@shelleyk.bsky.social
Wife & mom. Quilter, knitter, gardener. Long covid with dysautonomia. Retired physiotherapist. Always follow the science, not the belief or opinion.
Reposted
Between flu and back-to-school, here's a refresher on masks.
All masks work
N95s work best
In health care, N95s work best when you wear them continuously. Targetting risk is less effective. Anecdotally, the number of times I've learned something in an encounter & been grateful for my N95...
All masks work
N95s work best
In health care, N95s work best when you wear them continuously. Targetting risk is less effective. Anecdotally, the number of times I've learned something in an encounter & been grateful for my N95...
The idea that 'cloth masks are good only for droplets' still circulates. Many have said this, but it is wrong.
Recommendations about cloth masks, from spring 2020, were based on aerosol evidence
www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/...
#WearTheBestMaskAvailable
1/14
Recommendations about cloth masks, from spring 2020, were based on aerosol evidence
www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/...
#WearTheBestMaskAvailable
1/14
January 5, 2026 at 11:08 PM
Between flu and back-to-school, here's a refresher on masks.
All masks work
N95s work best
In health care, N95s work best when you wear them continuously. Targetting risk is less effective. Anecdotally, the number of times I've learned something in an encounter & been grateful for my N95...
All masks work
N95s work best
In health care, N95s work best when you wear them continuously. Targetting risk is less effective. Anecdotally, the number of times I've learned something in an encounter & been grateful for my N95...
Reposted
As if having cancer or an immune deficiency as a kid isn’t bad enough, those patients also can’t receive vaccines.
They rely on herd immunity, others doing the right thing.
It’s the same with infants who are too young to be vaccinated but are also at increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
They rely on herd immunity, others doing the right thing.
It’s the same with infants who are too young to be vaccinated but are also at increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
January 6, 2026 at 12:15 AM
As if having cancer or an immune deficiency as a kid isn’t bad enough, those patients also can’t receive vaccines.
They rely on herd immunity, others doing the right thing.
It’s the same with infants who are too young to be vaccinated but are also at increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
They rely on herd immunity, others doing the right thing.
It’s the same with infants who are too young to be vaccinated but are also at increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
Reposted
I was raised abroad so when the Hep A and B vaccines were available, there were LINES of people waiting to get them. They were seen as the epitome of vaccine science (this was back in 1996/7 perhaps?).
In college, meningitis was the biggest threat. People lost limbs and some died.
Vaccines work.
In college, meningitis was the biggest threat. People lost limbs and some died.
Vaccines work.
The CDC changed the universal vaccine schedule & no longer recommends
Rotavirus
Hepatitis A & B
Meningitis
Influenza
RSV
I’ve cared for previously healthy kids who died from RSV, influenza and meningitis.
We all are going to be caring for a lot more now.
In our already overflowing hospitals
Rotavirus
Hepatitis A & B
Meningitis
Influenza
RSV
I’ve cared for previously healthy kids who died from RSV, influenza and meningitis.
We all are going to be caring for a lot more now.
In our already overflowing hospitals
January 6, 2026 at 1:09 AM
I was raised abroad so when the Hep A and B vaccines were available, there were LINES of people waiting to get them. They were seen as the epitome of vaccine science (this was back in 1996/7 perhaps?).
In college, meningitis was the biggest threat. People lost limbs and some died.
Vaccines work.
In college, meningitis was the biggest threat. People lost limbs and some died.
Vaccines work.
Reposted
This is so important.
I’ve taken care of children who didn’t die from their vaccine preventable illness but instead
-lost limbs
-developed kidney failure requiring dialysis
-had strokes and permanent deficits
Death isn’t the only bad outcome.
And sometimes it may not be the worst one.
I’ve taken care of children who didn’t die from their vaccine preventable illness but instead
-lost limbs
-developed kidney failure requiring dialysis
-had strokes and permanent deficits
Death isn’t the only bad outcome.
