Dr. Jen Irwin
@drjenirwin.bsky.social
Professor, Health Promotion, views are my own. Evidence-informed decision-making is important. Integrity matters. N95 wearer. Dog mom. (She/her) 🇨🇦
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
People will cut out artificial food dyes, spend hours at the gym, drink vitamin infused water…and then go to the airport and rawdog breathing in an airborne pathogen that can disable you permanenty and is basically guaranteed to be there.
“Air sampling at four US airports in 2023 and 2024 detected SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in over 98% of samples and influenza A in over 17%, according to a study published in PLOS Global Public Health”
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/air...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/air...
Airport air sampling captures COVID, influenza viruses
Researchers say air monitoring complements wastewater testing in detecting respiratory pathogens from diverse populations, including asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic people.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
September 18, 2026 at 12:21 AM
People will cut out artificial food dyes, spend hours at the gym, drink vitamin infused water…and then go to the airport and rawdog breathing in an airborne pathogen that can disable you permanenty and is basically guaranteed to be there.
“Air sampling at four US airports in 2023 and 2024 detected SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in over 98% of samples and influenza A in over 17%, according to a study published in PLOS Global Public Health”
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/air...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/air...
Airport air sampling captures COVID, influenza viruses
Researchers say air monitoring complements wastewater testing in detecting respiratory pathogens from diverse populations, including asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic people.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
September 17, 2026 at 11:31 PM
“Air sampling at four US airports in 2023 and 2024 detected SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in over 98% of samples and influenza A in over 17%, according to a study published in PLOS Global Public Health”
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/air...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/air...
Why is everyone sicker these days?
‘Relative to adults reporting no SARS-CoV-2 infections, those reporting two or more had significantly greater odds of being diagnosed with a new condition’
Gov of Canada, Sept 2026
www.canada.ca/en/public-he...
‘Relative to adults reporting no SARS-CoV-2 infections, those reporting two or more had significantly greater odds of being diagnosed with a new condition’
Gov of Canada, Sept 2026
www.canada.ca/en/public-he...
Associations between self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infections and the diagnosis of new health conditions - Canada.ca
Exploratory analyses examining associations between SARS-CoV-2 infections and newly diagnosed health conditions
www.canada.ca
September 17, 2026 at 11:26 AM
Why is everyone sicker these days?
‘Relative to adults reporting no SARS-CoV-2 infections, those reporting two or more had significantly greater odds of being diagnosed with a new condition’
Gov of Canada, Sept 2026
www.canada.ca/en/public-he...
‘Relative to adults reporting no SARS-CoV-2 infections, those reporting two or more had significantly greater odds of being diagnosed with a new condition’
Gov of Canada, Sept 2026
www.canada.ca/en/public-he...
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
study: updated Covid vaccines provide a large reduction in the risk of infection, severe illness, and hospitalization, particularly for pregnant women and young children jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season
This Special Communication aims to identify and summarize the most recently published evidence evaluating the effectiveness and safety of US-licensed COVID-19 vaccines and report on the epidemiology o...
jamanetwork.com
September 16, 2026 at 6:02 PM
study: updated Covid vaccines provide a large reduction in the risk of infection, severe illness, and hospitalization, particularly for pregnant women and young children jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
@safetyinnumbers.bsky.social is bang on regarding their assessment of the situation👇
No doubt this opinion will make me extremely popular, but...
Maybe we were wrong to treat respiratory diseases as trivial annoyances to be ignored, rather than rigorously prevented, especially among children.
Not just #COVID - post-viral conditions are underappreciated for many diseases.
Maybe we were wrong to treat respiratory diseases as trivial annoyances to be ignored, rather than rigorously prevented, especially among children.
Not just #COVID - post-viral conditions are underappreciated for many diseases.
To all claiming to value kids while not masking b/c we didn’t do it regularly before 2020, when we know better we should do better.
‘post-acute symptom prev (~21 - 24%) comparable across the 3 viruses; symptom profiles were strikingly virus-specific & age-dependent.’
www.ovid.com/jnls/md-jour...
‘post-acute symptom prev (~21 - 24%) comparable across the 3 viruses; symptom profiles were strikingly virus-specific & age-dependent.’
www.ovid.com/jnls/md-jour...
