delta still rising – Update from England July 12, 2021

Do we really need a booster vaccine already?! July 12, 2021

CDC Updated Guidance on Schools July 10, 2021

Need help navigating summer activities while keeping unvaccinated kids safe? July 7, 2021

Confused about when to mask up? July 5, 2021

If I don’t I have side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine does that mean it’s less effective? July 5, 2021

GOOD NEWS!! VACCINES WORK!! July 2, 2021

POSTCARDS FROM THE UK: Delta Delta Delta June 28, 2021

Dr. Lindsey Leininger Addresses “Hygiene Theatre” June 25, 2021

UPDATE ON mRNA VACCINES AND MYOCARDITIS: June 23, 2021

If the Delta variant is more transmissible, are normal precautions (masks, 6 foot distance, being outside) less effective? June 22, 2021

Novavax Vaccine Update! June 15, 2021

Can the vaccines make me magnetic? June 14, 2021

What’s going on with the “Delta” variant in the U.K.? June 8, 2021

Do the COVID-19 vaccines reduce transmission? June 7, 2021

WHO announces new names for SARS-CoV-2 variants June 7, 2021

Vaccine Talk from Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett June 5, 2021

Cases are coming down. Am I now safe from COVID-19 even if I’m unvaccinated? May 31, 2021

Can COVID-19 cause erectile dysfunction (ED) or affect sperm? (Updated 5/24/21) May 24, 2021

Resumen de eficacia de las vacunas. May 19, 2021

Some Good News – Cases falling in the US May 17, 2021

FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15! May 11, 2021

Are the vaccines effective against new variants? May 10, 2021

Do I need the vaccine if I’ve already been infected with COVID-19? May 8, 2021

Can I shed the vaccine to others? May 6, 2021

When will the vaccines be approved for under 16s? May 6, 2021

O que é a trombocitopenia trombótica imune induzida pela vacina (TTIIV) e outros coágulos sanguíneos? May 1, 2021

If the most vulnerable are now protected due to the vaccine, why can’t we go back to normal life? April 27, 2021

What is the chance of a “breakthrough” infection after vaccination? April 20, 2021

Do we know more about whether the vaccines reduce transmission? April 15, 2021

Do I still have to wear a mask outside? April 12, 2021

What’s going on with the Astrazeneca vaccine in the UK and Europe? April 9, 2021

How long will the protection from vaccines last? April 5, 2021

Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask? April 2, 2021

¿Se están EXAGERANDO o SUBESTIMANDO las muertes por COVID-19? April 1, 2021

Pfizer vaccine reported safe and effective in kids ages 12-15! March 31, 2021

Do I need the vaccine if I’ve already been infected with COVID-19? March 29, 2021

Those Nerdy Girls Profiled in National Geographic March 28, 2021

Dear Pandemic COVID Q&A March 27, 2021

What is going on with the results from the United States AstraZeneca trial? March 25, 2021

¿Las precauciones existentes funcionan para proteger contra la nueva cepa de COVID-19? March 23, 2021

Are COVID-19 cases going down globally? March 18, 2021

What’s with the news coming out of Europe on the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and blood clots? March 15, 2021

What is the real COVID-19 death toll? Are we over-counting deaths? March 10, 2021

Will the vaccines prevent Long Covid? March 4, 2021

Can I go back to my indoor fitness classes? March 2, 2021

What’s the news on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine? February 24, 2021

Do people who’ve already had COVID-19 need BOTH doses of the vaccine? February 22, 2021

Is COVID-19 99% survivable? February 16, 2021

What’s up with the new CDC mask study? February 11, 2021

Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines? February 9, 2021

Is any country using “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines? February 8, 2021

What’s the current advice on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy? February 2, 2021

Debunking of Dangerous and False Vaccine Rumors February 2, 2021

Help! I’m so confused…which is the best mask? February 1, 2021

Update on Novavax and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines January 29, 2021

Should I double mask?! January 27, 2021

What should I make of the stories of someone dying shortly after getting vaccinated? Or the 23 deaths in nursing homes in Norway? January 26, 2021

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre las vacunas contra el COVID-19? January 24, 2021

Does in-person schooling contribute to COVID-19 spread? January 20, 2021

What’s going on with the new Johnson &Johnson/Janssen vaccine results? January 15, 2021

Is COVID really worse than the flu? January 12, 2021

Are usual precautions effective against new strain of COVID-19? January 7, 2021

Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? January 4, 2021

What’s going on with the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine and one-dose strategy in Britain? January 1, 2021

Should I be worried about potential long-term side effects of COVID-19 vaccines? December 28, 2020

Help Us Battle Misinformation December 24, 2020

Reframing Christmas 2020 December 23, 2020

Does someone who has been vaccinated still need to wear a mask and take other precautions? December 21, 2020

What did we learn from the recent study of COVID-19 transmission in a Korean restaurant? December 15, 2020

How can I minimize COVID-19 transmission when riding a car? December 9, 2020

Can COVID-19 cause erectile dysfunction (ED)? December 7, 2020

Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway? December 2, 2020

What do the new results from the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine trial mean? November 24, 2020

What’s going on with COVID-19 in Europe? November 20, 2020

Wait, did I hear more good vaccine news? Is this too good to be true?! November 17, 2020

Nerdy Girl-In-Chief Dr. Lindsey Leininger November 13, 2020

Is it true that some people already have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 from previous exposure to seasonal coronaviruses? November 13, 2020

¿Se están EXAGERANDO o SUBESTIMANDO las muertes por COVID-19? November 11, 2020

Should I be worried about this story of mink to human transmission of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 in Denmark? November 8, 2020