And sometimes it may not be the worst one.
The narrative over the last few years has increasingly been, “Either it kills you or you’re fine.”
That narrative is dumb. Infectious diseases can (and do!) do all sorts of horrible, non-fatal damage. Which is also very bad and worth preventing.
That narrative is dumb. Infectious diseases can (and do!) do all sorts of horrible, non-fatal damage. Which is also very bad and worth preventing.
The CDC changed the universal vaccine schedule & no longer recommends
Rotavirus
Hepatitis A & B
Meningitis
Influenza
RSV
I’ve cared for previously healthy kids who died from RSV, influenza and meningitis.
We all are going to be caring for a lot more now.
In our already overflowing hospitals
Rotavirus
Hepatitis A & B
Meningitis
Influenza
RSV
I’ve cared for previously healthy kids who died from RSV, influenza and meningitis.
We all are going to be caring for a lot more now.
In our already overflowing hospitals
January 6, 2026 at 1:24 AM
This is so important.
I’ve taken care of children who didn’t die from their vaccine preventable illness but instead
-lost limbs
-developed kidney failure requiring dialysis
-had strokes and permanent deficits
Death isn’t the only bad outcome.
And sometimes it may not be the worst one.
I’ve taken care of children who didn’t die from their vaccine preventable illness but instead
-lost limbs
-developed kidney failure requiring dialysis
-had strokes and permanent deficits
Death isn’t the only bad outcome.
And sometimes it may not be the worst one.
Reposted
The narrative over the last few years has increasingly been, “Either it kills you or you’re fine.”
That narrative is dumb. Infectious diseases can (and do!) do all sorts of horrible, non-fatal damage. Which is also very bad and worth preventing.
That narrative is dumb. Infectious diseases can (and do!) do all sorts of horrible, non-fatal damage. Which is also very bad and worth preventing.
The CDC changed the universal vaccine schedule & no longer recommends
Rotavirus
Hepatitis A & B
Meningitis
Influenza
RSV
I’ve cared for previously healthy kids who died from RSV, influenza and meningitis.
We all are going to be caring for a lot more now.
In our already overflowing hospitals
Rotavirus
Hepatitis A & B
Meningitis
Influenza
RSV
I’ve cared for previously healthy kids who died from RSV, influenza and meningitis.
We all are going to be caring for a lot more now.
In our already overflowing hospitals
January 6, 2026 at 12:33 AM
The narrative over the last few years has increasingly been, “Either it kills you or you’re fine.”
That narrative is dumb. Infectious diseases can (and do!) do all sorts of horrible, non-fatal damage. Which is also very bad and worth preventing.
That narrative is dumb. Infectious diseases can (and do!) do all sorts of horrible, non-fatal damage. Which is also very bad and worth preventing.
Reposted
Oh, just get vaccinated (part 5,000)
"Many shots seem to have “off-target” benefits, such as lowering the risk of dementia, studies have found." (gift article)
"Many shots seem to have “off-target” benefits, such as lowering the risk of dementia, studies have found." (gift article)
Vaccines Are Helping Older People More Than We Knew
www.nytimes.com
January 4, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Oh, just get vaccinated (part 5,000)
"Many shots seem to have “off-target” benefits, such as lowering the risk of dementia, studies have found." (gift article)
"Many shots seem to have “off-target” benefits, such as lowering the risk of dementia, studies have found." (gift article)
Reposted
Extremely important study, with very concerning implications for the future.
The COVID generation: the neurodevelopmental consequences of in-utero COVID-19 exposure.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
The COVID generation: the neurodevelopmental consequences of in-utero COVID-19 exposure.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
The COVID generation: the neurodevelopmental consequences of in-utero COVID-19 exposure
In historical viral epidemics, such as the H1N1 influenza and Zika viruses, prenatal exposures were correlated with risk for neuropsychiatric conditio…
www.sciencedirect.com
January 4, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Extremely important study, with very concerning implications for the future.