September 16, 2026 at 9:25 PM
@safetyinnumbers.bsky.social is bang on regarding their assessment of the situation👇
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
No doubt this opinion will make me extremely popular, but...
Maybe we were wrong to treat respiratory diseases as trivial annoyances to be ignored, rather than rigorously prevented, especially among children.
Not just #COVID - post-viral conditions are underappreciated for many diseases.
Maybe we were wrong to treat respiratory diseases as trivial annoyances to be ignored, rather than rigorously prevented, especially among children.
Not just #COVID - post-viral conditions are underappreciated for many diseases.
To all claiming to value kids while not masking b/c we didn’t do it regularly before 2020, when we know better we should do better.
‘post-acute symptom prev (~21 - 24%) comparable across the 3 viruses; symptom profiles were strikingly virus-specific & age-dependent.’
www.ovid.com/jnls/md-jour...
‘post-acute symptom prev (~21 - 24%) comparable across the 3 viruses; symptom profiles were strikingly virus-specific & age-dependent.’
www.ovid.com/jnls/md-jour...
Post-acute symptom persistence following... : Medicine
Persistent symptoms following acute viral respiratory infections are increasingly recognized in children. While post-acute sequelae of severe acute...
www.ovid.com
September 16, 2026 at 5:42 PM
No doubt this opinion will make me extremely popular, but...
Maybe we were wrong to treat respiratory diseases as trivial annoyances to be ignored, rather than rigorously prevented, especially among children.
Not just #COVID - post-viral conditions are underappreciated for many diseases.
Maybe we were wrong to treat respiratory diseases as trivial annoyances to be ignored, rather than rigorously prevented, especially among children.
Not just #COVID - post-viral conditions are underappreciated for many diseases.
To all claiming to value kids while not masking b/c we didn’t do it regularly before 2020, when we know better we should do better.
‘post-acute symptom prev (~21 - 24%) comparable across the 3 viruses; symptom profiles were strikingly virus-specific & age-dependent.’
www.ovid.com/jnls/md-jour...
‘post-acute symptom prev (~21 - 24%) comparable across the 3 viruses; symptom profiles were strikingly virus-specific & age-dependent.’
www.ovid.com/jnls/md-jour...
Post-acute symptom persistence following... : Medicine
Persistent symptoms following acute viral respiratory infections are increasingly recognized in children. While post-acute sequelae of severe acute...
www.ovid.com
September 16, 2026 at 4:01 PM
To all claiming to value kids while not masking b/c we didn’t do it regularly before 2020, when we know better we should do better.
‘post-acute symptom prev (~21 - 24%) comparable across the 3 viruses; symptom profiles were strikingly virus-specific & age-dependent.’
www.ovid.com/jnls/md-jour...
‘post-acute symptom prev (~21 - 24%) comparable across the 3 viruses; symptom profiles were strikingly virus-specific & age-dependent.’
www.ovid.com/jnls/md-jour...
Post-acute symptom prevalence:
RSV: 24.0%; resp & feeding diff in infants
SARS-CoV-2: 22.0%; neurocog & systemic in school-aged kids
Influenza: 21.2%; systemic
What would help to prevent all post-viral suffering among kids regardless of virus type = 😷 + 💉+ 🪟💨
www.ovid.com/jnls/md-jour...
RSV: 24.0%; resp & feeding diff in infants
SARS-CoV-2: 22.0%; neurocog & systemic in school-aged kids
Influenza: 21.2%; systemic
What would help to prevent all post-viral suffering among kids regardless of virus type = 😷 + 💉+ 🪟💨
www.ovid.com/jnls/md-jour...
Post-acute symptom persistence following... : Medicine
Persistent symptoms following acute viral respiratory infections are increasingly recognized in children. While post-acute sequelae of severe acute...
www.ovid.com
September 16, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Post-acute symptom prevalence:
RSV: 24.0%; resp & feeding diff in infants
SARS-CoV-2: 22.0%; neurocog & systemic in school-aged kids
Influenza: 21.2%; systemic
What would help to prevent all post-viral suffering among kids regardless of virus type = 😷 + 💉+ 🪟💨
www.ovid.com/jnls/md-jour...
