Dr. Michelle Epstein
Michelle Epstein is a medical doctor graduated from the University of Alberta in Canada, who has specialised in Internal Medicine at the University of British Columbia and Allergy and Clinical Immunology at Yale University. Since 2004, she has been a Lab Leader at the Medical University of Vienna’s Division of Immunology.
Coronavirus
Omicron: The Most Contagious Virus in History
The new SARS-CoV-2 variant is spreading like wildfire and causing record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 cases. EXPLAINER
Coronavirus
No Omicron parties, please
Many people ask me whether they should intentionally get COVID-19’s Omicron variant and just get it over with. Their reasoning - it’s spreading like ...
Coronavirus
Careful! Our Eyes are Vulnerable
Wave after wave of COVID-19, and we’re still unable to defend against widespread community infection, even worse with the new omicron variant.
May...
Coronavirus
Third Shots and Boosters Against COVID-19 – What You Need to Know
With record-breaking numbers of new cases, it’s time for everyone to get their first, second and third jabs.
Coronavirus
Black Fungus: Another Risk with COVID-19
Doctors have discovered that COVID patients are more susceptible to infection with mucurmycetes molds. The infection is still rare in Europe, but on the rise and dangerous.
News
Are Young Children to Blame for Spreading COVID-19?
Although children are often asymptomatic, they can still spread the virus to others. Still, their role in driving the pandemic is debatable.
Coronavirus
COVID-19 Vaccines for Young Children: The Next Step When Trial Results Are in
Deciding to vaccinate the under-12s means weighing the risks of vaccination for some, against the probably greater risks of infection.
General
COVID-19 Boosters: Do We Need Them? And if So, When?
It’s too early to know for sure, but COVID-19 booster shots will likely be a regular part of our post-pandemic life.
Coronavirus
Long-term Immunity – Memory Cells Never Forget
To end the COVID-19 pandemic once and for all, we need long-lived protection.
Coronavirus
Vaccination After a COVID-19 Infection – Yes or No?
Antibodies produced after a coronavirus infection offer some protection against future illness, but extra protection never hurts.
Coronavirus
A New Symptom to Watch Out For – COVID-19 Keeps Us on Our Toes in More Ways Than One
Even without the usual symptoms like loss of smell, shortness of breath, and chest pain, you or your child could have something called “COVID toe."
Coronavirus
Coronavirus Variants are Here to Stay – What We Need to Know
Strains from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil are worrisome, but there's no need to panic, as long as we follow the general measures to reduce spreading of the virus.
Coronavirus
Us & Them – Protecting Your Pets in the Pandemic
Animals are not the problem: Although this all began with a bat in a live wet market, coronaviruses rarely jump between species. And if so, it’s mostly from us to them.
Coronavirus
Pregnancy and COVID-19 – Greater Risks Call for Greater Care
Expectant women are particularly vulnerable to developing more severe cases of COVID-19. But it’s not all bad news.
Coronavirus
COVID-19 Vaccine Allergies? Real But Very Rare. Here’s What You Need to Know
Although there’s a very small risk of severe allergic reactions to the mRNA vaccine, it should not prevent most people – even with other allergies – from being vaccinated.
Coronavirus
COVID-19, a Diagnostic Challenge in Seniors
Some older adults have atypical symptoms, including changes of behavior or just seeming a bit ‘off.'
Coronavirus
The Long-Awaited Coronavirus Vaccine
The latest coronavirus vaccine interim reports are promising, and if enough people participate, it could mean a return to normal life.
Coronavirus
New COVID Test Could be a Game Changer
The SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test could help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Coronavirus
Keeping Children Safe in the Pandemic
Most young people, infants to teenagers, fully recover from COVID-19, but not all. And even without symptoms, they can spread it to others. A cautionary tale.
Coronavirus
Post COVID-19, Many Find They Are in for the Long Haul
A post-infection syndrome of chronic fatigue, neurological symptoms and more can follow even the mildest cases and last for months.
Fall 2020
How Disease Detectives Help Us Beat COVID-19 By Tracking Superspreaders
The crucial role of public health and contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus
A Cloth Mask or a Plastic Shield – Which, When and How?
Protective barriers are essential for preventing the spread of COVID-19; but there is a choice and room for creativity. Details below!
Coronavirus
Keeping Your Nose Clean
Covering your mouth and nose really does help stop the spread of COVID-19 and, we now know, protects ourselves most of all.
Coronavirus
When Influenza and COVID-19 Collide
With similar symptoms, the two viruses are hard to distinguish and all to easy to misdiagnose. The difference is, one of them can be prevented.
Coronavirus
With COVID-19, Don’t Throw Caution to the Wind
Can we catch COVID-19 just from the air we breathe? Over 200 scientists say yes, and have requested the WHO re-classify the virus as an airborne pathogen.
Coronavirus
Catching COVID-19 Again – Once Bitten, Twice Shy
Amid all the speculations about so-called “herd immunity,” the jury is still out on reinfection with COVID-19.
Coronavirus
In Corona Time, So Few Sniffles!
A silver lining for COVID-19 has been how well we are preventing the common cold.
Coronavirus
A ‘Second Wave’ is Not Inevitable
Even though we’re doing well, it’s not the time to let down our guard; it’s about being careful, cautious and prepared.
Coronavirus
Ending the Pandemic with Mass Testing
Austria under lockdown has done well controlling the spread of COVID -19. But the only way to return to normal is to track the cases and be able to control further spread.
General
Help on the Way | A Vaccine for COVID-19
With an unprecedented world research effort, hopes are high for effective defense. With a global vaccination program, it may even be possible to eradicate this disease.
Coronavirus
Pleased to Meet You | Carefully
Why we (still) need to practice social distancing, now that we can finally get together with friends and family again.
Coronavirus
Control Over Coronavirus is in Your Hands
Don’t underestimate the power of hand washing and good old-fashioned soap and water.
Coronavirus
Shepherding the Herd | When It’s Too Dangerous to Rely on Protection by the Immunity of Others...
The Austrian government has dealt with COVID-19 based on lessons learned from our Italian neighbors and the ski resort coronavirus hotspots. So far, anything else is simply too dangerous.
Coronavirus
Tips for Safe Shopping | As Things Reopen, Extra Care is Needed
The current rules for grocery shopping aim to limit transmission of COVID-19, that means that we must get used to a few things beyond being quarantined.
Coronavirus
A Call for Home-Sewn Masks
If you have a sewing machine, some time on your hands, and a stash of fabric, why not sew face masks and donate them where they are urgently needed.
Coronavirus
Why Face Masks Matter – And How to Wear Them
As of April 1, we are supposed to wear face masks when grocery shopping to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Covering your nose and mouth with a mask will not protect you from viral infection, but if you are infected and asymptomatic, you may unwittingly infect others.