The COVID generation: the neurodevelopmental consequences of in-utero COVID-19 exposure.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
The COVID generation: the neurodevelopmental consequences of in-utero COVID-19 exposure.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted
I meet a lot of pregnant women at work.
A grand total of 0 (ZERO!) have been advised to get a COVID vaccine in pregnancy.
I would say the majority have bought into the misinformation that the vaccine is dangerous in pregnancy, which is the opposite of the truth.
A grand total of 0 (ZERO!) have been advised to get a COVID vaccine in pregnancy.
I would say the majority have bought into the misinformation that the vaccine is dangerous in pregnancy, which is the opposite of the truth.
Extremely important study, with very concerning implications for the future.
The COVID generation: the neurodevelopmental consequences of in-utero COVID-19 exposure.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
The COVID generation: the neurodevelopmental consequences of in-utero COVID-19 exposure.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
The COVID generation: the neurodevelopmental consequences of in-utero COVID-19 exposure
In historical viral epidemics, such as the H1N1 influenza and Zika viruses, prenatal exposures were correlated with risk for neuropsychiatric conditio…
www.sciencedirect.com
January 4, 2026 at 11:37 PM
I meet a lot of pregnant women at work.
A grand total of 0 (ZERO!) have been advised to get a COVID vaccine in pregnancy.
I would say the majority have bought into the misinformation that the vaccine is dangerous in pregnancy, which is the opposite of the truth.
A grand total of 0 (ZERO!) have been advised to get a COVID vaccine in pregnancy.
I would say the majority have bought into the misinformation that the vaccine is dangerous in pregnancy, which is the opposite of the truth.
Reposted
My dad, 85 years old, suffering from the effects of a 2 year struggle with cancer, and chief of surgery at the Chinook Regional Hospital for decades, was moved from an already overcrowded space to an “overcapacity room” while he recovers from a stomach bleed and pneumonia. This is the room. 🧵🧵🧵
December 31, 2025 at 7:51 PM
My dad, 85 years old, suffering from the effects of a 2 year struggle with cancer, and chief of surgery at the Chinook Regional Hospital for decades, was moved from an already overcrowded space to an “overcapacity room” while he recovers from a stomach bleed and pneumonia. This is the room. 🧵🧵🧵
Reposted
Final of the French TV talent show.
January 3, 2026 at 3:14 AM
Final of the French TV talent show.
Reposted
Oh my God, it's always illuminating, educational, & inspiring, & it's often deeply entertaining, to read the great virologist
@angierasmussen.bsky.social (one of the Editors-in-Chief of the mighty journal Vaccine), but this time she's taken it to an even higher level of wit, brilliance, & insight!
@angierasmussen.bsky.social (one of the Editors-in-Chief of the mighty journal Vaccine), but this time she's taken it to an even higher level of wit, brilliance, & insight!
Jay & Matt hope you watch their incredible pushup form instead of the $500M they gave themselves based on work that is definitively “dangerous gain-of-function” (DGOF) research. They also terminated grants doing similar work for being DGOF.
Hypocrites
rasmussenretorts.substack.com/p/workouts-f...
Hypocrites
rasmussenretorts.substack.com/p/workouts-f...
Workouts From the Cringe
Take the Matt and Jay Challenge: How much DGOF can you cancel before it comes out that you do it yourself?
rasmussenretorts.substack.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Oh my God, it's always illuminating, educational, & inspiring, & it's often deeply entertaining, to read the great virologist
@angierasmussen.bsky.social (one of the Editors-in-Chief of the mighty journal Vaccine), but this time she's taken it to an even higher level of wit, brilliance, & insight!
@angierasmussen.bsky.social (one of the Editors-in-Chief of the mighty journal Vaccine), but this time she's taken it to an even higher level of wit, brilliance, & insight!
Reposted
Jay & Matt hope you watch their incredible pushup form instead of the $500M they gave themselves based on work that is definitively “dangerous gain-of-function” (DGOF) research. They also terminated grants doing similar work for being DGOF.
