Ask Dr. Hamblin

Ask Dr. Hamblin: Am I Wrong to Tell Someone to Pull Up Her Mask?

A woman who works in my pharmacy can’t seem to stay masked. Help.

• James Hamblin
• January 27, 2021

Ask Dr. Hamblin: So When Can We Stop Wearing Masks?

Hopefully one day, getting vaccinated will mean you no longer need a mask. But not yet.

• James Hamblin
• January 20, 2021

Ask Dr. Hamblin: Is My Fear of Vaccine Allergies Overblown?

Despite alarming news reports, most allergies shouldn’t be an issue.

• James Hamblin
• December 23, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: I Want to Give People Cookies

Is it okay to bake for my neighbors during the pandemic?

• James Hamblin
• December 9, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: Is It Safe to See My Therapist in Person?

The benefit may very well outweigh any minor risk. But it’s all in how you do it.

• James Hamblin
• November 25, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: Will I Slowly Get Immunity Just Going About My Life?

A slight exposure to the coronavirus isn’t likely to lead to lasting protection. At least not yet.

• James Hamblin
• November 18, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: I Don’t See the Upside of a Flu Shot

I’m young and healthy, so what’s the point?

• James Hamblin
• October 21, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: How Dangerous Are Woodwinds?

Taking just a few basic precautions can help lower any potential risk.

• James Hamblin
• October 14, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: I Can’t Bike Alone. Is It Safe to Ride With a Friend?

Tandem cycling is one of the few ways I can get outside, but I’m worried about doing it in a pandemic.

• James Hamblin
• September 30, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: What If the Vaccine Works Only Half the Time?

A coronavirus vaccine doesn’t need to be perfect to still be valuable.

• James Hamblin
• September 23, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: Why Didn’t America’s Shutdowns Work?

Many places only half-heartedly gave lockdowns a shot in the spring—and now might have to try them again.

• James Hamblin
• September 9, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: Please Tell Me I Can’t Get COVID-19 Again

One bout of the disease was bad enough.

• James Hamblin
• September 2, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: A Kid Tried to Pet My Dog and I Said No

Was that wrong?

• James Hamblin
• August 26, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: My Daughter Needs Help Watching the Kids

School reopenings are putting extended family in precarious situations.

• James Hamblin
• August 19, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: Everyone Wants to Check My Temperature

If fever screens give us a false sense of security, they might be doing more harm than good.

• James Hamblin
• August 12, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: My Grandma Is Angry I Won’t Take Her to the Salon

Caregivers can’t deny seniors their agency, even during this pandemic.

• James Hamblin
• July 29, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: Is a Bandanna a Mask?

The value of face coverings varies wildly. Much of it comes down to how we use and maintain them.

• James Hamblin
• July 22, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: Should I Fly?

If everyone is vigilant and responsible, it can be done safely.

• James Hamblin
• July 15, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: Are Kids Really Spared From the Coronavirus?

Some children are having a delayed immune reaction after getting infected. The extent of the condition is just coming into view.

• James Hamblin
• July 1, 2020

Paging Dr. Hamblin: Can AC Spread the Coronavirus?

The exact risk is unknown, but it’s a good moment to make sure ventilation systems are working well.

• James Hamblin
• June 24, 2020