RSV: 24.0%; resp & feeding diff in infants
SARS-CoV-2: 22.0%; neurocog & systemic in school-aged kids
Influenza: 21.2%; systemic
What would help to prevent all post-viral suffering among kids regardless of virus type = 😷 + 💉+ 🪟💨
www.ovid.com/jnls/md-jour...
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
So, at tonight's Blue Jays game, there could be as many as ~3 people PER SECTION (seats) actively spreading SARSCoV2. Quite probably more. And transmission, due to crowding and yelling, will be astronomically increased.
I'll be wearing my respirator because #MasksWork and it's #StillAPandemic.
I'll be wearing my respirator because #MasksWork and it's #StillAPandemic.
September 15, 2026 at 8:26 PM
So, at tonight's Blue Jays game, there could be as many as ~3 people PER SECTION (seats) actively spreading SARSCoV2. Quite probably more. And transmission, due to crowding and yelling, will be astronomically increased.
I'll be wearing my respirator because #MasksWork and it's #StillAPandemic.
I'll be wearing my respirator because #MasksWork and it's #StillAPandemic.
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
Why Are So Many Young Women Being Diagnosed With Chronic Health Conditions, Apart From The Obvious Reason
September 15, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Why Are So Many Young Women Being Diagnosed With Chronic Health Conditions, Apart From The Obvious Reason
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
Yet another measles death here in PA. That's two in 4 or 5 days, and this one was an 18 year-old. And of course, unvaccinated.
There is no limit to my contempt toward those who continue to undermine vaccine confidence in the face of these avoidable tragedies. www.inquirer.com/health/fourt...
There is no limit to my contempt toward those who continue to undermine vaccine confidence in the face of these avoidable tragedies. www.inquirer.com/health/fourt...
Pennsylvania health officials confirm two new measles-associated deaths, bringing total to four as state outbreak grows
The state has now reported four measles-related deaths amid a growing outbreak that has sickened nearly 700 people this year.
www.inquirer.com
September 15, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Yet another measles death here in PA. That's two in 4 or 5 days, and this one was an 18 year-old. And of course, unvaccinated.
There is no limit to my contempt toward those who continue to undermine vaccine confidence in the face of these avoidable tragedies. www.inquirer.com/health/fourt...
There is no limit to my contempt toward those who continue to undermine vaccine confidence in the face of these avoidable tragedies. www.inquirer.com/health/fourt...
Are you a teacher, professor, student? How many people do you come across in a day?
In Canada, 1 of every 158 has COVID, right now.
During COVID = Now.
In Canada, 1 of every 158 has COVID, right now.
During COVID = Now.
Canadian COVID Forecast Sep 12 - Sep 25, 2026
CANADA
MODERATE [no change]
About 1 of every 158 people is infected.
Compared to lowest point of pandemic in Canada:
-Infections: 3.9 x higher
-Long COVID: 2.9 x higher
-Hospitalizations: 4.2 x higher
-Deaths: 3.9 x higher
CANADA
MODERATE [no change]
About 1 of every 158 people is infected.
Compared to lowest point of pandemic in Canada:
-Infections: 3.9 x higher
-Long COVID: 2.9 x higher
-Hospitalizations: 4.2 x higher
-Deaths: 3.9 x higher
![This image describes the Canadian COVID Forecast for the fourteen-day period between Sep 12 - Sep 25, 2026, which is produced by COVID-19 Resources Canada. Canada’s COVID Forecast outlook is MODERATE [no change] with a COVID INDEX SCORE of 4.0
About 1 of every 158 people is infected.
Estimated infections this week: 151,700-309,800
What these numbers mean: MODERATE 1-5, HIGH 5-10, VERY HIGH 10-15, SEVERE >15 COMPARED TO THE LOWEST POINT IN THE COVID PANDEMIC IN CANADA
How much higher are key indicators compared to the lowest point in the COVID pandemic in Canada?
Waste water, infections: MODERATE; 3.9X higher
Long COVID: MODERATE; 2.9X higher
Hospitalizations: MODERATE; 4.2X higher
Deaths: MODERATE; 3.9X higher
HOW TO HELP:
EVERYONE:
UPDATE vaccines every 6 months
WEAR N95-type masks
Who is HIGH RISK?