Hypocrites
rasmussenretorts.substack.com/p/workouts-f...
Hypocrites
rasmussenretorts.substack.com/p/workouts-f...
Workouts From the Cringe
Take the Matt and Jay Challenge: How much DGOF can you cancel before it comes out that you do it yourself?
rasmussenretorts.substack.com
December 28, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Jay & Matt hope you watch their incredible pushup form instead of the $500M they gave themselves based on work that is definitively “dangerous gain-of-function” (DGOF) research. They also terminated grants doing similar work for being DGOF.
Hypocrites
rasmussenretorts.substack.com/p/workouts-f...
Hypocrites
rasmussenretorts.substack.com/p/workouts-f...
Reposted
People keep asking "why didn't the triage nurse put a pt with chest pain in a care space immediately?"
Let me simplify our current ED triage state in the face of SEVERE SYTEM OVERCROWDING
threadreaderapp.com/...
1 open bed and 30-50 w serious complaints = an impossible choice
Let me simplify our current ED triage state in the face of SEVERE SYTEM OVERCROWDING
threadreaderapp.com/...
1 open bed and 30-50 w serious complaints = an impossible choice
December 27, 2025 at 5:24 PM
People keep asking "why didn't the triage nurse put a pt with chest pain in a care space immediately?"
Let me simplify our current ED triage state in the face of SEVERE SYTEM OVERCROWDING
threadreaderapp.com/...
1 open bed and 30-50 w serious complaints = an impossible choice
Let me simplify our current ED triage state in the face of SEVERE SYTEM OVERCROWDING
threadreaderapp.com/...
1 open bed and 30-50 w serious complaints = an impossible choice
Reposted
I've been asked by 3 media outlets in the last week to do interviews on the influenza season.
I still haven't seen our new CMOH, appointed Dec 18th, (or old one, for that matter. Or any public health official) in the media on this topic.
For the record, they are acutally paid, to do this.
1/2
I still haven't seen our new CMOH, appointed Dec 18th, (or old one, for that matter. Or any public health official) in the media on this topic.
For the record, they are acutally paid, to do this.
1/2
December 27, 2025 at 6:24 PM
I've been asked by 3 media outlets in the last week to do interviews on the influenza season.
I still haven't seen our new CMOH, appointed Dec 18th, (or old one, for that matter. Or any public health official) in the media on this topic.
For the record, they are acutally paid, to do this.
1/2
I still haven't seen our new CMOH, appointed Dec 18th, (or old one, for that matter. Or any public health official) in the media on this topic.
For the record, they are acutally paid, to do this.
1/2
Reposted
It’s the “season of love and giving”…but this year, doesn’t it seem more like a “season of fear and taking”? Like many of you, I’ve been saddened by the human impact of draconian government budget cuts and how angry many housed Americans are at unhoused Americans.
🧵 1 of 9
🧵 1 of 9
December 21, 2025 at 2:51 AM
It’s the “season of love and giving”…but this year, doesn’t it seem more like a “season of fear and taking”? Like many of you, I’ve been saddened by the human impact of draconian government budget cuts and how angry many housed Americans are at unhoused Americans.
🧵 1 of 9
🧵 1 of 9
Reposted
Another day of.. How bad can this get? ICU up to 205 beds occupied out of 224.. Measles spiking upwards after a lull.. + Long waits & Bed lock in Alberta Hospitals.. Buckle up and hold on! @alannasmith.bsky.social @carrietait.bsky.social @frazzleheadlc.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/frazzleh...
open.substack.com/pub/frazzleh...
a man says " oh dear lord " in front of a sign that says only murders in the building
ALT: a man says " oh dear lord " in front of a sign that says only murders in the building
media.tenor.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Another day of.. How bad can this get? ICU up to 205 beds occupied out of 224.. Measles spiking upwards after a lull.. + Long waits & Bed lock in Alberta Hospitals.. Buckle up and hold on! @alannasmith.bsky.social @carrietait.bsky.social @frazzleheadlc.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/frazzleh...
open.substack.com/pub/frazzleh...
