With extra-contagious strains of COVID-19 coming online, and a vaccine rollout slower than anyone likes, it’s time for face masks that offer better protection. But N95s are still in short supply, so how can you improve the masks you routinely wear?
One strategy: Double up, experts say. Start with a surgical mask made of a nonwoven material called polypropylene, then place a tighter-fitting cloth mask over the top to decrease the amount of virus that can get through.
Infectious disease experts say this sort of double-masking or adding an extra filter may be especially important now during unavoidable trips to the grocery store or other crowded spaces.
Read on for more tips -- learn why wearing three masks isn’t better than two, and why coffee filters won’t help, but tying knots in the ear loops might.
BONUS: Dr. Anthony Fauci’s Super Bowl Advice |
|
|
| Newsletter continues after sponsor message |
|
| Jasjyot Singh Hans for NPR |
Ever felt like a fraud -- that everyone else is more qualified, smarter or more creative? That's a common source of lonely anxiety, especially for young adults, and can intensify in the virtual meetings and physical isolation of the pandemic.
There is no magic cure for "impostor syndrome," but psychologist Andrea Salazar-Nuñez of the University of Washington has some tips.
First, don’t blame yourself for the insecurity -- just take stock of your feelings. When you sense the impostor swoon coming on, take some deep breaths and remind yourself that no one is perfect, and it’s OK to ask for help.
To get perspective, check in with a friend, or try drawing up a list with three columns -- things you’re not so good at, things you’re OK at, and things you’re great at. Write down everything that comes to mind -- and know that such lists would be long for everyone else, too.
Read on to learn how impostor syndrome can affect men and women differently.
BONUS: Make Space, Listen, Offer Hope: How to Help A Child Or Teen At Risk Of Suicide |
Several new strains of SARS-CoV-2 have arisen that scientists worry might eventually challenge the effectiveness of current vaccines.
As epidemiologists track the spread of these strains -- or “variants” -- around the world, some are wondering if it might be better to stretch the time interval between first and second doses of vaccine -- in hopes of more quickly delivering a first shot to more people.
At least for now, though, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is sticking firmly to the evidence-based, two-dose schedule. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been shown in clinical studies to be a little over 50% effective a couple of weeks after the first dose, and 94-95% effective after the second shot.
In both cases, two doses were significantly more effective than one, offering strong protection to the person immunized.
"We need to vaccinate as many people as we can as quickly as we can," says Dr. Anthony Fauci. Speedy, full immunization will help prevent further dangerous mutations and strains from arising, he says.
Read on to learn more about the new strains, how vaccine designers plan to stay ahead of them, and about the pros and cons of a third COVID-19 vaccine now prepping for use in the U.S.
BONUS: Possible Link Between A Smoldering Infection And A New Strain Of The Coronavirus |
More of this week's health stories from NPR |
We hope you enjoyed these stories. Find more of NPR's health journalism on Shots and follow us on Twitter at @NPRHealth.
All best,
your Shots editors
|
| Listen to your local NPR station. |
|
Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WUFT 89.1 (edit station). |
|
|
| |
|
|
| | What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: shots@npr.org |
|
|
|
| | Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. |
|
|
|
|
| | | You received this message because you're subscribed to Health emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy |  |
| |
|
|
|
| | |
No comments:
Post a Comment