People 60 and older, babies < 1 year, pregnant
ALL AGES: immunocompromised OR medically at-risk OR no vaccine or infection in the last 6 months
Recommendations are based on the COVID-19 Risk Index from the Peterborough ON Public Health Unit
COVID-19 Resources Canada is a grassroots organization of volunteer scientists supporting Canadian COVID responses. Sources, data and methods for the COVID Index are available at www.Covid19Resources.ca](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:qbuobwdie7rzq4fburk63aft/bafkreif7khgr3smag5s2uvat4as4724n2eh3wpvkxogot67wkz36maur7e)
September 15, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Are you a teacher, professor, student? How many people do you come across in a day?
In Canada, 1 of every 158 has COVID, right now.
During COVID = Now.
In Canada, 1 of every 158 has COVID, right now.
During COVID = Now.
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
Canadian COVID Forecast Sep 12 - Sep 25, 2026
CANADA
MODERATE [no change]
About 1 of every 158 people is infected.
Compared to lowest point of pandemic in Canada:
-Infections: 3.9 x higher
-Long COVID: 2.9 x higher
-Hospitalizations: 4.2 x higher
-Deaths: 3.9 x higher
CANADA
MODERATE [no change]
About 1 of every 158 people is infected.
Compared to lowest point of pandemic in Canada:
-Infections: 3.9 x higher
-Long COVID: 2.9 x higher
-Hospitalizations: 4.2 x higher
-Deaths: 3.9 x higher
September 15, 2026 at 1:50 AM
Canadian COVID Forecast Sep 12 - Sep 25, 2026
CANADA
MODERATE [no change]
About 1 of every 158 people is infected.
Compared to lowest point of pandemic in Canada:
-Infections: 3.9 x higher
-Long COVID: 2.9 x higher
-Hospitalizations: 4.2 x higher
-Deaths: 3.9 x higher
CANADA
MODERATE [no change]
About 1 of every 158 people is infected.
Compared to lowest point of pandemic in Canada:
-Infections: 3.9 x higher
-Long COVID: 2.9 x higher
-Hospitalizations: 4.2 x higher
-Deaths: 3.9 x higher
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
It’s #MythbustingMonday! Let’s tackle some misinformation. immunize.ca/sites/default/f... #VaccinesWork #VaccinesSaveLives #GetImmunized
September 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM
It’s #MythbustingMonday! Let’s tackle some misinformation. immunize.ca/sites/default/f... #VaccinesWork #VaccinesSaveLives #GetImmunized
I loved it when the majority of the population understood (and cared) that getting vaccinated was a gift to ourselves and to our community members.
The platform given to anti-vaxxers’ opinion-based evidence-making is infuriating…and clearly deadly.
The platform given to anti-vaxxers’ opinion-based evidence-making is infuriating…and clearly deadly.
Adult woman dies of measles complications in growing Pennsylvania outbreak
Adult woman dies of measles complications in growing Pennsylvania outbreak
A 40-year-old woman who lived in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, has died from measles complications, the county coroner confirmed Sunday. It’s the third measles-associated death in a fast-growing outbreak that’s sparked a political clash between state and federal officials.
www.ctvnews.ca
September 13, 2026 at 9:06 PM
I loved it when the majority of the population understood (and cared) that getting vaccinated was a gift to ourselves and to our community members.
The platform given to anti-vaxxers’ opinion-based evidence-making is infuriating…and clearly deadly.
The platform given to anti-vaxxers’ opinion-based evidence-making is infuriating…and clearly deadly.
How about we stop playing stupid games and winning stupid prizes?
respiratory-therapy.com/disorders-di...
respiratory-therapy.com/disorders-di...
Alzheimer's Protein Detected in Long COVID Patients
Patients with neurocognitive difficulties post COVID-19 infection had elevated levels of a protein found in many Alzheimer’s patients.
respiratory-therapy.com
September 9, 2026 at 3:39 PM
How about we stop playing stupid games and winning stupid prizes?
respiratory-therapy.com/disorders-di...
respiratory-therapy.com/disorders-di...
How about doing COVID next?
NEW: Mayor Mamdani has released 170,000 documents that suggest New Yorkers were misled about the safety of the air quality following the 9/11 attacks. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/07/n...