Los interiores son más peligrosos, pero es posible minimizar los riesgos si se ponen en juego todas las medidas disponibles para combatir el contagio por aerosoles. November 1, 2020

What’s the risk of transmission if I’m sharing indoor space with an infected person? What can I do to reduce my risk? October 30, 2020

What do we currently know about SARS-CoV-2 re-infection? October 27, 2020

What is the real death toll due to COVID-19? October 23, 2020

What do you think of the idea of “focused protection” or “shielding” the vulnerable so that everyone else can get on with normal life? October 12, 2020

Can I wear a face shield by itself? October 9, 2020

Cómo protegernos de la transmisión del COVID-19 por aerosoles? October 6, 2020

Is it true that Sweden has gotten to herd immunity without lockdown? Should we all be doing what they are doing? October 5, 2020

What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu? October 2, 2020

Is COVID-19 becoming less deadly? September 28, 2020

What’s the most likely way to catch SARS-CoV-2? Do I still need to Lysol the bejeesus out of everything? September 18, 2020

What’s going on with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 cases in Spain? It sounds really bad. September 14, 2020

Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases? September 11, 2020

Should I buy an air purifier for my home? I’ve heard some people say that the virus particles are too small for HEPA filters to work. September 7, 2020

Why do men suffer more severe COVID-19 and a higher risk of death? Do we know anything new? September 6, 2020

Update on Herd Immunity September 3, 2020

So the CDC just released data that said 94% of U.S. COVID-19 deaths had underlying medical conditions? August 31, 2020

Aquí hay algunas infografías excelentes para poner en el refrigerador: August 29, 2020

Will the 6 feet/2 meter rule keep me safe indoors? August 27, 2020

I hear there has been a confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection in Hong Kong?! How worried should I be? August 25, 2020

Comparison of Seasonal Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 August 21, 2020

Can using a neti pot help prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection? August 21, 2020

Is it true that neck gaiters are *worse* than no mask at all?! August 20, 2020

What’s the deal with the news that COVID-19 immunity only lasts up to 3 months? August 15, 2020

Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths? August 15, 2020

Wait, WHAT?! Russia already approved a COVID-19 vaccine? August 13, 2020

What to make of that recent study on different types of masks? August 11, 2020

Can’t I just give my nose a little break while I’m wearing my mask? August 4, 2020

What’s the importance of ventilation in preventing SARS-CoV-2? July 31, 2020

I’ve heard that I should wear a mask to protect others. Will it also protect me? July 29, 2020

Can I get RE-infected with COVID-19? July 24, 2020

Can mosquitoes spread SARS-CoV-2? July 23, 2020

Immunology 101 Video July 22, 2020

Can I wear a Face Shield by itself? July 21, 2020

Ugh, what’s the deal with this new study from South Korea about kids transmitting COVID-19? July 20, 2020

What is the real death toll due to COVID-19? Are we OVER or UNDER counting deaths? Wouldn’t a lot of these people have died anyway? July 17, 2020

Do masks work? July 14, 2020

What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu? July 10, 2020

What Would Those Nerdy Girls Do (WWTNGD)?! July 7, 2020

Happy 4th of July to our American followers!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 July 4, 2020

Has the virus really mutated?! Does this make it even MORE infectious or deadly? July 4, 2020

PIG NEWS! A NEW PANDEMIC FLU VIRUS IS NIGH! June 30, 2020

Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity? June 28, 2020

How on earth are schools going to safely re-open in the Fall?! And please, for the love of God tell me schools can open in Fall?! June 26, 2020

Is “Superspreading” real? What does it mean, and how can we avoid it? June 24, 2020

What the heck do we know about kids and COVID-19 transmission? June 22, 2020

Have we learned anything new recently about COVID-19 transmission? June 16, 2020

Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19 June 11, 2020

Why are men more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID than women? June 11, 2020

Whoa, what is this I hear about the WHO announcing that asymptomatic COVID-19 spread is rare?! June 9, 2020

Should I get an antibody test? June 8, 2020

How can a virus discriminate? June 4, 2020

What are some factors underlying racial and social health disparities in COVID-19 and overall health? June 1, 2020

How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up? May 29, 2020

Is it safe to eat at restaurants yet? Even if I can go to a restaurant, should I? May 21, 2020

What is this news about an antibody “100% cure” I just heard? Please tell me this is true! May 18, 2020

Does UV light kill the virus? Should I buy one of these UV sanitizing devices I keep seeing in my social media ads? May 12, 2020

Is lockdown and all this infection prevention bad for my immune system? May 7, 2020

Are males more at risk from COVID-19 compared to females? Why? May 4, 2020

What does the future hold? May 3, 2020

How worried should I be that any time I go outside I will contract coronavirus from outdoor exercise? April 27, 2020

I’m young(ish) and healthy, do I really need to worry about catching COVID-19? April 23, 2020

Can’t I please just visit just one friend? April 20, 2020

What is an “infectious dose?” What is the “viral load”? Does high viral load increase ability to pass the virus to others? April 17, 2020

Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted? April 16, 2020

When will social distancing end? April 14, 2020

What are four key measures to bend the COVID-19 curve downwards? April 12, 2020

What is Hydroxychloroquine used for? April 7, 2020

IMPORTANT REMINDER April 1, 2020

Ed Yong: How the Pandemic Will End March 26, 2020

Practical advice from Dr. Marc Lipsitch March 24, 2020

Noticing a loss of smell or diminished taste? March 23, 2020

Complete Your Census Form! March 22, 2020

Importance of Individual Actions March 20, 2020

COVID-19 Data by Age March 19, 2020

America and UK Response Comparison March 16, 2020