On January 28, 2022, at the Board of Directors banquet I was honored for completing 40 interview requests throughout the year of 2021. Many times, I reported on the pandemic when there were many people who did not know about the information. Here is a link to my video acceptance.
Should You Swab Your Throat When Taking a Rapid COVID Test?
January 7, 2022 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, provides some guidance on throat swabs and how sensitivity of the COVID test is highly dependent on the type of variant.
I am an Epidemiologist, and This Is What We Know About Omicron So Far
December 2, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, notes that although we can’t control everything about how the virus is spreading, we can control our own actions. He says if people have access to COVID-19 vaccines, they need to do their due diligence and get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Why you should get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you take Statins
November 2, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, examines recent research that reported statin use may lower a person’s risk of serious COVID-19 illness. Dr. Banerjee says there are often various factors at play, and it’s important to note people who use statins may also have other conditions that can worsen the severity of COVID-19 infection.
I'm a Virus Expert and Here's Proof You Have a Delta Infection
September 30, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, discusses current symptoms of COVID-19 and the Delta variant. Dr. Banerjee references the ZOE COVID Symptom Study, which shows the main COVID-19 symptoms have changed over time. He notes traditional symptoms such as anosmia, fever and shortness of breath are no longer being seen as frequently.
COVID-19, RSV, and the Flu Could be a Triple Threat this Fall
September 27, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, discusses COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which are all respiratory illnesses that will be circulating this fall. Dr. Banerjee notes it’s important to educate the public and provide accurate information about these illnesses, since symptoms can be similar, but treatments are not the same.
Will I need a Booster Shot if I got the J&J Vaccine?
September 23, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, says while booster shots are likely, they should not be assumed. He notes from a public health standpoint, prioritizing unvaccinated people is still more important than boosters for the general population.
September 23, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, says while booster shots are likely, they should not be assumed. He notes from a public health standpoint, prioritizing unvaccinated people is still more important than boosters for the general population.
How does COVID-19 "Break Through" In Vaccinated People
August 3, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, explains how people who have been fully vaccinated can still get infected with COVID-19. Dr. Banerjee says this is known as a breakthrough infection because the virus breaks through the developed immune response.
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, explains how people who have been fully vaccinated can still get infected with COVID-19. Dr. Banerjee says this is known as a breakthrough infection because the virus breaks through the developed immune response.
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, says in situations where a mix of fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people may be present, the use of face masks by everyone will reduce the risk to individuals who are not fully vaccinated. He recommends individuals err on the side of caution when thinking about protecting themselves and others, and he notes policy and common sense should be used together to guide decisions about whether and when to wear masks.
Pfizer Seeks FDA Full Approval for COVID Vaccine, What Does That Mean?
May 28, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, explains the meaning of full FDA approval for COVID-19 vaccines and how this differs from emergency use authorization (EUA). Dr. Banerjee explains the full approval process can take months. He also highlights how the COVID-19 vaccines already underwent a rigorous review process prior to EUA, as it requires proof that the vaccine may be effective in preventing a serious or life-threatening condition and that the vaccine benefits can outweigh its risks.
How Immunocompromised People Are Navigating New CDC Mask Guidance
May 25, 2021 LINK
May 25, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, recommends people who have weakened immune systems should continue to wear masks around people they do not know, even if they are considered fully vaccinated. He adds it could also still be helpful for people without underlying health issues to continue masking to protect those around them.
What Type of Summer Travel Poses Greatest COVID Risk?
May 14, 2021 LINK
May 14, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, says that all modes of travel pose a risk, but the safest way is by car with individuals from your household. He recommends checking the daily confirmed cases before planning your travel so you can avoid destinations that are COVID-19 hot spots.
The "Biggest Thing" You Can Do to Reduce Vaccine Side Effects, Doctor Says
April 28, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, faculty member in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, discusses the importance of hydrating before and after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. He says to start hydrating at least 24 hours before receiving the vaccine, as well as to continue proper hydration afterwards. Dr. Banerjee also recommends avoiding alcohol for at least 24 hours before the shot, since alcohol can further dehydrate a person.
What You Can and Cannot Do After Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
March 11, 2021 LINK
March 11, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, core faculty in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, explains there is a difference between public responsibility and personal choice regarding mask-wearing and socializing. New CDC guidelines state that vaccinated people can spend time together indoors in private spaces. People who are at high risk for severe disease, including those with diabetes, should be more careful. Dr. Banerjee urges vaccinated people to continue wearing masks in public since they can still transmit the virus to others.
Harvard Researchers Are Warning About These Severe COVID Symptoms
February 24, 2021 LINK
February 24, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, core faculty in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, describes the most severe COVID-19 symptoms and what to do if one experiences them. He explains that symptoms such as high fever and shortness of breath are considered more severe because they indicate that a patient may need a ventilator and admission to the ICU. The symptoms may also lead to further complications such as shock, organ damage and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Here's What You Should Know About Wearing Double Masks For Beauty Treatments
February 12, 2021 LINK
February 12, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, core faculty in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, discusses whether people should wear two masks at once, a practice called double masking, during hair or beauty appointments. Dr. Banerjee says double masking creates a better barrier to prevent COVID-19 viral particles from entering the nose, throat and lungs.
Everything You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccines and MS
February 6, 2021 LINK
February 6, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, core faculty in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, highlights that although vaccine trials didn't study multiple sclerosis (MS) participants specifically, it doesn't mean the COVID-19 vaccine will be unsafe for them. He says MS patients are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms and should get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Why Double Masking Is More Protective Against COVID-19 — and How to Do It Effectively
January 29, 2021 LINK
January 29, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, core faculty in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, confirms that two masks are better than one, adding that this technique could help keep out new coronavirus variants that more easily bind to human cells. Dr. Banerjee explains that double masking creates a more complicated, thicker barrier for the virus to penetrate.
Is Coughing a Symptom of COVID-19?
January 19, 2021 LINK
January 19, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, core faculty in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, explains that COVID-19 patients often present with a dry cough that tickles in the back of the throat. He cautions that a dry cough can occur with many conditions other than COVID-19, including the flu, asthma, acid reflux and heart failure. Dr. Banerjee says testing for the virus is the only way to be sure that a patient has COVID-19.
Can Immunocompromised People Safely Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine?
January 6, 2021 LINK
January 6, 2021 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, core faculty in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, explains that immunocompromised people may show a reduced immune response to the vaccines. For this reason, they should continue to take all recommended precautions against COVID-19, even after receiving the vaccine.
Study Identifies Safest Ways to Share a Car During COVID-19
December 10, 2020 LINK
December 10, 2020 LINK
Dr. Sri Banerjee, core faculty in Walden’s PhD in Public Health program, explains that vehicles can be risky for coronavirus transmission because the confined space prevents social distancing. He urges people who must ride in cars to wear a mask, bring hand sanitizer, stay as far apart from others as possible, and open the window.