After 9/11, Documents Suggest, New Yorkers Were Misled About Air Quality
The Mamdani administration released more than 170,000 pages of documents related to the air quality around the World Trade Center site in the months after the Sept. 11 attacks.
www.nytimes.com
September 9, 2026 at 11:40 AM
How about doing COVID next?
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
You know who actually did show up at Ground Zero? Canadian emergency rescue crews.
September 8, 2026 at 11:12 PM
You know who actually did show up at Ground Zero? Canadian emergency rescue crews.
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
What happens outside impacts what happens inside classrooms and on the school bus.
On International Day for Clean Air for blue skies, let's talk about indoor air. It can be far more polluted than outdoor air and speed up the transmission of airborne viruses.
#OntEd #IAQ
www.cleanairblueskies.org
On International Day for Clean Air for blue skies, let's talk about indoor air. It can be far more polluted than outdoor air and speed up the transmission of airborne viruses.
#OntEd #IAQ
www.cleanairblueskies.org
International Day of Clean Air for blue skies
7 September is the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies as designated by the UN General Assembly. Visit the official site for more.
www.cleanairblueskies.org
September 7, 2026 at 4:51 PM
What happens outside impacts what happens inside classrooms and on the school bus.
On International Day for Clean Air for blue skies, let's talk about indoor air. It can be far more polluted than outdoor air and speed up the transmission of airborne viruses.
#OntEd #IAQ
www.cleanairblueskies.org
On International Day for Clean Air for blue skies, let's talk about indoor air. It can be far more polluted than outdoor air and speed up the transmission of airborne viruses.
#OntEd #IAQ
www.cleanairblueskies.org
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
I find it ironic that the billionaires are chasing longevity while undermining our basic life support systems.
September 7, 2026 at 4:50 AM
I find it ironic that the billionaires are chasing longevity while undermining our basic life support systems.
“From HIV to SARS-CoV-2 associated neurological disorder (“HAND” to “SAND”): Viral infection as a “time-bomb“ for the aging brain“
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
From HIV to SARS-CoV-2 associated neurological disorder (“HAND” to “SAND”): Viral infection as a “time-bomb“ for the aging brain
In 2020, a novel Coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Covid-2 (SARS-CoV-2), spread globally to provoke a pandemic that infected over 750 mil…
www.sciencedirect.com
September 5, 2026 at 12:20 AM
“From HIV to SARS-CoV-2 associated neurological disorder (“HAND” to “SAND”): Viral infection as a “time-bomb“ for the aging brain“
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
“COVID-19 may trigger the same immune pathway as lupus”
September 3, 2026
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/cov...
September 3, 2026
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/cov...
COVID-19 may trigger the same immune pathway as lupus
www.cidrap.umn.edu
September 4, 2026 at 2:10 PM
“COVID-19 may trigger the same immune pathway as lupus”
September 3, 2026
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/cov...
September 3, 2026
www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/cov...
When do infections lead to long COVID? Scientists close in on triggers and treatments for post-viral syndromes www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Sept 2, 2026
Sept 2, 2026
When do infections lead to long COVID? Scientists close in on triggers and treatments for post-viral syndromes
Hundreds of millions of people have long-term conditions as a result of an infection. Researchers are working out how to help them.
www.nature.com
September 3, 2026 at 11:33 AM
When do infections lead to long COVID? Scientists close in on triggers and treatments for post-viral syndromes www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Sept 2, 2026
Sept 2, 2026
‘Long COVID was associated w higher risk of most CRP outcomes across all ages regardless of sex. Relative risks were disproportionately higher in younger adults, esp in young women for cardiovas & renal outcomes & in young men for pulmonary outcomes’
Aug 20 2026
www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/...
Aug 20 2026
www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/...
Cardiovascular, Renal, and Pulmonary Risks of Long COVID: A Retrospective Cohort Study Stratified by Age and Sex | Journal of the American Heart Association
www.ahajournals.org
September 1, 2026 at 10:37 PM
‘Long COVID was associated w higher risk of most CRP outcomes across all ages regardless of sex. Relative risks were disproportionately higher in younger adults, esp in young women for cardiovas & renal outcomes & in young men for pulmonary outcomes’
Aug 20 2026
www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/...
Aug 20 2026
www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/...
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
August 30, 2026 at 2:49 PM