Reposted
December 2, 2025 at 5:21 AM
Reposted
Omfg why can infection control not get their 🤬 clown car in order and do their 🤬 jobs and tell people that for an aerosol hazard you need aerosol PPE?
Seriously, wtf is wrong with medicine that it tolerates this constant amateur-hour incompetence? We know this is killing people!
"Do no harm"?
🤬🤡
Seriously, wtf is wrong with medicine that it tolerates this constant amateur-hour incompetence? We know this is killing people!
"Do no harm"?
🤬🤡
France: "Wearing a mask is once again mandatory in Paris hospitals"
"Faced with a rapid rise in respiratory infections, several hospitals in the Île-de-France region have decided to reinstate mandatory mask-wearing for healthcare workers, visitors, and patients over the age of 6."
archive.li/ZeKtJ
"Faced with a rapid rise in respiratory infections, several hospitals in the Île-de-France region have decided to reinstate mandatory mask-wearing for healthcare workers, visitors, and patients over the age of 6."
archive.li/ZeKtJ
November 15, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Omfg why can infection control not get their 🤬 clown car in order and do their 🤬 jobs and tell people that for an aerosol hazard you need aerosol PPE?
Seriously, wtf is wrong with medicine that it tolerates this constant amateur-hour incompetence? We know this is killing people!
"Do no harm"?
🤬🤡
Seriously, wtf is wrong with medicine that it tolerates this constant amateur-hour incompetence? We know this is killing people!
"Do no harm"?
🤬🤡
Reposted
Today, The New York Times has published a story eviscerating Danielle Smith and her provincial government's response to the measles crisis in Alberta.
Interestingly, Deena Hinshaw is interviewed for what appears to be the first time since she was fired.
Interestingly, Deena Hinshaw is interviewed for what appears to be the first time since she was fired.
November 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Today, The New York Times has published a story eviscerating Danielle Smith and her provincial government's response to the measles crisis in Alberta.
Interestingly, Deena Hinshaw is interviewed for what appears to be the first time since she was fired.
Interestingly, Deena Hinshaw is interviewed for what appears to be the first time since she was fired.
Reposted
For me, this is at the crux of the UCP's use of the notwithstanding clause.
By using the notwithstanding clause pre-emptively - which, again, they *can* but *need not* do - the UCP is not simply admitting that their laws are breaching Charter rights and bypassing the courts.
They are further admitting that their laws cannot be justified in a free and democratic society.
They are further admitting that their laws cannot be justified in a free and democratic society.
November 6, 2025 at 7:45 PM
For me, this is at the crux of the UCP's use of the notwithstanding clause.
Reposted
Here's a closer look at Alberta's plans to make legislative changes that would let people pay out of pocket for diagnostic and preventive tests, such as MRIs, CT scans and full-body scans — without a doctor’s order
By @joeldryden.bsky.social
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
By @joeldryden.bsky.social
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Alberta government plans to allow residents to privately pay for any diagnostic or screening service | CBC News
Alberta is planning legislative changes that would let people pay out of pocket for diagnostic and preventive tests, such as MRIs, CT scans and full-body scans — without a doctor’s order.
www.cbc.ca
October 24, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Here's a closer look at Alberta's plans to make legislative changes that would let people pay out of pocket for diagnostic and preventive tests, such as MRIs, CT scans and full-body scans — without a doctor’s order
By @joeldryden.bsky.social
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
By @joeldryden.bsky.social
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted
There's a difference between wanting to lead and wanting to rule. I think it's pretty obvious which camp our current government is in.
November 4, 2025 at 5:12 PM
There's a difference between wanting to lead and wanting to rule. I think it's pretty obvious which camp our current government is in.